IN between revising for his A-levels, rehearsing for three local productions and auditioning for ten drama schools, a De La Salle student has been crowned Young Actor of the Year for the second time.
Magnus Surcouf (17) wowed judges when performing two contrasting pieces of drama and poetry in the speech and drama final of the Eisteddfod festival.
Magnus decided to take on the titular part in Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, performing one of the Dane’s monologues, before presenting a sarcastic mockery of the class system in Simon Armitage’s poem “Thank You For Waiting”.
Describing it as “truly surreal” to win the title once again, Magnus said he was “not expecting it” as he faced six competitors.
“This year was one of the toughest years at an Eisteddfod that I have competed in; every single competitor was on their A game. I knew going into the final that it really could be anybody’s competition to win, with many of the competitors winning different classes throughout the week.
“My mindset was focused on giving the best performances that I could in spite of the high calibre that I was competing against, so it was not an easy win at any stage.”
Having been attracted to the stage since a young age, Magnus said acting had helped him develop as a person.
“Acting has helped me so much through life. It has always been there as a support system, having the freedom to escape from myself and all the struggles or hard times that I have gone through,” he said.
“Having to portray different people and their own thoughts and feelings makes you think and reflect about yourself and your own ways of thinking and feeling, so it is therapeutic and cathartic, which is why I think I have stuck with it so long.”
Magnus learnt his craft from Island tutor Julie McLoughlin over the past six years, describing her as “an incredible teacher”.
He added: “Julie is a person who I have to give credit for whenever it comes to my acting as she has helped me develop in leaps and bounds.”
The other six students in the young actor final were also Mrs McLoughlin’s students.
“She homes in on our skills and attributes specific to each of us, helping us grow as the performers that we want to be,” Magnus said.
“She knows a piece that every student will excel at and gives us pieces that will challenge us to tap into unreached potential.”
Those crowned Young Actor of the Year receive £500 and the prospect of opportunities to benefit from the experience of local theatre professionals.
Last year, Magnus put his prize money towards an “intensive” drama school course and audition over the summer. This year’s winnings will also come in handy as he prepares to leave the Island to join what he describes as a “tough” acting industry.
Nevertheless, he seems ready for it.
He said: “Having heard different stories from industry professionals and putting myself through the paces of doing countless productions while here in Jersey, trying my hardest to stay on stage as much as possible, but also doing a week-long summer conservatoire at a UK drama school, I learnt first hand how much of a strenuous process it is.
“But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know that if I were to become an actor, then I would be living my dream, not having to feel like I am doing a hard day of work for the rest of my life.
“All of the schools that I am auditioning for are incredible in their own right, and also have incredible reputations and alumni to back them up. So we shall see if I am able to get into any school in my list of auditions, and then see where I will go from there.”
Describing Magnus as “talented and committed”, Mrs McLoughlin said he was in the “best position possible” to achieve what he wants to in the future.
“Magnus is certainly talented, focused and very committed, which is what makes the difference. A lot of people think they’d like to go to drama school but Magnus has made sure he’s got himself in the best position possible.
“He’s now good at being self-critical and knowing where to improve if something hasn’t gone quite right, which is indicative of someone who knows what they’re doing.”
