Ensemble Members Do Some Reminiscing

As a side-bar to our Living Arts Malaysia article on The New Faces of T4YP, we thought it would be appropriate to hear from some of our 2009 Ensemble Members about what their T4YP experience was like. Belinda, Rachel, Priya and Jit Yang took the opportunity to look back.

“My experience in T4YP really helped me grow as a person and it gave me the exposure I needed. I had the opportunity to experiment and to discover what exactly it was that I wanted. I learned how to let go, how to hold back and how to give just enough. Being a part of T4YP has given me a whole new appreciation for the stage. Plus, I met some AMAZING people and left the season with my fill of unforgettable memories!” — Belinda Hon

“Being an aspiring actor, T4YP 2009 helped me refine my craft, gain experience and make wonderful friends. It’s great because it fast tracks you into the Malaysian theatre industry and shows you the both good and bad sides of it. On a personal level I was given the opportunity to find myself as an actor; I got to explore the skills that I already had, I got to discover skills that I didn’t have and realised that there is always room to improve. I laughed, cried, learnt and created with talented people while doing the thing I loved- acting. In those short six months I gained skills and learnt lessons not only for my craft but also ones that will follow me throughout my life. And I couldn’t have asked for anything more.” – Rachel Henry

“Being a part of T4YP was definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have always known that I could act … but never had I imagined that I was good enough to be a part of something as big as T4YP. It was a good stepping stone for me and I realised how much I LOVE performing. In the beginning I was not quite uncomfortable being around the other ensemble members but as time passed, we grew close that I didn’t want the ‘joy ride’ to end. By going through some intense rehearsals, I definitely gained confidence as well as fix my flaws as a performer.” — Priyadashini

“To say T4YP it is the best thing that that can ever happen to someone’s life is an exaggeration but to say it’s the best thing that could happen to someone in a year is hardly pushing it. My original thought going into the program was along the lines of ‘Just to wet my feet and see how’; coming out of T4YP – I’m drenched. The experience dunks you, throws you into the deep end without a life-jacket ( or with one, but the floating device has holes and is rapidly losing air) – It was bloody fantastic. Not only did I get to experience the “being on stage” portion of theatre, but I was introduced to the rehearsal portion of theatre, the “sweat and tears” portion of theatre and the technical, “behind the scenes” aspect of theatre. I now want to direct theatre in the future. And T4YP is responsible.” — Tung Jit Yang

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This updated article is courtesy of Living Arts Malaysia -  a monthly publication of The Actors Studio Malaysia. Click here to see the original article.