Starting as a Holiday Actor more than 10 years ago, Tyler Hess has returned from Melbourne to design and produce the first production of Big Fish in Australasia.
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Showing at the Lighthouse Theatre, Hess has worked to guide a new generation of south-west arts practitioners.
“Holiday Actors is a really special company that provides teens with a platform to mix with like-minded others. It also provides an incredible platform to springboard from,” Hess said.
“It’s been so wonderful for me to share my experiences and to offer support for other kids who want to follow their passion.”
After five years of Holiday Acting, Hess moved away to produce and study teaching. From there he worked as a teacher, producer and later a lecturer at Victoria University.
“I lectured for three to four years and decided rather than try to conquer the world and do everything, I would step away from teaching,” he said.
Becoming heavily involved in non-professional community theatre, Hess has built his way up to large scale productions.
“I’ve been very lucky to have been given the opportunity to do large scale productions. This one (Big Fish) was the one I wanted to come home and do.”
A self-confessed perfectionist, Hess was impressed with Wednesday’s opening show of Big Fish.
“The audience was blown away. It was very well received,” he said. “I love seeing things succeed.”
Having done everything he wanted to do by 30, Hess is looking to further build his name in the theatre production industry.
“I have been very fortunate to be in the position to be recognised for my work,” he said.
“I love pushing design boundaries and using as much technology as possible.
“It’s about going to the next level now and trying to up my experience level ... Working on the big shows and building a name up.”
Big Fish is based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and adapted to film by Tim Burton. It tells the tale of a journalist and expectant father who is trying to discover the truth behind his dying father’s extravagant tales.
The final show will be performed on Saturday, January 16 at the Lighthouse Theatre.
“It’s a show for children and adults alike,” Hess said.