Our students come from a wide section of the community and those who choose to be in the public eye don't escape either! Peter and Alex have both been contracted to the Channel Seven series Home and Away but have also chosen to continue studying to enable them to have an alternative if they do not pursue acting careers for the rest of their lives. Both see the importance of achieving their Higher School Certificate with Alex studying for his School certificate and Peter studying Year 11 this year for his Higher School Certificate next year. Mathematics teacher Julie interviewed Peter and Alex.

Julie: Peter, when did you first take an interest in acting?

Peter: By Year 7, studying at Cranbrook School, I had played a small part in GP and was taking some classes with the Australian Theatre for Young People at the Rocks. I also did lots of school plays. Before Christmas 1995 I had auditioned and won the part of Liam Kelly in Home and Away and started recording in February 1996.

Julie: What sort of schedule do you have in a typical day at the studio?

Peter: Sometimes I have to work a twelve-hour day, depending on the success of the shoots etc. The days vary but generally they start at 6.45 am and go to 3 pm then we have rehearsals till 6 pm. So I have to leave home at 5.45 am.

Julie: What sort of social life do you have?

Peter: I try to have a normal social life so I don't restrict this part of my life. I generally go out with my friends on the weekend.

Julie: How do you fit schoolwork in to your working day?

Peter: We have this tutorial room and I do my school lessons in between recording sessions, but I do much more at home. I am managing very well and getting through the course OK. I need to be well organised though. I am doing a full load for Year 11 this year and will do my HSC in 1997.

Julie: What are your aspirations for the future?

Peter: I am in the process of making decisions. I would like to venture into film work and maybe directing. My agent will organise screen tests when they come up. I am under contract with Channel 7 for three years, however.

Julie: Alex, when did you first take an interest in acting?

Alex: I was always intrigued from an early age with behind the scenes happenings and an actor's ability to play different roles.

Julie: What acting experience have you had?

Julie: What sort of schedule do you have in a typical day at the studio?

Alex: similar to Peter's schedule. I spend my spare time in between shoots in the tut room. However, I do most of my work at home.

Julie: What sort of social life do you have?

Alex: I sacrifice a lot of my weekend for schoolwork.

Julie: What are your aspirations for the future?

Alex: I have a three-year contract with channel 7. If I see a big future in this industry I will go for it, but otherwise I would like to go on to University and study Business/Law.

Read also Being an SSDEC student

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