Catching up with our Alumni

Blake Penfold – Class of 2019

When I graduated from Elderslie High School I was fortunate enough to have a great sense of direction with what I wanted to study and what I wanted to do with my life. I think I was able to gain this perspective as I had been fostering and growing my love and skills in the performing arts. When you love doing something, you should follow that dream or desire; discover what motivates you and drives you. I remember Year 7 as the year I discovered my true love for performance and grew it through the Ballroom Dance Ensemble and competitions, the annual musical, the State Drama Ensemble, et cetera et cetera. I would not have discovered that passion if it wasn’t for Elderslie High School.

Many of my fondest memories are of all the musicals I did at school and the countless other performances we held, attended or participated in at a Regional or State level. Through those years as a performer in school, I grew my skills and confidence and, upon graduating, attended Sydney Actors School in 2020. Those two years in acting school were the best two years of my life to date. I met so many fantastic people from such diverse backgrounds. I was 1 of 3 Australians in my class and it was such a pleasure to learn and gain new perspectives about the world from people from around the world.

Since graduating from Sydney Actors School, I have found the creative industry grueling, yet deeply rewarding. It is such a competitive environment, but that isn’t something that has discouraged me. Beyond graduating I have been in a play where I was lucky enough to play the lead and also meet my partner, starred in an ad campaign which is currently running and very recently been cast in a feature film yet to be shot. On top of that, I have found myself a job running a music and dance program for Preschoolers and special needs kids. I love my job with all my heart and if it weren’t for all the time I spent in school performing and at Sydney Actors School I wouldn’t have this job.

The beautiful thing about being an actor and performer is all the wonderful people you meet and how much you grow and continue to grow as a person in such a short time. If I hadn’t followed my dreams in school, I would not be where I am today; in a job I love, with my partner whom I love and surrounded by other like-minded people I love.