Hannah Mitchell plans to pursue a career in performing arts after she finishes school. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Murrumbidgee Regional High School student Hannah Mitchell was just 16 years old when she landed the female lead in a production of Romeo and Juliet, performed by the Griffith and Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA) in 2021. She has continued to pursue a career in drama ever since, performing in GRAPA’s production of The Crucible the following year.
She was recently one of the youngest attendees at the Griffith Screen Forum, where aspiring filmmakers learned from established stars, producers and industry insiders.
“It was great. I learned a lot about networking and not being afraid to just open up and connect with people,” she said.
Region caught up with Ms Mitchell as part of our regular profile of high-achieving year 12 students with big plans.
Name: Hannah Mitchell
Age: 18
Plans for next year: I’m doing a gap year, pursuing acting school, performing arts school, anything I can get. I’m most keen on drama and acting, but I do have interests in writing and directing. I’m currently working at Limone Dining Restaurant.
Hannah Mitchell with Ryan Butler during rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet. Photo: Ben Ceccato/GRAPA.
After the gap year: Ideally, I’d like to go to Sydney or Melbourne to study for a bachelor’s degree in performing arts or something similar.
Favourite subjects: Drama, art and ancient history.
One thing I’d change about the education system: I would say we need more support for student wellbeing. Especially with my experience, it’s been very hard to get support with wellbeing. It’s very hard to make connections with people when you’re going through stuff. We need more youth counsellors.
Next acting gig: Right now I’m concentrating on my HSC. I’ll be doing an individual performance for my drama subject.
Role model: Bonnie Owen (GRAPA stalwart and Romeo and Juliet director who also works at the Piccolo Family Farm). I learned a lot from her through GRAPA productions I’ve done.
Hannah Mitchell with her role model and director Bonnie Owen during rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet. Photo: GRAPA/Facebook.
Famous person I most admire: I really admire Keanu Reeves, the American actor. With his kindness and his connectedness to other people, I aspire to his level to be able to connect with other people.
Favourite genre: I’m really interested in both horror and contemporary drama. I love anything by Jordon Peele, an American comedian, actor and film director. I saw his most recent film, Nope, and I absolutely loved it. I aspire to that level of creativity.
Dream career: The ideal for me would be to work in Hollywood and be an actress there. But I’ll do anything I can get my hands on.
If you know of a year 12 graduate doing exciting things in 2023, drop us a line at [email protected].
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