On the Couch with Daniel Assetta

Arts Review On the Couch Daniel AssettaWho is Daniel Assetta?
I am a 22 year old performer from Sydney. I trained in Singing, Dancing and Acting from a young age and have always had a passion to one day pursue a career in the industry. And I am very lucky to say that I am living the dream.

What would you do differently to what you do now?   
I actually couldn’t be happier with what I am currently doing now however I have also had the thought of being a recording artist so that’s something that has always played in the back of my mind.

Who inspires you and why?
Growing up my biggest inspiration was always Michael Jackson. He embodies the perfect performer. Not only is he an incredible dancer and singer but also his passion for music and his craft was something that really stood out to me.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well I’m not sure what I can say that would good enough to make that much of a difference. However I really love teaching children and passing on all of the knowledge and skills I have learnt about this industry back to them. So I guess this would be my small contribution by hopefully inspiring others to make performing part of their lives.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to the UK and the USA over the last two years but a holiday I would next like to go on would be a place where I could just lay on a beach, soak in some sun and relax completely. That would be pretty great. Maybe Hawaii.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I really enjoy heading out to the beach with friends. Sydney has some great beaches to offer and when the weather is right, there is nothing like having a swim and a bite to eat relaxing on the sand.

What are you currently reading?
I’m actually currently reading The Curious Incident Of The Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. I was inspired to read it after watching the play in London recently. Its an incredible story narrated a boy with Asperger syndrome, giving readers a look into what the world looks like from his perspective.

What are you currently listening to?
I love listening to everything but I am currently obsessed with a couple of artists and their new albums especially The Weekend, Miguel and Nathaniel.

Happiness is?
I believe that it is something different to everyone. Loving what you do everyday. I have an incredibly supportive family and group of friends that I constantly surround myself with and their positivity.

What does the future hold for you?
As long as I am part of this performing industry I think I’ll be pretty happy. However I would love to perform one day on the West End and eventually make it to Broadway in New York. You gotta dream big, right?

Daniel Assetta is one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming performers. He trained at The Glenda Yee School of Dance and graduated from ED5 International with a Diploma of Performing Arts. Daniel made his musical theatre debut in Wicked and toured throughout Australasia with the show. His credits also include Opera Australia productions of Carmen, Tosca, Turandot, Billy Budd, Carmina Burana and The Magic Flute.

Television appearances as a dancer include The ARIA Awards, X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance and Young Talent Time. He has worked alongside artists such as Guy Sebastian, Kate Miller-Heidke and Kelly Rowland. Daniel was honoured with the Playbill Future Prospect Award, and last night was awarded the highly prestigious Rob Guest Endowment Award for 2015.

Daniel is currently appearing in Cats the Musical as Rum Tum Tugger at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, before touring to Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. For more information and performance dates, visit: www.catsthemusical.com for details.

Image: Daniel Assetta