One of New Image's up and coming premier students, Nathan Durec, sat down with us for a chat to discuss the trials and tribulations of his recently enhanced acting prowess (The Advanced Acting Diploma Program). With over 11 years of theatre experience dating back to his enrollment into the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama from the University of Alberta through to their up and coming theatre production "Aladdin", he is no stranger to performing in front of an audience. Shortly after his four year program at U of A in late 2002, he with a few friends founded a theatre company which still remains in existence today. The productions mainly consist of all original works with the exception of a few plays by other contemporary playwrights. Some honorable mentions include "Dust", "Hospitality" and "Heroes" just to name a few.
Nathan's decision to venture out to Vancouver in the fall of 2007 was solely to expand his skills as an actor and pursue a career in Film and Television. His goal was to build the transition between theatre and film. Selecting New Image as his educational institution was no easy task. His decision to attend New Image was based on a few criteria such as credibility, value and faculty which gave him the opportunity to meet and work with some of the many great local talents in the field. His exposure to the expertise and experience of the faculty has given him a clearer picture of what he should expect from the industry but more importantly, what the industry will expect from him. The great thing about working with the instructors here is the fact that you work with actors that are currently working on productions. Their teaching becomes more practical than just academic which you will learn in other acting schools.
"I have grown in appreciation for film acting from this school which I have not been able to get from anywhere else."
Despite just starting out on his on-camera acting career, his brief beginnings have been successful with a principle role in a New Image produced feature film called "Star Vehicle" where he shares "The experience was unique to say the least. The Genre was new to me and required some adaptation of my own style to suit horror. I look forward to seeing the finished product. It was spectacular to see all the members of my advanced group showcasing their talents in a feature film." Also, he landed an actor role in another feature called "H1Z1" About a medical conspiracy, where people have been affected with a fatal virus, these people upon death are returned to normal society to wreak havok. Will be done in an episodic format, following different groups of people as they struggle to understand what is happening in their city.
After his advanced program is finished, Nathan anxiously awaits the opportunity to explore his skills as an actor in this ever evolving industry!
If you have not had a chance 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.