Scouted: Jarryd Nurden
I have known the beautiful enigma that is Jarryd Nurden for many years. He's a singer, a dancer, a model and an actor. He is also one of the most unpresumptuous and gentle souls that I have ever met. Currently on tour with the musical production SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Jarryd took some time out of his busy schedule to catch up and chat about what he has been up to.
You spend a lot of your time away from home and your family. Does it get easier with time or do you still get home sick?
That is always the hard part of travel, missing home. In a way it gets easier as you learn how to cope being away for so long, but I definitely do still get home sick when I am not in denial that I am not homesick (haha) . You have toured many countries including Korea, Singapore and New Zealand. Which is your favorite international destination? This is a tough one , all so different from each other and all having their pro's and con's ! In terms of city life I would say Singapore , it's so beautiful, clean and vibrant. Korea was the most special so far as it was very cultural , different but had the balance between crazy cities and amazing landscapes, and moving culture. New Zealand is a gorgeous country as well , especially the areas where they shot Lord of The Rings and the Hobbit. We travel to Hong Kong soon , and i have been told this could be my favourite destination. So we will see but on a whole Travel is such a gift , it lends you fresh eyes and gives you a life boost ! The majority of us are lucky to get blessed with one talent. You look like a supermodel and can sing, dance and act circles around most people. Which of your God-given talents do you cherish the most? That was a major compliment in a question, haha . Thank you so much . It's hard to choose just one , as each ability allows me so much artistic expression and emotional release in its individual ways. I think I cherish my voice the most if I had to choose but I cherish and am grateful for all of my abilities. You have starred in popular musicals such as West Side Story, Cats The Musical and now Singing In The Rain. Which role have you enjoyed the most? This is also such a tough one. All shows so different and with such dynamically different roles. I loved playing Riff in West Side Story, as this was my first Principle role which allowed me to act, dance and sing in one role, a dynamic & very challenging part, it grew me as a performer which I loved. It was exhilarating to play Riff every night and I was grateful to have been nominated in this role for best supporting actor for The Durban Mercury Theatre Awards in 2014. Playing Skimbleshanks in CATS recently definitely ties! To be a part of such a historical and special musical , on international stages was mind blowing! I truly enjoy and love what I do so any part big or small I love doing.
Male dancers often get a lot of slack for their art. Have you ever been on the receiving end of jock brutality? Unfortunately this is true, however in my experience it boils down to maturity, life experience and ones understanding of self, people who don't have this are usually the bullies , the people who will judge from insecurity. In my schooling days I was on the receiving end but now i find myself not caring or energizing what people have to say about me or my colleagues. The wheel turns. Haha . As long as you are being true to yourself you will stand strong in any situation you face. I have had the privilige of seeing you grow from a young school boy into the amazing man you are today. Is it hard to remain this grounded while your fan base is expanding at a rapid rate? You have been such an incredible support, so firstly thank you. To remain grounded is a constant task, and I say that meaning it's important to find balance in your life , know what you are feeling, where you are going, constantly going back to your truth inside and listening to your soul's and body's desires/messages. Meditation and affirmation and keeping a good mind set all help in keeping your self grounded with perspective. So I try my best to do this whilst traveling, learning and growing. You matriculated from Maritzburg College, a school which has produced many a formidable sportsman, businessman and artist. Would you say that your years at the school played a part in moulding you into the person you are today? Absolutely. Your schooling years are so pivotal in determining your direction from an early age. I had a great support structure all around me which I am very grateful for, from Maritzburg College and my family. It's all character building, the tough times strengthen you in the long run and the good times mould and guide you. Mary-Anne Hartley was the driving force in pushing me into this industry along with my mother Mandy Tyrer who is now pushing other kids into positive directions with her new School - The My Tutor Center in Pietermaritzburg, so a big thanks goes to those ladies. You are chosen for a mission to the moon and can take only 3 items with you. What do you take? My iPhone, something that makes lots of food ;) and my toothbrush ! Haha
