Alumni
Callum Wilson
Tell us your Faust Story!
I first joined Faust through the summer programme in 2003, then joined regular term classes in Group Y that same year. Since then, I’ve been involved with
The Faust Festival between 2004-2008 where I did varied shows such as
Dr. Faustus (Dr. Faustus),
The Royal Hunt of The Sun (Pizzaro) and
Der Struwwelpeter (assorted roles), and been involved in the Faust performances
Oliver! (Oliver Twist),
Peter Pan (Lost Boy) and
Around the World in 80 Days (Anchor Paper Boy). Since leaving Hong Kong I’ve also been involved in 4 Faust Summer Programmes between 2010 and 2014 working as an assistant leader.
What is your earliest memory of Faust?
I can still remember waiting for my very first day of the summer programme, I was so nervous to go in I nearly forced my mum to take me home. I’m really glad my mum wouldn’t have any of it; by the time she came to pick me up at the end of the day I didn’t want to leave!
What is your favourite memory?
Performing
Dr. Faustus with Group T the year before I left Hong Kong to move to Singapore. I really enjoyed tackling the more complex roles and plays with my group mates from Group T. Not only were they great to work with onstage, a lot of them I’ve kept in close contact with over the years.
What was your biggest challenge in participating in drama workshops and productions?
When I first joined my biggest challenge was putting myself out there and getting involved. I was a lot younger and still a bit nervous in social situations back then, so I found it quite tough to even introduce myself to other people and try to build relationships with other people. I’m glad I stuck with it though.
What did you gain from your experience at Faust as a student and as a Leader?
As a student, I can’t begin to describe the confidence Faust has instilled in me. I feel that I’m an incredibly outgoing person and that’s directly due to the influence of my previous group leaders. As an assistant leader, I’ve gained invaluable real-world experience in all areas relating to working closely with kids, such as improving my communication and teaching skills while also teaching me to think laterally when faced with problems.
What was the most valuable piece of advice you got from a director / leader at Faust?
Simply to say ‘yes’ to the things we were doing in class and on stage rather than mentally saying ‘no’ to them. By changing my instantaneous reaction from rejecting to accepting I feel I’ve been able to grow not just in the theatre but as a person, too.
How would you describe Faust to someone new to drama and theatre?
Easily the best way to discover a new passion, hands down.
