Photo Credit: Kirsten Holmes |
About meSince I could walk and talk, I have been putting on little skits for my family, friends and anyone who would listen. Now, at 19, I am well on my way to making a career out of my passion, bringing New Zealand's artistry to the world's stage. Over my time performing, I have tackled roles as diverse as Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Queenie from Bruce Mason’s The Puhutukawa Tree, Jason from Euripides’ Medea, Lyubov from Checkov’s The Cherry Orchard, Sillabub from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and many, many more. Performing with the local repertory theatre, Tauranga Musical Theatre, has been a large part of my life. I have performed in America, China, Germany and throughout New Zealand as a part of the Highland Dance Company of New Zealand as well as in Korea as a part of a representative team. I have my ATCL in Speech and Drama from Trinity College London with Distinction, a diploma in Highland and National Dancing with Honours from the New Zealand Academy of Highland And National Dancing as well as various competition wins under my belt. I have always felt at home onstage and wish to use the theatre to communicate important ideas to my audiences. I began this year undertaking a Law and Science course at the University of Auckland. However, this only confirmed that my true passion was for acting. Juggling course work and acting, I auditioned for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama earlier this year in Australia. Auditioning against 4,000 other hopefuls, I am just so honoured and excited to have been offered one of the 15 prestigious places on the Ba (Hons) Acting Musical Theatre course. Having lived in Tauranga almost all my life, I’m sure I will miss the sandy beaches and ‘fush and chups.’ However, I really feel that this will be a small price to pay for this fantastic opportunity. Besides acting, in the future I hope to become fluent in French and visit the Amazon. In my spare time I love to read crime novels - in one sitting if I am able – listen to music, cook with my friends and write lists. | The royal Central school of speech and dramaCentral is a university that is specifically geared to giving it’s students the very best education in all areas of the Theatre and Performing Arts. Located in the heart of London, Central is ideally located in the hub of British and International Theatre. As a drama school, Central receives over 4000 applicants worldwide for just 15 places in each acting course. The graduates of these courses receive an Honours BA accredited by the University of London and are showcased to significant agents in the Entertainment Industry, giving them the best possible foundation from which to launch their performance careers. Notable alumni of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama include Laurence Olivier, Martin Freeman, Vanessa Redgrave, Dawn French, Catherine Tate, Dame Judi Dench and more. About my courseI have been accepted into the Acting and Musical Theatre BA. As well as developing student's acting skills for stage, screen and radio, this course equips students with dance and singing training for use in musical theatre giving graduates a wealth of job opportunities. |
What others have said about me
"Niamh is a gregarious and talented young woman. With a passion for performance she has enviable skills in a range of forms. She has a desire to achieve, coupled with tenacity and flair which is evidence of Niamh's high potential. She deserves every success." — Jodie Moore, Dance and Drama Teacher
"Niamh Blackman is destined to succeed. Talented, gifted, ambitious with a delightful and charming personality, she has all the qualities to make it to the top.” — Prue Gooch and the Team and Dance Education Centre
"Niamh's passion, determination, ambition, exceptional hard working nature and natural ability, stand her in good stead for an exciting career in the performing arts realm. Whether it is stage or screen, I believe Niamh can bring something truly special and has my full support." — Scott Braid, Singing Teacher
“I have been a Speech and Drama teacher for over forty years. During this time it has been my privilege to have helped a number of very talented and successful pupils with their performance skills, competitions and Trinity examinations. Niamh is undoubtedly the most impressive and naturally gifted student I have ever taught and has always shown an eagerness to learn and improve. She has a remarkable capacity for sustained focus and this together with her excellent communication skills and her empathetic sensitivity will continue to underpin her rare and exceptional acting and singing talents. It comes as no surprise to me that she has been accepted by London’s Royal Central School of Speech an Drama and I am sure that she will do New Zealand proud during her time there.” — Robyn Alison ATCL/LTCL, Speech and Drama Teacher for 40 Years
