Dreams Can Come True: Rachel’s Yap’s journey from the Fairholme Stage to the National Institute of Dramatic Art
December 13, 2024
For many aspiring actors, the dream of stepping into the world of performing arts often feels like a distant fantasy. For 2024 Fairholme College Head Girl Rachel Yap, however, that dream is now one step closer to reality.
This week, Rachel received the thrilling news that she had been accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). This opportunity marks a major milestone in her long-held dream to pursue acting professionally.
‘I've wanted to become an actor for as long as I can remember, and I've found comfort in the creative arts my entire life. While I've always dreamed about becoming an actor, it felt more like a dream than a reality for so long. It wasn't until quite recently, probably the last year or two, that I realised that this passion could actually become my career in the future, I just had to work for it.’
The NIDA program Rachel has been accepted into is a three-year, full-time Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Designed to prepare students for a career in acting, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes performance technique, voice and movement classes, and even stage combat, voiceover work, and screen and TV acting.
With more than 1,000 applicants vying for just 24 coveted NIDA spots, Rachel admits that she had no idea whether she’d be accepted. ‘They don’t usually take people straight out of school. The whole experience of making it to the final round was insane to me so I just tried to appreciate each step of the way and not fantasise about getting accepted too much,’ she says. ‘But overall, I had a really positive audition experience and learnt so much, so I was feeling hopeful.’
The audition process for NIDA’s highly competitive program is rigorous, involving three stages. First, Rachel submitted an online video application featuring her performance of two monologues—one heightened text and language piece (i.e, Shakespeare) and one contemporary piece.
‘I submitted that video in mid-September and then in November I got an email saying I'd made it into the second round which was an in-person audition in Brisbane. During my in-person audition, I performed my first two monologues again and then made it to the third round later that day where I performed and workshopped a third monologue. Finally, I participated in a short ten-minute interview.’
When the call came, the news was overwhelming. ‘It was surreal,’ she recalls. ‘I kept walking around the house thinking, ‘I can’t believe I got in.’ I had spent so much time stalking the NIDA website and Instagram, imagining that I would get to go there one day, and now that it has finally happened.’
Rachel immediately shared the good news with her family and close friends, including Fairholme Speech and Drama Teacher, Mrs Katrina Bailey, who had played a key role in supporting her through the audition process. ‘She helped me pull together my applications and offered her creative guidance and expertise. But what really meant the most was the belief she had in me every step of the way.’
Looking ahead, Rachel has big plans for her future. While she has a deep love for the stage, her ultimate goal is to break into the film and TV industry. ‘Once I finish the course, I hope I can fully support myself through my acting’, she says. ‘I’m keen to learn all that I can about art and humanity through acting and hopefully elevate the voice and stories of marginalised people through my creative endeavours.’
As for what inspired Rachel to pursue acting, she credits a childhood favourite: Dorothy the Dinosaur. ‘I like to say that Dorothy the Dinosaur inspired me to pursue a creative career,’ she laughs. But in all seriousness, Rachel has drawn inspiration from a wide range of actors, including Bella Ramsey, Anna Sawai, Michelle Yeoh, and Saoirse Ronan. ‘These are all people who are pioneers in the acting industry and who are brimming with talent, humility and compassion.’
Throughout her time at school, Rachel’s passion for the arts has been nurtured and supported by both her teachers and peers. ‘I am so grateful that Fairholme provided me with so many opportunities to develop not only my acting skills but also my creative skills through activities like the school musical, choir and instrumental groups,’ she says. ‘But most of all, it was the people at Fairholme who really helped me get here. Regardless of whether they were involved in the creative arts of not, all my teachers and peers were so supportive and enthusiastic about me pursuing acting and I am so grateful for that.’
Now, with her future at NIDA on the horizon, Rachel’s acting career is truly just beginning. Her journey is proof that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of belief, dreams really can come true.
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As we welcome a new year, 2026 Head Boarder Miranda Mann talks about her ambition for her time in the role, reflects on her formative years and looks to what the future holds beyond the tartan. Miranda represents the sixth-generation of cattle graziers from Hillgrove Station, north of Charters Towers. With a deep connection to the land and a heart full of compassion, Miranda brings a grounded, inclusive, and community-focused ideal to the Head Boarder role in 2026. Beginning at Fairholme in Year 7, when she first arrived from her family’s historic Brahman cattle station, established in 1861, before the founding of Townsville. The transition from rural life to boarding school was significant, but it was the unwavering support of her fellow boarders and the dedicated boarding staff that helped her find her place. “An experience that has shaped me to who I am today is the support I received from fellow boarders and staff during tough times,” Miranda reflects. “It’s a great feeling when you know the people around you care for you and want you to succeed. That drives me to do the same for others, because the impact can be significant.” As Head Boarder, Miranda is most excited about working closely with students and staff throughout the year, especially during key events that bring the community together. “I want to make the most of my time left at Fairholme, it’s going to fly by,” she says. “My goal is to leave an everlasting impact by building a more connected and respectful boarding environment. I want every girl to feel comfortable and to enjoy the boarding space even more than they do now.” Miranda’s hope is that her leadership style is rooted in empathy and action. She encourages younger boarders to embrace every opportunity: “Get involved with others and join in on activities around the boarding house, even something as simple as a game of touch. It really makes the term more enjoyable and creates everlasting memories. And don’t be afraid to try new extracurriculars, even if you haven’t done them before.” With her strong sense of community, deep appreciation for her roots, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, Miranda Mann is set to make 2026 a memorable and meaningful year for the Fairholme boarding family.
Friendship, connection, and a beautiful handover afternoon tea. At the beginning of this year, our Boarding Wellbeing Audit highlighted one message loud and clear: strong peer support is one of the most powerful influences on boarder wellbeing. In response, we set out with intention to strengthen and expand the ways our older girls walk beside and uplift our younger ones. In Term 2, we introduced our Middle Sisters program: a group of dedicated Year 11 Boarders who stepped in to support our Year 7s as the Year 12 academic demands increased. Over the past three terms, the Year 7s and Year 11s have shared plenty of laughs, chats, and practical support, building bonds that have enriched daily boarding life. Wanting our Year 8s to experience the same connection, we extended the initiative to include Year 10 Boarders who were interested to take on a similar role. This group has done a wonderful job running relaxed, group-style mentoring over shared dinners—something the Year 8s have thoroughly enjoyed. A big thank you to Year 11 Boarder, Bella Quinn, who has taken the lead in organising our next group of peer mentors. She has brought together our current Year 9s, who will step into mentoring roles in 2026, supporting today’s Year 7s as they move into Year 8, continuing the cycle of connection and care. Bella hosted a lovely afternoon tea to mark the handover. It was a chance for our Year 11 Middle Sisters to introduce their Year 7s to the new Year 9 mentors who will walk alongside them next year. The Cameron Room was filled with chatter, laughter and the beginnings of friendships that will carry through many years of boarding life. It was a reminder of what makes our community so special: girls supporting girls, encouraging one another, and finding strength in connection.
