Introducing Luci Young for Frank Enstein
Luci Young is a member of the Act-Belong-Commit Co:Youth ensemble and will be making her professional debut in Co3’s upcoming production of Frank Enstein. We caught up with Luci to discuss her character Liz, how she’s juggling her first professional production with Year 10 and working with the team from The Farm.
Tell us about your character in Frank Enstein?
I play Liz, who has a very big personality but often comes across as being shy as her constant self doubt acts as a barrier when she meets new people. Her initial interactions with Frank are hesitant and awkward but throughout the piece we see their relationship develop and fall in love with her lively personality. I think if the show was a book Liz would definitely be a comical character with very large eyes, rosy red cheeks and a wacky hairstyle. She wouldn’t communicate with words but instead her own language of strange noises.
How has it been working on your first professional production?
INCREDIBLE. The whole experience has left me stunned, everyday is completely different with totally new experiences and challenges. Often so much is happening that its not until after a rehearsal that it sinks in and you get to reflect on what you think was the best day ever- that’s until the next one tops it.
What has it been like working with the team from The Farm?
Gavin and Grayson are awesome, they have such clear visions of what they want and never fail to blow me away with their latest idea. They are constantly throwing in extraordinary additions to the work, one day they rocked up to rehearsal and started letting me know that I would have my own boat in the show!
What can audiences expect from this re-worked version of Frank Enstein?
I think the biggest change from the original piece are Will and I’s new interpretations of our characters. Our experiences to do with the topics have been different, the most obvious of which that we are still in school, and therefor the way we portray them will be.
How has being a member of the Act-Belong-Commit Co:Youth Ensemble helped in your first professional production?
Being part of the Co:Youth ensemble has definitely given me confidence in myself and my ideas. This has made me feel more comfortable collaborating with the great team. The supportive environment of the ensemble has pushed me and led me to this dream come true. I spend my week looking forward to the next Sunday so I can have a boogie with the amazing friends I have there.
How has it been juggling Year 10 and your first professional production?
I’ve been lucky so far as our first set of intensive rehearsals were during the school holidays and so I haven’t had to miss any school yet. But we’ll see how it goes in April when our shows start. I’m expecting a lot of catch up work to do at home in between my commitments with the show.
How are you and your character Liz similar and what has Liz taught you about self-acceptance?
I can definitely relate to Liz’s lack of confidence around new people. I wouldn’t necessarily refer to this as being shy as once you get to know me I’m quite outgoing. I think Liz has shown me that I shouldn’t be afraid to open myself up because if you’re around the right people they will respect your personality. Interestingly I think she has also taught me that its fine to be quiet sometimes because all relationships develop and that beginning stage is just a part of the process.
What are you hoping audiences will take out of this production of Frank Enstein?
I hope the audience is able to have a laugh at some of the silly scenarios throughout the piece whilst recognising the relevance it has in their everyday lives. I want the piece to remind people that new adventures bring new relationships, some that work and some that don’t. Being yourself is a crucial part in meeting new friends. So believe in yourself and follow what intrigues you and you will end up with more valuable connections.
Luci can be seen performing in Frank Enstein at the Heath Ledger Theatre April 11-15
Image by Stefan Gosatti