Focus on Erin Patience

When and how did you realise you would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

I’ve always been that ‘drama kid’ throughout my schooling days. Eventually, when the time came to seriously start looking into what career to pursue, I already knew that my calling was in storytelling and being a creative. Next thing you know, bright-eyed, 15-year-old Erin was busy sending out emails to agencies, production houses & artist management companies; eager to start her professional acting career. It was a radical but Holy Spirit-led call to action… one that has completely changed the trajectory of my life in every way imaginable.

What is your favourite memory of your time at PALI? Do you perhaps have a favourite production that you were part of?

By far most, if not all, my favourite memories are tied to my peers. We were a small but rowdy bunch. So, when it came to SGE (Small Group Examination) and End-Year show preparations, it was nothing short of humbling, yet entertaining.

My favourite production will forever be our 2023 End-Year show, ‘LYK ONS VIR JOU STOEPIT?’. It was my final PALI production as an incubation student, while simultaneously saying goodbye (and thank you) to the three years that have shaped me as an artist and person. Many parts of the play were workshopped and was a collaboration of minds under the guidance of Luan Jacobs, our stage facilitator. From changing lines to fit our characters better, to perfecting comedic beats, to dancing with a corpse; I enjoyed every part of this process. And I can also never forget our final curtain call as 2023 graduates with my classmates - needless to say, it was a whirlwind of emotions.

You are currently also busy with our filmmaking course at PALI Film. Why did you decide to also pursue filmmaking?

It all comes back to being a storyteller - pursuing the craft and art behind relating to people and their lives through means of a few cinematic heartfelt moments. Aside from this course being an addition of skills along with acting; I also want to be the kind of filmmaker one day who can relay the stories of everyday people to everyday people. As for long term goals, my heart behind filmmaking is applying it to create local & international Christian missionary documentaries/films.

Why do you think it is important for artists to have multiple skills?

The quote that I find very encouraging, specifically, in my career is, “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”.  Being diverse and adaptable in your skillset is one of the greatest tools, any artist should continuously strive towards. One of the first things the industry has taught me, is to remain teachable. These skills open the door to various new opportunities, networking and personal growth. Nothing grows in comfortability, so how could you?

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Know your ‘why'. Why am I doing this? Why am I exasperating myself in the pursuit of being a creative? Why does storytelling fill my heart tank? Your ‘why am I doing this’ influences your ‘how can I do this’. The answers to these questions are different for each person. For some, these answers change with time and for others they are set in stone. Your ‘why’ keeps you going, gives you direction and keeps you sane.

We are immensely proud of Erin and look forward to seeing what other projects she excels at in the nearby future!

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