I asked some of our new members of the HotBed Ensemble a few questions, so that you can get to know them better. Read on for a quick glimpse into the hearts and minds of HotBed Ensemble actors, the set and costume designer and stage manager!
How do you relax?
Hugo Aguilar Lopez (Stage Manager): I sit down and read a good book, Anne Rice or Garth Nix; sometimes listen to some music, mainly musicals, something upbeat or funny to get into a good mood.
What motivates you?
Austin Castiglione (Actor): Every time I take on a new role several opportunities arise, which all serve to motivate me. First is the new text and my new character. The potential for that text and character is at its greatest right at the start and the amount of detail which may be pursued is infinite: This is incredibly exciting and motivating, as I always strive for the perfection of a role, a task which can always be taken further and improved upon and never achieved. That is what is so rich about acting – there is no right or wrong answer, no absolutes, or even an end point which can be reached. Of course the production must have a performance and therefore the actor’s journey is cut short and final choices must be made but there will always be things to improve.
Second is the opportunity to work with a new collection of people. Although I have worked with some before, many are new to me which is always exciting. I look forward to working with the very best and learning more and more. The working relationships formed as a theatre artist are unique because they are intense but relatively short. Theatre is transitory – the people and ideas are only around for brief moment then everyone leaves to do other things. This is what is great about the Hotbed Ensemble: We get two productions together, which is so rare.
Watching a design develop from concept stages to the stage is wonderful too and can have a profound impact on performance. Fitting the design to the actor and the actor to the design is a source of inspiration in itself. There is often that moment in rehearsals where things are feeling a bit stale. Then we move into the theatre, the lights come on, and everybody goes “aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!”
Working with director Adam Mitchell for the first time in many years is very exciting and motivating too. A good director is essential in bringing out the best in his actors and I look forward to the challenge!
Who are your favorite actress and actor?
Fiona Bruce (Set & Costume Designer): I love performers who are willing to look bad in order to look good. For example, if an actor is required to cry I don’t buy those glistening eyes and delicate rivers of tears you so often see in films. I want the real stuff – the snotty nose and puffy piggy eyes. Toni Collete is great for that. Then of course there’s the exception to the rule in the form of George Clooney. Even when he tries to look bad he still looks good. Some may see that as having double standards when it comes to actors but I prefer to think of it as a Zen ying/yang thing!
As a child, you wanted to be like…?
Tim Solly (Actor): As a child I was never very artistic and had a huge love for sport. Tony Lockett and Robert Harvey were huge AFL inspirations to me and also, having played state cricket at U 18 level, I loved Australian cricketers such as Dean Jones, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
What tempts you?
Mia Holten (Moving Image Designer): Chairs that people chuck out on the verge which I know I don’t have the space or particular need for, but love the look of.
Keep visiting the Black Swan blog to see all the behind the scenes info on the HotBed Ensemble and other Black Swan productions!
