How I Got Here: Actor and performing arts publicist, Natasha Vickery
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you wanted to know about the secrets of career success. From her work as a performing arts publicist to her time on the stage (you can catch her in Jean Genet’s classic thriller The Maids at The Street Theatre until Sunday 8 June), we sat down with Natasha Vickery to find out how she got started in the industry.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I will endlessly be searching for an answer to this question… but simply, I’m an actor and a publicist in the performing arts.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
I’ve always dreamed of becoming an actor (unfortunately, I didn’t even know the role of a publicist existed when I was younger)! I’ve been fortunate enough to be immersed in the world of theatre my entire life. Growing up in Sydney, my mum was an actor, and also a teacher and lecturer at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art). I spent a lot of time in the building watching performances, popping my head into rehearsals, and occasionally even hopping on stage when a child actor was needed!
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
I first started auditioning professionally when I was 11 years old, but the fire in my belly was there from even earlier. I’d watch the NIDA acting students and think, “I want to do what they’re doing.” One of my favourite things to watch growing up was the film version of Much Ado About Nothing. I LOVED Emma Thompson as Beatrice – she was so fiery and witty. Terrific actors like that have always motivated me.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
Being an actor in this industry comes with constant highs and lows, and I’ve had countless moments when I wanted to give up. One of the most challenging periods professionally was during COVID, when everything came to a standstill. I was about to begin rehearsals for The Comedy of Errors in Sydney, and I was devastated when it was cancelled. But on the upside, 2020 was also the year I decided to move to Canberra, which introduced me to a whole new theatre community. It reignited my passion and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place – to step into different characters’ shoes and share meaningful stories. Whenever I feel lost, I always remind myself of this.
What was your biggest break?
I’ve been lucky to have some brilliant opportunities throughout my career, working with amazing people and playing rich roles. One of the most exciting moments for me hasn’t even taken place – I’m co-producing and performing in The Taming of the Shrew at Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf 2 later this year. In this gender-swapped, Barbie-movie-inspired version, women rule society and everyone wears an Elizabethan costume. It’s going to be wild and hilarious. To help create something from the ground up is so satisfying and I can’t wait.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best advice I’ve received came from my mum. My very first acting ‘lesson’ happened when I was around six or seven, working on a short film. In one scene, I had to spot someone in the distance who I believed I recognised, and I had no idea how to play it. I turned to her and said, “Mummy, I don’t know what face to make.” She replied, “Don’t worry about making a face – just think the thoughts, and your face will know what to do.” That simple piece of advice has stuck with me, and I still return to it whenever I feel stuck.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
What I love most about this industry is how it fuels curiosity, challenges boundaries, and takes audiences on powerful journeys. But the lack of opportunity can be incredibly frustrating – sometimes it makes me want to pull my hair out. The industry here is quite small, and there are far more actors than there are roles to go around. On top of that, being an actor is tough because so much is out of our control – things like appearance or age can play a huge role, even when they shouldn’t.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
It helps that I already love watching theatre, TV and film, because it’s the best way to stay in the know! I recently went on a whirlwind trip to New York and saw as much theatre as I could cram in. I was so inspired by those Broadway performers, none of whom were afraid to make huge, ugly choices. The standout, though, was Andrew Scott in his one-man Uncle Vanya. Watching him shift seamlessly between characters with just a subtle change in expression or the flick of a prop was astonishing. Each character was fully realised with their own distinct world and history. It was a masterclass, and I know it will stay with me for a long time.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I’d love to be acting on main stages across the country, producing my own work and growing as a performing arts publicist.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
To follow a path like mine, you really have to love what you do, because this industry can be incredibly tough and, at times, draining. That said, acting also brings me the greatest joy. There’s nothing quite like entertaining an audience and taking them on a journey with you – it’s a true privilege. Despite the challenges, I couldn’t recommend it more.
What advice would you give your past self?
Be brave. And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
