Welcome to the Westminster School Arts series, illuminating the achievements and aspirations of the creative and tenacious students flourishing within Westminster School’s enriching arts curriculum.
In this instance, the arts focus on expression through motion and sound, whether in Dance, Drama, or Music, through the experiences of six students.
The stories of Juliet Tainton and Brad Jackson highlight the importance of exposure, inspiration, and mentorship for young creatives. Having both realised their passions through experiences within Westminster School’s Drama program, they’re now well on their way to realising their acting ambitions.
JULIET TAINTON
Juliet Tainton is in her final year at Westminster, juggling her leadership role as Drama Captain with studying Photography, English, Music Explorations, and Music Solo Performance.
Juliet’s love for Drama began at a young age when she was inspired by former Old Scholars’ performances.
“Being a part of my first school musical, while in Prep School allowed me to work with the older students I admired, and create great friendships,” she said.
“What I love about Drama is that it has given me the opportunity to express my creative side and explore the different ways I can portray myself through different characters.
“I enjoy the challenge of bringing these characters to life on stage through the opportunities Westminster has given me during these past years.”
Juliet’s passion for drama has propelled her to remarkable heights at just 17 years old. This year, she participated in the Adelaide Fringe while still a student with Funk Soul Productions, landing a lead role in “Much Ado About Nothing”.
“This was a special production for me as it allowed me to work with current Drama students and previous Drama students from School,” she said.
“The thrill of getting up on stage and performing to a live audience is a feeling that I don’t think I will ever get used to.”
“My dream would be having the opportunity to study screen acting at a school where other great Australian actors have studied before me, such as the National Insititute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).”
“I hope to be able to take my love for acting and turn it into a career and surround myself with like-minded and inspirational people.”
BRAD JACKSON
Brad Jackson’s passion for Drama blossomed after he was introduced to the world of stage combat in Year 8, opening up a whole new world for him.
Westminster welcomed Sifu Nino Pilla, an internationally acclaimed martial artist and fight scene choreographer, to conduct a workshop on stage combat. Sifu Pilla has choreographed and trained numerous renowned actors for blockbuster films such as Mortal Kombat and served as the double for Rob Schneider in BIG STAN, among other Hollywood projects.
“We were told this guy was a very serious actor who had been involved in movies such as Mortal Kombat,” Brad said.
“The entire class had an amazing experience with this, and I especially enjoyed it. Seeing I’m a very active person, I always have lots of energy and this was a good way to release some of that energy.
“We as a class got separated into groups, to perform a stage combat scene within our group. After the class was over, the instructor pulled me aside and said ‘I think you should really get into acting’ and that seriously got me thinking about it.”
With a new pep in his step, Brad began to explore the craft outside of school with organisations such as SA Casting and Heesom Casting. He eventually landed the lead role in the junior play, which only catapulted his love for the arts, cementing his dream to take centre stage.
“Knowing myself, I’m a footy player, I’m a sporty kid. Drama is just such a way to release all this energy and gives me a chance to really have a go at something I’m not familiar with he said.
“It gives me the chance to work with new people in all different environments. Being on stage is just so surreal, it’s like before you run out on a footy field you are just so pumped up and excited to head out and give it your all.”
With a keen interest in film, Brad would love to see his talents take him to the the bright lights of Hollywood to work alongside the likes of Chris Hemsworth and Taika Waititi.
“I have been fortunate enough to audition for Netflix feature films and series, same with Disney, and a horror feature film called “Talk to Me”.
“Drama has helped me become the best version of myself, and it continues to make me a better person, knowing I have those people who can help me get to where I want to be.”
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Juliet Tainton and Brad Jackson’s journey through Westminster School’s Drama program has ignited their passion for acting, setting them on paths to successful careers in the field. The Drama program has also resulted in Funk Soul Productions, a new theatrical company founded by Westminster School alumni Gracie Greenrod (’22) and Immi Beattie (’22). Currently in pre-production for an upcoming show and preparing for a widespread casting call, Funk Soul Productions showcases Westminster School’s Drama program’s impact in encouraging confidence among young actors entering the competitive world of acting.
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