This time last year Jesse Smith wasn't thinking about going to the National Youth Drama School (NYDS).
But a visit to Flaxmere College by actor and former NYDS student Rachael Blampied to promote the Havelock North-based NYDS piqued his interest.
Jesse, now 17 and in his final year at school, was one of 31 students successfully awarded scholarship assistance for NYDS 2013, where he attended the screenwriting and directing for short film-making course. This year at NYDS, he intends to work on his speaking and acting prowess.
Jesse is interested in onstage work and behind the scenes, and since then has been working on repertoire including skits for flash performing. "I'm not exactly afraid of standing out in a crowd but I want to lay down a foundation for whatever comes in the future."
The supportive NYDS environment means he is able to be himself. "I've always liked theatre and being at NYDS even just watching from the stalls with the final show stimulated my mind in a way I'm really still unable to comprehend."