Alumni Spotlight | Jack Mainsbridge
Musical theatre graduate Jack Mainsbridge always knew that he wanted to be on the stage. Now, at the age of 21, he is living his dream in the Big Apple. Upon graduating from the College, he was awarded a part-scholarship to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. While at AMDA, Jack was one of three students handpicked from over 400 to perform at the annual New York Athletics Club Broadway fundraiser. Since graduating in 2015, he has also performed at Busch Gardens Virginia, the U.S. Open and the Poets Den Theatre in New York. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of ‘Triple Threat’ Hugh Jackman, who is from his hometown in Turramurra, NSW.
Can you tell us about your time working and living in the U.S.A. since graduating and any highlights that you’ve had?
I moved to NYC in February of 2015 to study the musical theatre conservatory program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Since graduating from AMDA a year ago I have been steadily working here in the U.S. From October to January, I was in a Christmas musical in Williamsburg, Virginia, and most recently I was performing in an Off Broadway play called Babette’s Feast.
How has your College training helped you to be industry-ready?
The College helped me to understand the ins and outs of the industry at a young age. It taught me how to get an agent, how to prepare for an audition, and most importantly, it allowed me to train effectively in all three aspects of musical theatre; singing, acting and dancing. I was able to work on each three equally. This allowed me to not just be in one box as an actor that could sing but I could also be a dancer and able to hold my own at the dance component of auditions, which put me at an advantage.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you’ve been given?
To find what makes you unique and makes you stand out from other people and then use it to your full advantage.
What is your favourite musical?
That is a tough one. I have too many favourites and it’s always changing but I’ll forever have a huge love for the musical Gypsy.
