Actress Sara Liyange hails from Melbourne in Australia. She recently attended the world famous International Presentation of Performers (iPOP!) in Los Angeles, with NYLA Talent, the world’s leader in the talent development and consulting space.
We caught up with Sara to find out more about this rising star!
HELLO SARA, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WE ARE THILLED TO TALK WITH YOU TODAY. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
Thank you for having me. I am Sara Liyanage, and actor from Australia.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO ACTING AND MADE YOU REALIZE THAT IT WAS YOUR CHOSEN PATH?
Going into the arts has always been a driving factor of mine for the creative side of me that I left behind at a certain age during my teenage years. After years of theater, drama, table tennis and swimming classes during my childhood years, singing, dancing, swimming and netball lessons during my teenage years I came to a halt. What was that halt? A boy I found myself incredible close to during my teenage years. I was unfortunately bullied out of pursuing any ounce of creativity in-line with the worsening of anxiety that I only wanted to push past. However, I did not choose to speak to anyone about this. Instead, it was an internal decision I made to re-visit again in the future. So here I am, having studied the theory and practical lessons of screen and media (TV and Radio) and being a chameleon to adapt to situations it is a possibility.
EVEN FROM AUSTRALIA YOU TRAIN WITH NYLA TALENT. HOW IMPORTANT IS TRAINING FOR YOU?
Training is super important! To stay in touch with any new and upcoming techniques of the now and in-tune for upcoming auditions or projects are important! It is vital to stay on track with the right training.
YOU RECENTLY RETURNED FROM IPOP! TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE
Absolutely incredible! The entire experience was a whirlwind of never-ending events and excitement all in one! I had the best time, not only to be a part of and witness the instant growth in performers who attended iPOP! but to also realize that my decision to attend only meant the start of something big and incredibly new. That something which I’d keep forever. Friends that I’ve made for what feels like a lifetime with people who are on the same journey as mine, without a level of understanding that is close to none. Yes of course, there were competitions that I attended which were acting related (monologues and TV commercials) and singing!
Although singing (‘Stay’ by Rihanna) was incredibly nerve-racking, it only felt better and better the longer that I did. To push past the negative creative-bashing commentary of a boy I used to know, to a level of bliss and pure enjoyment while singing was by far my biggest internal development/growth highlight (thank you to James Lugo for encouraging me in a safe space, and to everyone there).
To be able to experience moments in the NOW and not the PAST or TOMORROW was brilliant. My highlighted events for this exceptional creative event by iPOP!were‘The Greatest Showman’ performance during the evening of the Awards Gala, the Pep Rally to embrace the hype and excitement involved in iPOP!, the Thirst Project’s initiative in making world class humanitarian difference.
I really enjoyed networking and meeting new people that are relative to the ambition and goals we all have from performers to industry professionals.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Life is unique and what you make of it. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise and chase what you desire the most because there are over 7 billion people in the world and there will be a group of people who you belong with. Be yourself.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I solo traveled across three oceans, one sea and four continents over nearly 2 months. I have the ability to make up songs to a tune relative to the environment, and I am a cat, dog, fish and plant owner!
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
I can be contacted through my IMDb @Sara Liyanage, Instagram @sliya_ and Facebook @Sara Real Estate.
