“In the words of Billy Elliot, performing feels ‘like electricity’. There’s nothing like the adrenaline that goes hand in hand with performing for a live audience.”
As the curtain opens, a confident figure lit by a beam of blue, strides across the stage. From a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, his dazzling smile and stage presence have the audience captivated from the first line.
The name Riley Cope, might not ring a bell yet – but this 21-year-old performer and artistic entrepreneur, is working relentlessly towards his dream of achieving world-wide success in the entertainment industry.
From performing in over 50 productions and competitions, to entertaining on Carnival Cruises and participating in ‘drag’ shows in Sydney – it’s clear that Riley Cope is a diversely talented individual.
Within a matter of years, Riley went from local community musicals, to appearing on Australian television shows like Love Child and directing a production of his own. It is this drastic jump in such a
short period of time, that is what makes Riley’s journey
and determination so astonishing.
Born in Wollongong, Sydney, Riley started performing around the house from a very young age. He says it’s evident looking back on old home videos, that he was destined to participate in the performing arts. The performer described how he would always direct friends and relatives for impromptu performances at family gatherings. “I have always been outgoing and standing in front of a crowd never bothered me,” he explained.
At the age of 10, Riley’s family moved to the Sunshine Coast, where he joined the local theatre company: Buderim Youth Theatre of Excellence (BYTES). It was here, under the direction of mentor Robyn Ernst that Riley’s journey in the performing arts, truly began.
For Riley, BYTES was a fantastic place for him to put his training into practice. While attending classes at BYTES, Riley obtained lead roles in a number of musicals including Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, CHICAGO and Oliver. “I am forever grateful to Robyn Ernst and BYTES for the opportunities they have given me, including full time teaching work while at home,” Riley said.
Robyn explained how Riley had nearly dropped out of BYTES in his first week of joining. “I rang his dad, which I never do, and said that I really thought Riley should stick at it, because he had enormous potential. Riley never looked back, and in his final year he gave an unforgettable performance of Fagin in Oliver, with most of the audience believing he was a man in his 40s.” Robyn commended the young performer’s talent, but feels that if Riley never had the creative freedom to ‘play’ at the theatre company, he wouldn’t be the accomplished actor and director he is today. “I’m just glad I made that phone call!” she said.
Once Riley graduated high-school, he completed his Bachelor of Musical Theatre at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM). During his final months at AIM, Riley was given a graduating recital assessment. Instead of producing the stock standard “stand and sing five linking songs”, Riley decided to take over his grandma’s garage and create a fully-fledged production. “This 30-minute production was the foundation for the full length show, ‘In Flight Entertainment’,” he said.
The aviation themed, cabaret musical was developed further during Riley’s spare time whilst working on-board Carnival Paradise. A job which he was informed of the same week as his graduating assignment. “I was over the moon,” he recounted.
However, this excitement was short-lived when Riley found out that his dream job wasn’t such a dream after all. Once on-board the ship, Riley learned that he wouldn’t be performing as much as they lead him to believe. “I was a bit disheartened. They put me on as a ‘Fun Squad Host’, a title which I dislike very much. I worked 12 hour days, seven days a week,” he revealed. In addition to guest related activities, Riley was also expected to perform crew duties, port manning and safety briefings.
Despite the unexpected duties, Riley embraced his new role and Carnival was quick to recognise his stand-out personality. For all his hard work and connection with the guests, ‘smiley Riley’ was awarded Team Member of the Month and rewarded with a well earned day off. “It was a big risk and I worked extremely hard, but I’m glad I experienced working for a cruise line,” Riley said.
The performer’s biggest risk however, was pursuing his own personal musical once he arrived home – a goal which he set for himself to complete while he was still 21.
One of the main discoveries Riley made through his journey, was that in today’s world, it’s all about making your own work. He explained how most people are only suited to a few character types and wait years for that certain musical to come around, only to find out they didn’t get the role. “Why not create your own show tailored to you!” Riley exclaimed.
That’s exactly what Riley did with ‘In Flight Entertainment’. A musical masterpiece that he wrote, directed and produced entirely solo. Throughout this experience, he was able to combine his love of aviation with theatre – which he says was a dream come true. “I love performing and the adrenaline that rushes through my body as I stand in front of an audience. I equally love the joy and satisfaction I feel when my director’s vision comes together and I see the audience and my actors having a blast,” he described.
Bringing his production home to the Sunshine Coast in January, was an added achievement for Riley. “I am very grateful to the patrons of the show and all the support I received from the local community.” he said.
Although Riley has achieved great successes, the performer admitted that he often feels immense pressure to succeed in all his endeavours. “I want to prove to myself, friends and family that I can make a career in the arts and support myself, just as if I had an ordinary day job.” The actor is passionate about how he doesn’t want to do the normal, “I’m an actor, so I work part time as a waiter.” He wants to make a living out of what he loves.
This is ultimately what has been Riley’s main motivation to keep striving to achieve his goals. No matter what he winds up doing in the future, whether it’s jiving in the background of a television show, directing a play or teaching youth theatre, Riley doesn’t care. As long as he’s making people happy, that’s the most important thing.