Features 19
As an experienced director, actor and musician, David
Searston knows what it takes to push creativity, make
sacrifices and fully commit to his dream of seeing his
plays on international stages. The friendzone premiered at
the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba during June and has
now made it to the stages of New York and Philadelphia
to be enjoyed by American audiences. He truly knows
what it takes to make it in the theatre industry, saying,
‘it has to be treated like a relationship; you’ve got to
give it everything or it doesn’t work out. But also like a
relationship, sometimes you get the girl and other times
you get friend zoned.’
Despite this analogy, David didn’t write The friendzone
from his own experience of relationships but from
watching his friends make fun of each other on social
media over getting ‘friend zoned’. After realising the
potential in this theme, he spent two days in Sydney
penning his first solo play that would hopefully grow
to really connect with a modern audience – something
relatable, youthful and genuine.
After finishing high school at St Mary’s College,
Toowoomba, he started out as a childcare teacher,
concerned that his true passion in life wouldn’t afford
him a comfortable life. However, after realising working
in childcare didn’t provide the spark he needed to thrive,
he left it behind to follow his dreams of studying theatre.
His advice for current theatre students is to remember
the importance of sticking out a professional education in
today’s world and use the social aspect of study to help
build a strong network. ‘When you’re feeling doubtful,
think about the level of commitment and hard work three
years of professional training and learning represents to
employers and collaborators.’
It’s also important to note the role of social media and the
online sphere in David’s journey. Channels like Instagram
and Twitter provide young playwrights, actors, actresses
and directors with unlimited possibilities in terms of
networking, establishing connections and creative growth.
Make sure you finish
your professional
education because the
social aspect helps to
build a strong network
and the level of
commitment and hard
work it represents
to employers and
collaborators could be
the difference between
a yes and a no.