Interview of the Month – Leah Minto
Monday, September 1st, 2014 at 4:10 pm | News & Events
Leah Minto completed our One Year Part Time course in Advance Performance in 2012. She is to appear in ‘B(r)itches’ at the Dublin Fringe Festival later this month alongside fellow GSA graduate Claire Galvin (Class of 2012). She is one-third of the theatre company Filibusters Co. With them she has created a number of productions including “All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Shandango” (Dublin Fringe Festival 2012). Since 2010, she has appeared in several stage works including, “A Dream Play” directed by Jimmy Fay in the Peacock Theatre, “Playboy of the Western World” in Smock Alley Theatre-1662 and an adaptation of “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” directed by Jimmy Fay in the New Theatre, Dublin. In 2014, Leah played the role of Gemma in “Veronica” an adaptation of the play “Veronia’s Room” by Ira Levin.
1. Did you always want to work in the film/acting business?
No, when I was younger I wanted to be a builder. Specifically a male builder, called Joe.
2. How did you start off in the business?
Well I joined Dublin Youth Theatre when I was 14 and through them I met the people that I collaborate with today including Keith Monaghan, Dylan Coburn-Gray and Joseph Ryan.I also took part in National Youth Theatre where I got to work with the likes of Jimmy Fay and got a good insight into the workings of professional theatre.
3. Any tips for aspiring actors/film makers?
What I like in people is when they are courteous and genuine, so I try to be the same. So go for that!
4. What did you like most about being at The Gaiety School of Acting?
I liked the energy of the place. I did the part time course so my class was a mix of people who were coming from all walks of life into this workshop twice a week. It made the work always interesting and diverse.
5. Favourite actor?
I like Juliet Stevenson. She has the “Gary Oldman” effect where she just slips into a character. And she played a cracking Antigone!
6. Favourite writer?
For film: Tarintino.
For theatre: Mark O’Rowe
7. Favourite film?
Everything is illuminated
8. Who has been the most influential person in your life so far?
All of my sisters.
9. Earliest memory?
Watching ‘Toy Story’ in the cinema, and falling asleep during it.
10. What would be your idea of the perfect day?
Not being behind on emails… No! I’d love to tour around the small towns in Europe with a show. Be able to explore them, perform in the evening and have the craic with the locals after. I’d be set for life!
Check out our other Alumni interviews here