Jess Minas, touring with 'Bluey's Big Play'

Trained:  Adelaide College of The Arts

Presently: Puppeteer with in the touring production of ‘Bluey’s Big Play’.

 With fewer than usual auditions and performance opportunities at present, have you found other outlets for your talents or artistic expression?

Last year, during my final year of study I was lucky enough to be offered a 10-month contract to perform as a puppeteer in the children’s theatre production titled Bluey’s Big Play. I began the creative process while completing my uni degree on-line and have now been touring Australia with the company performing since November, 2020. Although I couldn’t have ever imagined myself performing as a puppeteer, signing this contract has allowed me to embark on a journey that has had an enormous impact on the way I think, perform and create and I couldn’t be more grateful.

This job has exposed me to the possibilities of puppetry providing me with a new creative outlet and a newfound love for performing movement through a puppet. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of breathing life into an inanimate object and the attention to detail that is required from me as a puppeteer focusing on the small intricacies that help sell the illusion of puppetry.

What was one of the main life-lessons you learnt through your full-time studies?

Independence and resilience. Attending AC Arts for me meant moving alone from Sydney to Adelaide at 17 years of age. Although this came with its challenges, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I soon adapted to living alone, learning to enjoy my own company while cooking, cleaning, completing written assignments as well as trying to implement recovery so that my body was prepared for more strenuous physical activity that week.

I feel that learning to be independent in my personal life due to my living arrangements had a positive impact on my ability to not just learn and understand concepts in dance but also on the way I was able to apply myself to my practice and gain as much from each class that I could. Throughout my time at AC Arts, I learnt that taking ownership of your practice and studies is another form of independence that should always be accompanied by a consistent and driven work ethic. The application of hard work, dedication and true passion to your craft was often depicted as “how hungry are you for this opportunity”. This saying alone has taught me that if you apply yourself correctly, you can really achieve anything you set your mind to. 

This article is included in our 2020 Full-Time Studies Guide, out now in the July/August/September issue. Own your copy! Buy from your favourite dance retailer or here. Digital issue is now live.