Today we interview 2025 Foundation Program students Bren Jowett and Curtis Lang to hear how they first caught the acting bug, what drew them to Actors Centre Australia, and what studying in the Foundation program has been like so far. From unexpected class performances to powerful emotional breakthroughs, their stories capture the spirit of what it means to take those first steps toward a career in the performing arts.
Read through to the end for their top advice for anyone considering studying acting part-time!
ACA: How did your acting journey begin?
Bren: I’ve been acting in amateur community theatre productions since I was 8, I come from a very theatrical family and had seen my older sister in some shows, so I decided to get involved myself and the rest is history!
Curtis: I really enjoyed Drama in high school and loved being part of school and local productions. As a kid, I was pretty into horror films and would often imagine myself in those kinds of scenarios when I was home alone — I think that’s where it all started.
ACA: Why did you decide to audition for the Foundation Program?
Bren: I’ve known I wanted to pursue acting professionally for a while now, and had already made some attempts to study at some other acting schools when I found out about the Foundation Program. After some research I decided it was my best opportunity to develop my skills so that I can (hopefully) get into a full-time Bachelors course next year.
Curtis: I’ve been out of school for a few years and wanted to re-ignite acting as a hobby—it was one of my big goals for 2025. I figured it was time to get back into something I’ve always loved.
ACA: What do you do when you’re not at ACA?
Bren: When I’m not at ACA, I spend a lot of my time getting involved in university theatre with friends. The rest of my time is spent playing D&D, going to the theatre to see a show, and practising my acting skills in my free time.
Curtis: My day job! I work as a Building Designer/Estimator on industrial construction projects. Outside of that, I’m usually soaking up the Sydney sun—either at the beach, on the tennis court, or out with mates.
ACA: Which actors inspire you? Why?
Bren: If I could be like any actor, I would want to be like Elijah Wood, Daniel Radcliffe, and Willem Dafoe. Being in some big, successful films and then spending the rest of my time on weird, zany and artistic projects is the dream scenario for me.
ACA: What’s been your favourite class or exercise so far? Why?
Bren: It’s hard to choose, but I’d have to say the final performance of either our mask or movement class, both were such a fun way of showing how far we’ve all come.
Curtis: One of my favourite class exercises was where we had to imagine a difficult conversation with someone we know in real life. It really unlocked emotion for me, and it was powerful seeing my classmates go there too. It helped me understand what my ‘non-actory’ voice actually feels like.
ACA: Can you share a favourite memory of Foundation so far?
Bren: Is it a copout to say the whole course?
Curtis: Dressing up as Marilyn Manson and getting half- naked for a ‘Rockstars’ performance
ACA: What are your tutors like? Anyone you want to shout out?
Bren: Every single tutor we’ve had has been amazing, but I’d have to give a special shoutout to Patrick, our acting teacher, and Donald, our voice teacher. The skills I’ve learned from them over the past few months have completely transformed how I see acting, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the course holds.
Curtis: Hands-on and the real deal! They’ve taught at all the big schools around Australia and bring serious knowledge and industry experience. Massive shoutout to Patrick Klavins – he’s incredibly involved and a master of helping us find “the dread” in every scene.
ACA: Would you recommend the Foundation Program?
Bren: Absolutely!! I don’t think there’s any course quite like this, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Curtis: Absolutely! It’s been a great course – especially if you’re after something with a bit more bite than a typical beginner or one-day-a-week class. It pushes you, but in a good way.
ACA: 3 pieces of advice for people thinking of auditioning for Foundation next year?
Bren:
- Just do it! If I’m being honest I auditioned for this course on a bit of a whim, and it was probably the best whim I’ve ever had
- See rule 1
- Don’t get in your head while auditioning, they want to see *you*, so be yourself and I’m sure your potential will show 🙂
Curtis:
- There’ll be moments where you’re like, “What am I even doing?” That’s normal. The course is thorough, a bit confronting at times, but it’s all good training – lean in and commit.
- The balance between theatre and camera training is solid. If you’re not sure whether you want to pursue stage, screen, or both – this is a great place to start figuring it out.
- Classes are at night and on Saturdays, which makes it perfect if you’re working or juggling other study commitments during the week.
ACA: What kind of career do you dream of post-ACA?
Bren: I think I have the same dream as any actor: to spend the rest of my life doing what I love, making a living off something that truly fulfils me. Hopefully in the process I can bring some joy to people like other actors have brought to me.
Curtis: There are so many great Australian stories being told right now—on stage and on screen. The dream is to be part of that, whether it’s working in theatre, TV, or film. Being involved in meaningful, homegrown productions that reflect our culture and voices is the goal.
Thank you so much to Bren and Curtis! They’ll both be taking centre stage for the Foundation Showcase on 20 September 2025. Get your tickets now.
Learn more about the Foundation Program at Actors Centre Australia, and apply now for April 2026.
