On the Couch with Rob Gaetano

Rob Gaetano oncWho is Rob Gaetano?
I’m an actor, sometimes writer/producer/director, an avid traveller and a lover of nachos.

What would you do differently to what you do now? 
I would take more risks, be more daring. Throw more caution to the wind.

Who inspires you and why?
I draw inspiration from many different people at different times in my life. It’s usually people that are close to me, family and friends, rather than an “idol”. At the moment, it’s my amazing friend Chloe Reid. She’s an incredibly positive person, and is one of those people who handles anything you throw at her with such effortless grace.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Encourage people to be nicer to each other, to smile more often and to not sweat the small stuff.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York City. I’ve been there three times and the city has such an incredible energy to it. No one is from New York, the people that live there, go there for something – be that to study, to launch their career or even to find love. It’s this that gives New York City it’s unique energy. I love it!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Either Ponyfish Island or the Rooftop Bar – not really attractions, but great drinking spots.

What are you currently reading?
I’ve just started re-reading My First New York: Early Adventures in the Big City. It’s a compilation of stories of well-known people’s first encounters with New York City.

What are you currently listening to?
All Eyes on You by St Lucia

Happiness is?
Family, friends and the one I love.

What does the future hold for you?
Living the dream in New York City.

A graduate of the National Theatre Drama School, Rob Gaetano‘s credits include: Conquest of the South Pole, The Laramie Project, Orpheus & Eurydice (National Theatre), Big Sky Town (St Martins Arts Centre), I Wish You a Boat (Ward Theatre Company), Kiss Me Like You Mean It and My Pet My Love (MARC Up Productions), Unconditioned Heart (Backyard Theatre) and various TVCs.

As a director, his credits include Rebel (Midsumma Festival and Melbourne Cabaret Festival) and Shiva (Melbourne Fringe). Rob is also a writer and last year spent the summer undertaking further training at Ward Studios, New York.

Rob is currently appearing in Spark Theatre Company’s production of As You Like It at the Brunswick Arts Space as part of the Melbourne Fringe 25 September – 5 October 2014. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.

Image: Rob Gaetano