A footy umpire in a casino; a writhing leper; and throwing food around a shopping centre wearing a fright wig. Damian Vuleta has performed some interesting roles over the past 20 years.
He’s acted in films such as Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures and The Frighteners, as well as the David Blake feature Lost & Found. His performance in the play Dig co-won Best Actor at the Ballarat One-Act Play Festival and won Best Supporting Actor at the Anglesea Festival in 2006.
He first began acting at university in New Zealand, then became active in amateur theatre. After completing a course at Hagley Theatre Company, he toured with the Whakarite Theatre Company in 1994, performing in 120 schools around New Zealand.
He also worked behind scenes: he was assistant stage-manager for Christchurch Summertimes’ outdoor production of The Tempest at the end of 1994, and was theatre technician for Linwood High School in 1995. He has continued off-stage support in stage management, lighting operation, and poster design.
Since arriving in Melbourne in 1996, Damian has performed with companies such as Blue Chair, Hartwell Players, and New Theatre, as well taking part in Short & Sweet 2007 and several short films.
Apart from acting, Damian is a keen cyclist, graphic designer, and Doctor Who fan. Ask him about the fright wig.