Performing Arts Student Charly Recognised by American TV Network FX

A natural performer with a love for acting and singing, rising star Charly Close, a student at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has caught the attention of the American TV Network, FX, after performing in a youth theatre production of The Pirates of Penzance last year.

Charly, (18) from Belfast, is currently studying on the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice at SERC Bangor campus. The young woman started appearing in shows from the age of four and has performed in several productions with stage and media company NIStars, including The Wizard of Oz, Matilda, and Legally Blonde.

Following her appearance in The Pirates of Penzance at the Grand Opera House last year, Charly was approached by producers at FX, and was shortlisted for a role in ‘Say Nothing’, a TV series documenting the murder of Jean McConville in 1972 during the Troubles.

Charly says, “Performing in The Pirates of Penzance was a really good experience, and when I auditioned for a role in ‘Say Nothing,’ the team loved my audition tape and said I would be considered for a small role in the future, which is really exciting. I prefer doing musicals, so when the chance of taking part in The Addams Family production at SERC came up, I was happy, and it was a very enjoyable experience – a lot of people who came to watch were surprised that a SERC production could be done so well!”

She continues, “During the past year and a half, I have also been busking on the streets of Belfast, which has really come naturally to me because I love performing through song. I prefer performing in front of larger crowds, and it has been a great way to become more confident, both with my singing and acting.”

Speaking of the Level 3 Performing Arts course at SERC, Charly says, “I first heard about the course at SERC through my girlfriend because she came to do it two years before, so I was able to research it through her. After I applied, I had to perform a monologue as part of an audition, which helped me get a place on the course.

“So far, I have loved my classes and being around other students who have the same interests as me. SERC has a good atmosphere, and the tutors are very understanding. I am a student carer to my little brother who is autistic, and the support from Marie in student carers, along with my tutors, has been helpful with things like managing my workload, deadlines, and if I need any extra help.”

Concluding, Charly says, “The advice I would give to someone who wants to get into performing arts is to throw yourself into it and don’t worry about what people think about you. I have loved the course so far and have gotten so much out of it - I would recommend it for screen acting and singing especially. In the future I would like to start branching out by doing some more shows, including some with the Grand Opera House. My dream is to one day perform on the West End and have a role in Waitress.”

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