Howick and Pakurunga Times
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Starlet on mission to raise cash
By CHRIS HARROWELL
Howick and Pakurunga Times
WITH her eyes cast firmly towards the bright lights of stardom, a resourceful young actor is stopping at nothing to achieve her dream.
Imogen Prossor has been teaching drama to children from her Howick home for the past two years.
She began studying at the Elam School of Fine Arts but quickly realised musical theatre is her passion and what she wants to do for the rest of her life.
Talent runs in the family, with her mother Anne being a singer and her grandmother an actor during her working days.
“My ultimate dream is to work on Broadway,” says Imogen.
“To study for three years in New Zealand and then go overseas is the plan.
“It’s expensive to study internationally. I’ve got friends overseas now and they are struggling financially because you aren’t allowed to work while doing it.”
In September, the former Howick College pupil was accepted into the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art in Christchurch.
She’s planning to undertake a three-year bachelor of musical theatre and then head overseas to pursue an advanced degree in the same subject.
To finance her tuition fees at the prestigious school, the 19-year-old award-winning actor is putting on a series of shows at Howick Little Theatre.
Performances of Jeff Goode’s raunchy play The Eight: Reindeer Monologues are intended to raise enough money to make life a little easier when she leaves Auckland next year.
The community theatre in Pakuranga has been “totally amazing” in its support of her ambitions.
The performances were originally going to be held at Auckland Senior College in the city centre, but fell through due to a scheduling conflict.
Her production involves a cast of actors all in their late teens and the dialogue is a series of monologues, which has made rehearsing easier in terms of having people available.
One of the cast members involved is former Macleans College pupil Ryan Carter, who has been accepted to an acting school in Australia.
They have been working hard for nine weeks to get ready for opening night.
“It’s been pretty smooth except for the hiccup at the beginning with the location,” says Imogen, who is drawn to Mr Goode’s play because it’s based on a “very naughty idea”.
“Christmas is a remembrance of our childhood memories,” she says. “It’s a funny and interesting way to have a take on something that’s a lot raunchier.
“The audience for this show is any adult into pushing the boundaries and having a good laugh.”
The ambitious young actor is aiming to raise about $5000 from the project, which would help to cover her fees for next year.
The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is on at Howick Little Theatre, Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga, today and tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets cost $20 – to book, visit www.iticketexpress.co.nz.
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