Actors Hugh Jackman and Jack Thompson share a laugh.
Camera IconActors Hugh Jackman and Jack Thompson share a laugh. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Laying foundation for future theatrical stars

Tanya MacNaughton, Guardian ExpressEastern Reporter

Jackman, together with actor and founding patron Jack Thompson, launched the Foundation on Saturday at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, which will be the principal and initial beneficiary.

Jackman graduated from WAAPA’s acting course in 1994 and said he owed his success to the world-class facility.

‘I can tell you with absolutely certainty there is no way my career would be where it is or I’d be standing here on this stage today if it wasn’t for WAAPA,’ Jackman said.

‘There is not a day I don’t walk on to a set, in to a rehearsal for a theatre, or whatever it is, where I don’t use something that I learnt here.

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‘It was free for me to attend but it’s not free anymore and our goal with the Foundation is to nurture our talent.

‘The Foundation is about being a solution for arts funding. This is just the beginning, this is a starting line in a marathon and we hope to be here for the long haul.’

Jackman finished by performing I Still Call Australia Home with WAAPA’s musical theatre students.