Simon Brown is a young man who typifies the College ethos – stepping out of your comfort zone, seizing an opportunity, taking a risk, then soaring to new heights. Simon won an important role in the senior production Singin’ in the Rain as Cosmo, the affable, enthusiastic, quirky sidekick to the lead, who charms the audience with his humour, quick wit and physicality. It is a pivotal role, which requires plenty of dancing while singing, as well as lots of fast- paced highly complex moves. But Simon was a rookie, a newcomer to acting and singing, who had never taken part in a production in front of an audience and certainly had never danced a step. He knew it was going to be a big challenge for him. “I was in Year 13 and realised I had never put myself out there, never been involved in the pointy side of theatre, so I decided this was my last chance to take the opportunity. I have to say, I was scared and embarrassed that I would make a fool of myself, but after I had watched the film of Singin’ in the Rain , I was determined to make myself give it a go. “I identified with the character of Cosmo, so at the audition did an impression of him, acting goofy and talking fast. I couldn’t believe it when the director saw my potential and gave me the role, which gave me the chance to learn to act, sing and dance. At first, I panicked and felt guilty as I was a newcomer who hadn’t made my way up through other productions. However, although I felt a huge amount of pressure, I was really excited.’’ Mastering a fast-paced American accent seemed to come easily to
proud. It’s been such a confidence boost. “While I may never again take part in such a production where I sing, dance and act, I absolutely know that, in the future, it will give me the courage to take on things and to believe I can do them. “I seriously want to encourage people to have faith in themselves and to have the courage to step out of their comfort zone. I was so close to not going to the audition, so close, but if I hadn’t done it, I would never have known I could do this or understand how much I can achieve if I really give it a go. You have to say that’s a great lesson to learn in life.’’ And the appreciative audience definitely thought so, too.
Simon and his voice never seemed forced or unnatural.
“I have always been good at impressions and I just kept listening and copying until it
became reasonably easy. Then I had to learn to tap dance and that was another huge step and a lot of work, but we had a few sessions with a teacher to learn the basics and it got easier over time. It was just a matter of persistence and a bucket load of practice.’’ Simon says he has learned so much from the experience. “I am blown away by how much I have picked up. At the beginning, I had so little faith in myself to carry it all off, but I just kept pushing forward, improving all the time. The positive feedback I’ve received as a result has made me really
“At the beginning, I had so little faith in myself to carry it all off, but I just kept pushing forward, improving all the time.” Simon Brown
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College Issue 33 2017
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