Young people of Nillumbik - meet Nathan Borg
Published on 07 March 2016
Meet Nathan, he’s one of the amazing and talented young people who got involved in Nillumbik Youth Theatre’s (NYT) production of Hairspray. And like many of us, he wants to meet Ellen DeGeneres.
But what is really unique about Nathan is that the aspiring actor was deaf as a baby. He now has cochlear implant that enables him to hear and sing!. He also happens to be an awesome dancer too.
Nathan mentions that there have been people in the past who’ve discouraged him from pursuing acting due to his disability, but that has never stopped him from following his dreams.
“You should never let anyone or a disability stop you," Nathan said. "If you want something so badly, you gotta work super hard for it and I am doing that.”
Nathan travelled to Hurstbridge for rehearsals and blared out Hairspray songs in his car on the two hour return trip to Bacchus Marsh where he lives.
“I am really proud to be a part of this," he said. "It's just amazing that I have become part of Hairspray in Hurstbridge and made friends all over Victoria.”
The production involved 60 young people aged 10-25 years from all over the Nillumbik Shire and they rehearsed for five months.
“I have gained my confidence more through dance and singing in my role, and become friends with people who love the same industry as me. You all become a family soon enough and it's an amazing feeling because you really do learn from each other at any age.”
The theatre group performed in front of around 1000 people over four shows at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre.
“Throughout our performances, we had an amazing audience. Every performance was different, each night you would get this really excited feeling inside you before you go on stage because you couldn't wait to show the audience what you and your crew had created with our minds, bare hands and love. On Friday night, we had these kids that were off their seats and dancing on the stairs with us too!”
Nathan is studying at New Face Talent Academy and working part-time. He has worked as an extra on three ABC shows, including Dr Blake Mysteries and continues to pursue his dream to work in film and theatre.
His biggest dream though, is to be on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
“I really want to talk to people about myself, to never let a disability or a person tell you what to do. Do what you believe in, and go for it. Don't let anyone or anything bring you down, if you see an opportunity, go for it!!”
Find out more information about Nillumbik Youth Theatre.
Check out photos from our production of Hairspray by visiting our Facebook Fan Page.