Local People: Ava Cleary

by James Marten

At 19, Tasmanian actor Ava Cleary is set to turn heads as the youngest cast member in an upcoming production of Andrew Bovell’s Things I Know to Be True.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up down in Snug by Conningham Beach and now live in Lindisfarne.

You’re making your professional theatre debut in Things I Know To Be True in March – how does it feel to land a role in a professional production? This has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime. It feels incredible to be able to perform in a professional capacity especially at my age. Growing up in Tasmania it often feels like acting can’t be pursued professionally locally, you are often told that everything happens on the mainland. Being able to be a part of this production shows me that theatre is still very much alive and well down here. I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity and honoured to have been recognised by Ivano, the director, and the production team.

It’s an emotionally intense family drama. What’s it been like working alongside experienced professional actors? Every actor in this show is incredible and very talented. Hence the emotional content of the play, we’ve done lots of work on decompressing after rehearsals and separating ourselves from the character we play. Being around experienced performers really pushes me to try new things and to further my skills in any capacity possible. It is such a supportive environment where we are encouraged to play and discover new things about ourselves and our characters. I think what I’ve learned most from this experience, is that you are there in the room for a reason. The production team saw the potential and want you to succeed, so you need to keep showing up and doing your best because everyone genuinely wants you to thrive on and off stage.

You’re the youngest member of the cast – how does that feel? It’s a very interesting dynamic as I play the youngest in the family while also being the youngest in the cast. We’ve very much so become our own little family, and with that you are constantly learning about other people and general life lessons. Everyone has accepted me with open arms and even with my limited experience and age I am still seen as an equal.

For young Tasmanian actors who might be watching your journey and dreaming of their own professional debut, what advice would you give them? Put yourself out there in any way that you can. When auditioning for this role I went in hoping to get more audition experience, I never imagined that it would come to me getting the role. Take every opportunity you can, audition for everything, attend every workshop you see, because there is an opportunity to learn in everything. One of those great experiences for young Tasmanians is the Theatre Royal’s Future Stages Program. This program is completely free and allows young locals to experience professional theatre and discover what pathways they want to take. I’m very grateful for the support I was provided by the Future Stages team, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I think it’s also important to do the best you can in every experience and not let rejection get you down. Unfortunately, rejection is a part of an acting career, but rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? A lot of acting is just being yourself and understanding what your natural habits and instincts are.

Who do you admire? I really admire Dora Jar, she’s a musician who is completely unafraid to be herself.

Favourite podcast or tv show? The Good Place.

Secret vice? Nashi pears.

What are you reading now? Wuthering Heights.

What was your first job? KFC.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I love some good social media, I’ll hop on there in the morning and at night and I love to read up on current events online.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Audrey, specifically for their morning buns.

Lunch: Bear With Me in South Hobart, their halloumi fries are to die for.

Dinner: The Metz.

Dream holiday destination? Paris.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? I love the New Norfolk community, the atmosphere and shops are so cosy and welcoming.

Parting words? Come and watch Things I Know to be True! It’s on from 26-28 March at Theatre Royal Hobart.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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