Who is Andrew Coshan?
Andrew Coshan is a Kiwi Actor-Singer-Dancer, currently performing as Scrooge’s Nephew ‘Fred’ in A Christmas Carol at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
A large part of my love of acting is being able to affect a crowd. To give an audience a united emotional reaction through storytelling is truly invigorating. So if I had to choose something different I’d like to maintain this quality. I’d be interested in studying that actually. To be a behavioural psychologist and study the collective human response to theatre and film. That would be very interesting.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who can be unapologetically themselves. Which is what I’m always striving to be. We all wear masks in social/public settings so that we can control the way we’re perceived. But to be truly maskless is so freeing and joyous. Vulnerable and terrifying, yes, but I think it’s worth working through that difficulty, so anytime I see someone manage it, even for a short time, I find that very inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m very fortunate to have found my passion and been able to turn it into a career. I would help as many people as possible do the same. Not necessarily to career level but I’d love for everyone to at least find a hobby they’re truly passionate about. I think it makes life worth living and the mental/emotional benefits of pursuing your passion are substantial. Overall happiness increases and with increased happiness comes increased compassion, tolerance and generosity among other benefits.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I recently went to Europe for the first time and absolutely fell in love with Lake Como. I stayed in a hostel on the north end of the lake in Domaso. It was right on the water and I simply couldn’t believe the view. I spent hours laying by the lake, drinking cocktails, sunbathing and going swimming. Italian cuisine for every meal. What more could you want?
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A Christmas Carol at the Comedy Theatre. For obvious reasons.
What are you currently reading?
Heroes by Stephen Fry. I’m up to where Theseus has just learned about the Minotaur and has volunteered to enter the Labyrinth to save the lives of his citizens. Classic.
What are you currently listening to?
Taylor Swift just released 1989 (Taylor’s Version) so that’s on regularly at the moment. But my most frequent listen is the podcast Armchair Expert. Would highly recommend both.
Happiness is?
Finding joy, contentment or pleasure in the small things. If you can smile about little things then you’ll smile 100+ times a day.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m waiting to hear from 3 acting jobs which I’ve done callbacks for. The outcome of these will dictate my entire year, so until I hear back I’m in a bit of limbo, but I guess that’s the career I signed up for. More long term, I’d like to move to London to pursue acting in UK stage and screen. Thinking the middle of 2025 at this point. My mother is from the UK so it feels a little bit like going home even though I’ve never lived there.
Andrew stars as Fred in A Christmas Carol – currently playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until 7 January 2024. For more information, visit: www.christmascarolaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: Andrew Coshan (supplied)