Who is Blake Appelqvist?
Hi Internet. My name is Blake Appelqvist and I am a 6’3” actor from Canberra who has steered a very non cohesive career path in musical theatre and I am currently working with an extremely talented group of people at the Hayes Theatre on American Psycho.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I hadn’t worked towards a career in theatre, I would have studied to become an architect. During high school I was always interested in drawing/design and sustainable living (so it seemed like the logical move) until I took the gamble of pursuing this path. I am so grateful to have moved to Melbourne and studied at the VCA to be able to see the reality of a musical theatre career and I admire anyone in smaller towns who is working that hustle and pursuing a similar dream.
Who inspires you and why?
My biggest inspirations have been creative people that have used their unique taste/vision/style to not only generate a career for themselves, but have helped educate people through their individuality and promote inclusive normalities of spectrum based ideologies like gender, sexuality, and race. These are people like: Frank Ocean, Chella Man, Munroe Bergdorf and FKA Twigs. I think people can gather inspiration from every interaction and every moment.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Encourage thoughtfulness. I try my best to make small differences every day with my choices and actions that better the world we inhabit, whether that’s something as small as bringing a reusable cup for coffee in the morning or exercising empathy with a stranger – it’s the little things that can make all the difference in behaviour and awareness and help us all work towards creating a future worth sharing
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere small and quiet for my family to switch off, connect with nature and relaaaaax!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I suppose it depends on what they’re into, but if it were up to me I’d take them out to catch up over a good meal. If it was someone new I would maybe lessen the intimacy to a movie or activity based outing, but when it’s an old mate who I haven’t shared space with in a while I tend to want to know everything about their life, in explicit detail and clarity
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading a script actually, The Dismissal – a brand new Australian musical based on the famous dismissal of Gough Whitlam and let me tell you it is going to be a RIOT – you don’t want to miss it (at the Seymour Centre this June #plug).
But truthfully if I have spare time I like to draw. The act of drawing calms me and allows my creativity to soar and that’s a really helpful outlet in this industry to have a place to escape to and remember your pool of artistry. Check out my art at @wolfbang on instagram if you’re interested/bored!
What are you currently listening to?
Great question! NAO and Sabrina Claudio are currently on repeat, but generally I listen to a combo of new soul/rnb tracks, funky Jamiroquai types and iconic albums that I never get sick of, such as: Songs from a Broken Chair (Noah Reid), Cold Heart (Thirdstory) and Freudian (Daniel Caesar).
Happiness is?
A lazy Sunday afternoon at home on the couch with Bronte, a glass of white wine, the sun swimming across the room, Stanley Tucci (my dog) at my feet and Ella singing something camp through a speaker – mmmmm yeah that!
What does the future hold for you?
I don’t know but I imagine it will be as unpredictable as the path I’ve already paved and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store…
Blake stars as Paul Owen in the Australian premiere of American Psycho The Musical at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre from 16 May 2019. For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Blake Appelqvist (supplied)