Dreams Can Come True: Rachel’s Yap’s journey from the Fairholme Stage to the National Institute of Dramatic Art
December 13, 2024
For many aspiring actors, the dream of stepping into the world of performing arts often feels like a distant fantasy. For 2024 Fairholme College Head Girl Rachel Yap, however, that dream is now one step closer to reality.
This week, Rachel received the thrilling news that she had been accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). This opportunity marks a major milestone in her long-held dream to pursue acting professionally.
‘I've wanted to become an actor for as long as I can remember, and I've found comfort in the creative arts my entire life. While I've always dreamed about becoming an actor, it felt more like a dream than a reality for so long. It wasn't until quite recently, probably the last year or two, that I realised that this passion could actually become my career in the future, I just had to work for it.’
The NIDA program Rachel has been accepted into is a three-year, full-time Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Designed to prepare students for a career in acting, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes performance technique, voice and movement classes, and even stage combat, voiceover work, and screen and TV acting.
With more than 1,000 applicants vying for just 24 coveted NIDA spots, Rachel admits that she had no idea whether she’d be accepted. ‘They don’t usually take people straight out of school. The whole experience of making it to the final round was insane to me so I just tried to appreciate each step of the way and not fantasise about getting accepted too much,’ she says. ‘But overall, I had a really positive audition experience and learnt so much, so I was feeling hopeful.’
The audition process for NIDA’s highly competitive program is rigorous, involving three stages. First, Rachel submitted an online video application featuring her performance of two monologues—one heightened text and language piece (i.e, Shakespeare) and one contemporary piece.
‘I submitted that video in mid-September and then in November I got an email saying I'd made it into the second round which was an in-person audition in Brisbane. During my in-person audition, I performed my first two monologues again and then made it to the third round later that day where I performed and workshopped a third monologue. Finally, I participated in a short ten-minute interview.’
When the call came, the news was overwhelming. ‘It was surreal,’ she recalls. ‘I kept walking around the house thinking, ‘I can’t believe I got in.’ I had spent so much time stalking the NIDA website and Instagram, imagining that I would get to go there one day, and now that it has finally happened.’
Rachel immediately shared the good news with her family and close friends, including Fairholme Speech and Drama Teacher, Mrs Katrina Bailey, who had played a key role in supporting her through the audition process. ‘She helped me pull together my applications and offered her creative guidance and expertise. But what really meant the most was the belief she had in me every step of the way.’
Looking ahead, Rachel has big plans for her future. While she has a deep love for the stage, her ultimate goal is to break into the film and TV industry. ‘Once I finish the course, I hope I can fully support myself through my acting’, she says. ‘I’m keen to learn all that I can about art and humanity through acting and hopefully elevate the voice and stories of marginalised people through my creative endeavours.’
As for what inspired Rachel to pursue acting, she credits a childhood favourite: Dorothy the Dinosaur. ‘I like to say that Dorothy the Dinosaur inspired me to pursue a creative career,’ she laughs. But in all seriousness, Rachel has drawn inspiration from a wide range of actors, including Bella Ramsey, Anna Sawai, Michelle Yeoh, and Saoirse Ronan. ‘These are all people who are pioneers in the acting industry and who are brimming with talent, humility and compassion.’
Throughout her time at school, Rachel’s passion for the arts has been nurtured and supported by both her teachers and peers. ‘I am so grateful that Fairholme provided me with so many opportunities to develop not only my acting skills but also my creative skills through activities like the school musical, choir and instrumental groups,’ she says. ‘But most of all, it was the people at Fairholme who really helped me get here. Regardless of whether they were involved in the creative arts of not, all my teachers and peers were so supportive and enthusiastic about me pursuing acting and I am so grateful for that.’
Now, with her future at NIDA on the horizon, Rachel’s acting career is truly just beginning. Her journey is proof that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of belief, dreams really can come true.
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School mates cast in lead roles for the Empire Theatre’s 2025 Junior Impact Production When Phoebe Hohn and Sammy Cheetham auditioned for this year’s Junior Impact Production, Soul Trading, they had no idea they’d be cast opposite each other in two of the show’s leading roles. Set in the year 2079, Soul Trading is a futuristic play that explores a world where every child’s future is shaped by their personal learning robot – except for one. Phoebe plays Geri, a quirky and fiercely independent girl who refuses to follow the AI-dominated path everyone else is on. ‘Geri doesn’t have a bot like the others. She’s different, and she’s proud of it,’ says Phoebe. ‘I love playing someone who questions everything and isn’t afraid to go her own way.’ Her co-star, Sammy, takes on the complex role of Neutron, a clever and rebellious robot who doesn’t quite fit the mould. ‘Neutron is actually an illegal robot that Geri secretly 3D printed,’ Sammy explains. ‘She’s bright, ambitious, and wants to live a free life – but Geri tricks her into thinking she’ll die if she leaves.’ Throughout the show, Neutron cleverly manipulates both humans and bots to bend the rules and follow her lead. For Sammy, this is her second year involved in the Junior Impact Ensemble. ‘Last year, I was part of Our Egg Named Larry, and I absolutely fell in love with the program,’ she says. ‘That experience made me want to audition again this year, and I was thrilled to receive one of the main roles.’ Phoebe and Sammy, who are also speech and drama partners, supported each other through the audition process and have relished the opportunity to bring this fast-paced, futuristic story to life together. Their characters’ dynamic is central to the narrative, and their real-life friendship brings depth and energy to every rehearsal. With the production set to hit the Armitage Centre stage this July, both students say the experience has pushed them creatively and helped them grow in confidence. ‘Performing in a space like the Armitage is a dream,’ Phoebe says. ‘It’s exciting and a little bit surreal.’ We can’t wait to see Phoebe and Sammy shine on stage as Geri and Neutron – two bold characters in a brave new world.
10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry, 2025 Fairholme College Prefect for the Arts and lead character in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical.
