Starting out in the business of acting is never an easy thing to do, especially if you are not ready for the road that lies ahead. For a long time acting has been a profession that truly defines one's character on many different levels. It can test your nerve, determination and committment . To enter the acting world, one has to build up a tough skin as it is a profession where you can hit the heights or fall flat.But, as Thabi Maphoso proves, if you have heart, true passion and dedication for the art, then you can reap the rewards it has to offer.
Thabi Maphoso, a recent New Image alum, was fresh out of high school from Kwantlen Park Secondary when she arrived at New Image. She knew early on in life what she wanted to do, and exactly where she wanted to go for the training that would set her on the path to reach her goals.
When she first enrolled into the program, she found that the process was very easy and that the staff took time out of their busy schedules to make her feel comfortable with the entire process from the registration through to the student loan process. "They really are here to help you get the education you want and achieve the goals associated with it, like getting an agent and work".
On her first day of school, she came to the college, armed with the attitude of "I don't need anybody's help. I can do it all on my own." Although she had knowledge of many techniques, and theories, she quickly learned that she had only touched the tip of the iceberg in the world of acting and performance. Upon this realization Thabi recognized that her peers and instructors at New Image would be instramental in her growth as an artist and she soon began embracing the resources and support available to her. After graduating Thabi recognized that she wasn't leaving a school behind, but gaining a new extended family.
From the first day of class and in many months to follow, she presented what she interpreted as a facade for her emotions. She was anxious to make her mark and wanted to ensure people would remember her name. This mask of assuredness impeded her growth as an actor. It was only as she began to understand that her classmates wanted her to succeed as much as they wanted to succeed themselves did she comprehend the importance of opening up to her community and to an audience.
The instructors that she had, were "The Bomb." They gave her the tools and confidence to achieve a great start. What students did with that start would be up to them. She states that "Some of my instructors areoff the wall, but all of them have tons of energy and passion for the art, and truly love what they teach. It really shows ... The instructors are honest and truthful, which is what you need in this industry."
Her last project at the school was their short film production, which is a hilarious portrayal of everyday, taking mundane situations that we see on the streets, at work or at home and pushing them over the edge. "This film was a lot of fun to shoot and Martin is a great director. He is very intense with a whole lot of passion. It was an amazing short."
"What I learned in my high school drama class was great, but nothing like what you will learn at New Image." Thabi left New Image with a new understanding of confidence, of community and of the importance of learning from industry professionals. "I now want to take my education and my experiences that I have gained from this phenomenal program and apply it to the industry. I will probably start out going for princple and small actor roles, but I hope to land some lead roles in the not so distant future."
For anyone thinking about becoming an actor, New Image is an amazing school that has the best instructors in the industry, because they are working professionals and provides the equipment to produce these films. But in the advanced program, you will have the opportunity to act in a feature film!
If you have not had the opportunity to come down to our school for a tour, I would love to show you the acting studios and have you sit-in on one of the classes. Don't hesitate to send me an email if you have any questions at all.