John McGlashan College: Hadley Taylor

Hadley Taylor
Hadley Taylor
"I don't see why people would want to work in an office when you can do acting and get paid for it. It's my dream job.''

John McGlashan College performing arts prefect Hadley Taylor (17) got his first professional acting job at the Fortune Theatre when he was 10.

An ambition to make acting his career has been in his thoughts ever since.

‘‘That was incredible. Discovering that you can do acting for a job at such a young age was a real eye-opener.''

Hadley has had lead roles in many of the school's shows during the past five years and featured in Dunedin Operatic shows.

He also starred in a film which was a finalist in the 48 Hour Film Festival this year.

But appearing alongside actor Mark Neilson (of Scarfies fame) as James in James and the Giant Peach at the Fortune Theatre has been a highlight.

And a highlight he hopes to top later this year when he takes the lead in The Day My Bum Went Psycho, again at the Fortune Theatre.

He is never far from the stage, and in his spare time enjoys immersing himself in his roles and practising them in public.

‘‘With friends, I often try personality quirks and get their reactions. I want my acting to be convincing and believable.''

When he is not on stage, he is usually somewhere near it directing the action.

For the past two years, he has been director of the school's drama group.

Given his stage experience, it is no surprise Hadley is also an accomplished public speaker.

He has won the Otago junior secondary schools speech competition (2006) and was runner-up in the Otago Regional Council secondary schools speech competition last year.

Hadley plans to study psychology, economics, English and German at the University of Otago next year, but hopes to make acting his career.

‘‘The university papers will provide development for that career. If not, something to fall back on as the basis of another career.''

Achievements: Performing arts prefect (2009); formal committee (2009); Peer leader (2008-09); school head librarian (2009); school curling team founder (2006-09); 1st Otago junior secondary schools speech competition (2006); 2nd ORC Secondary schools speech competition (2008); 48Hour Film Festival finalist (2009); Shakespeare Drama Group director (2007-09).

Role model: Actors Johnny Depp and Mark Neilson.

Hopes for the future: To become a professional actor.

 

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