Alumni in Focus
5 Minutes with Patch May
Patrick Alexander May ( OR2009 ), or ‘ Patch ’ to his friends , graduated from the halls of Riverview only to return via the TV screen . After snagging small roles in iconic Australian dramas , A Place to Call Home and Home and Away , he recently starred as one of the leads in the ABC comedy series Ronny Chieng : International Student . We caught up with him recently for a quick Q & A .
Did your schooling at Riverview influence your decision to get into acting ?
Acting is something that was always inside me , but the first time I properly allowed myself to dream was when I was nominated for ‘ On Stage ’ in my Year 12 HSC . My schooling at Riverview gave me a solid platform for a lot of my decisions in life . I was taught to give everything a go and learnt to keep my mind open and curious for any opportunity that came my way . The school ’ s ethos and emphasis on discernment helped confirm my true reasons for getting into acting and is why I have remained in this industry through thick and thin .
Which characters have you enjoyed playing most ?
Definitely Craig Cooper in Ronny Chieng ; International Student . It ’ s the biggest role I ’ ve had and an absolute blast - to be able to play someone so energetic and high on life was incredible . Also , playing Kurt ‘ Hellbent ’ Ramone in The Half Dead was thrilling as my first real acting gig . I learnt so much from being on set with some really experienced actors and thoroughly enjoyed preparing for the role , which included extensive training and dieting and also doing my own stunts .
What advice would you give Drama students who are considering pursuing an acting career ?
First , go with your gut - be it acting or any career . Better to go hard for two years and realise it ’ s not for you , than to be playing the ‘ what if ’ game . Second , find something else you like doing or are passionate about . There can be months at a time when that phone doesn ’ t ring , so to have something else isn ’ t just good for your bank account , but also your mental health . Finally , always be curious . Don ’ t stop asking questions , as it keeps your possibilities endless .
Congratulations Charles Pegum
Charles Pegum ( OR2014 ) was recently awarded the St Ignatius Medallion at Newman College , the Jesuit college at Melbourne University . The medal is awarded to “ a student who makes a significant contribution to the life of the community ,” which in Charles ’ case , was an acknowledgement of his community service . He has been awarded a scholarship by the College to begin a Master ’ s degree next year . We congratulate Charles and wish him the best in his continuing studies .
Charles Pegum ( OR2014 ) with the College Rector , Fr Bill Uren SJ .
36 | IGNATIAN | DECEMBER 2017