By NICOLE VALICEK
FORMER Sunshine Coast resident Rowan Howard moved to the area last year and is preparing for his debut performance with the Williamstown Little Theatre.
The theatre’s new actor moved to Williamstown with his wife Genine and one-year-old son Jack last October.
The 39-year-old said he has always been a brass instrument musician but acting is a passion.
He has toured Europe with the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, studied a Bachelor of Music Performance and is Queensland’s state champion baritone.
Over the last four years he has pursued his passion and has been cast in a number of national campaigns, but was hooked after working as an extra on a Fox television series that was canned.
“That’s where I got bit by the bug,” he said.
After three months on set he decided to pursue acting as his full-time profession.
Rowan will appear in Williamstown’s Little Theatre’s upcoming production Almost, Maine opening this week.
“Being only new to Melbourne I wanted to get into a production as fast as possible to stay in training so to speak, this play is quirky and it’s a challenge to play because I’m playing five different roles.”
“For me it’s very rewarding in being able to affect people and being able to be creative with your choices as an actor and as a character.”
Almost, Maine is a play by US actor and playwright, John Cariani comprising nine short plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town called Almost, Maine.
As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.
“It’s a challenge and it’s a lovely play, the audience should walk away feeling happy and joyous.”
Directed by Kris Weber the play also stars Samantha-Ellen Bound, Janis Coffey and Ben Mitchell.
Almost, Maine will open this Thursday 13 February until 1 March. Booking: 9885 9678 or www.wlt.org.au
