The artiste is furthering her studies in the performing arts, and intends to make it to Hollywood and the West End
SHE is one of Malaysia’s triple threats.
A versatile talent who not only sings, acts and dances, she also does voiceovers and was a radio announcer at TraxxFM.
Stephanie Van Driesen certainly believes that the sky is the limit when it comes to a career in showbiz. Her desire to reach for the stars is as strong as her drive to put herself and the country on the world entertainment map.
To bring her closer to her dream, the bubbly 33-year-old, best known for starring in plays like Betrayal and musicals such as The Secret Life Of Nora, Cabaret and The Wizard Of Oz, will be taking up a postgraduate course in fine arts this year.
Come Sept 19, Van Driesen will be heading to the lecture halls at East 15 Acting School of the University of Essex in the UK for two years.
As part of her fundraising effort to pay for the course, Van Driesen is organising a concert for her fans on Aug 10. Titled Stephanie Van Driesen Live And Exclusive, the intimate, two-hour showcase, will take place at the 120-seat Bentley Recital Hall in Wisma Bentley.
Expect songs from her best known performances over the past decade.
“This is my thank you to fans, and I hope they’ll have a great time. I’m also raising funds for my studies via my own crowdfunding page, where fans can pledge donations,” said Stephanie.
She was accepted as one of only 20 students out of over 2,000 hopefuls worldwide. “This inspired me to do whatever it took to raise funds.”
The last three months saw Van Driesen successfully raising RM50,000 to cover her first year at the university. She reveals that a “kind soul” who watched her in Betrayal at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre pledged to fund her second year of study.
“I’ve been very fortunate to receive some funds to cover my first semester of the two years there, but still need help and thus I’ll double my fundraising efforts.”
Stephanie launched her campaign #SendStephtoUK Indiegogo. Fans can access the campaign at https://igg.me/at/SendStephtoUK
EXPAND TALENTS
East 15 Acting School is endorsed by two big names in film — Sir Ben Kingsley and Colin Firth. “I’m thus looking forward to studying in this prestigious school, and while in the UK, I plan to make connections with producers and directors for career openings.”
She promises fans she will make the most of her studies, as she is determined to make it in the West End and Broadway, and realise her full potential. “While I’ve a degree in performing arts, having a master’s makes me more bankable and helps me go even further,” she says. “In other words, it is an excellent opportunity to expand my talents on a larger stage!”
Stephanie graduated from La Salle College of Arts in Singapore in 2007 with a first class honours in musical theatre. For her achievement, she was awarded the President’s Award.
On her most challenging play she has ever performed to date?
“It’s got to be Betrayal. It was in English and Malay, and there was no singing involved — I’m not very fluent in Malay, and plays which are strictly dialogue aren’t easy for me. I’m happy to have made it and earned positive feedback!”
NON-JUDGEMENTAL
The former student of Sekolah Menengah Stella Maris, in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, will soon launch her debut album titled Melbourne.
“It has five songs, and all but the title track are named after the seasons,” she says, adding that Melbourne pays tribute to the Australian city which she has visited four times since 2003.
“I love Melbourne because its arts scene is vibrant. Also I have relatives there,” says Stephanie.
Her album is a story with self-penned lyrics, and music by Eric Loong. “It’s got a soulful sound with some electronic music.”
On her showcase, Stephanie says she will perform songs from her Marilyn And Me act held two years ago in Theatre Lounge Cafe, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. “I’ll also feature songs from Wicked, The Wizard Of Oz, Cabaret and Disney films.”
Her guest artistes will include Tony Eusoff, Tria Aziz and Irish bagpipe player Faliq Auri.
“On Aug 18 and 19, I’ll be participating in the Georgetown Arts Festival with Rhythm In Bronze. I’ll be performing in Malay and English and play the Kenong (a miniature gong) and Slenthem (a xylophone).”
Stephanie will also be taking part in the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s Ola Bola In Concert on Sept 15 and 16.
“It’s a tribute to the music of the Ola Bola movie, and I’ll perform songs composed by Onn San, its music composer,” she says, adding that it will be her last performance before she flies to the UK.
When asked what she loves most about her career, Stephanie says: “The performing arts makes me human by understanding different characters. This makes me non-judgemental and breaks down feelings of prejudice. The arts bring people from various backgrounds together, and that’s why I’m passionate about it.”