By Vanessa Chircop
A WILLIAMSTOWN acting school is reporting record numbers of requests from film and television production companies seeking talented young actors from the western suburbs.
In the last six months, five drama students from Greentree Acting School including Yarraville’s Henry Mathison have won acting roles for locally produced television, film and theatre productions.
Young Henry recently featured in the Natural Confectionary Company’s commercial ‘Let’s Play’.
The 10-year-old said he hopes to be an actor when he grows up.
“After a few weeks into the drama school, I thought I’d like to be an actor,” he said.
Henry, who plays a pirate in the commercial, said his favourite actor is fellow pirate impersonator Johnny Depp.
Henry’s mum Stefani said she enrolled her two children into the school several years ago but only for a fun.
“We never took it seriously as a career,” she said.
“Henry really enjoys it and I thought he would have a lot of fun doing it.”
Stefani said they were excited to see their son on television but were probably the last people to see it.
“When it first aired we got a flood of text messages from friends and family from all over Australia – and we hadn’t seen it yet.”
Elle Mandalis, award-winning actor and director of the school, said agencies are contacting her to source actors from the school.
Stefani said people in the West should to be proud of the school.
“It’s an amazing school and great to have on this side of town … we should be proud of the good stuff we have,” she said.
