Griffith Bachelor of Musical Theatre graduate Jackson McGovern is stepping into the spotlight with a lead role in a new production at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Nineteen isa black comedyabout four young men living in a share house. From the outside they seem like lovable larrikins but underneath the bravado lurks something more sinister.
The play is a new work by local writer and director Shane Pike, whobased the script on interviews with dozens of young people.
“It’s very exciting to be the first person to play this character, and do something completely original,” Jackson said.
“The play is very funny, and very relatable, I think all of us know people like these characters.”
Originally from Bundaberg,Jackson graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2014, and spent two years touring Queensland as a lead Shakespearean actor with the Grin & Tonic Theatre Troupe.
He has also worked with Queensland Theatreand appeared in musicals, plays, short films and web series.
“It can be a tough industry, so you have to be open to everything,” he said.
“But my real passion is theatre – it is a real adrenaline rush and no two shows are ever the same.”
Jackson credits the musical theatre course at the Queensland Conservatorium with shaping him as a performer.
“I absolutely loved the course,” he said.
“The faculty were incredible and I’m still in touch with most of the people from my year.
“There is still so much I have to learn, but my training at the Con has held me in good stead for every project I have been involved with since.”
The young performer said the Queensland Conservatorium’s newBachelor of Acting would give the local theatre scene a boost.
“Any way for young performers to get a good, solid grounding in their craft is a positive thing,” he said.
“The local independent theatre scene in Brisbane is really thriving, and this will only add to that.”
Nineteen runs at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Thurs 9 — Sun 12 November.
