Julia Hales – Following her Dreams
Julia Hales, (Class of 1998), is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and courage can lead to extraordinary achievements. An accomplished actor, playwright, and advocate for people with disabilities, Julia’s journey is one of creativity, determination, and social change.
Finding Her Voice at Santa Maria College
Julia fondly remembers her time at Santa Maria College, where her love for drama first began. “There are so many memories,” she shares. “Drama class with Mr Hal Davies was special. He encouraged me to be myself on stage and gave me great advice about going into character.” Julia’s first taste of the spotlight came during the school production of Oliver! – a moment she recalls with laughter, thanks to a memorable (and messy!) scene involving a raw hotdog. It was at Santa Maria that Julia also formed special friendships, including her best friend, Kristy Smith.
A Trailblazer in Theatre and Advocacy
Inspired by a performance from her sister Amy, Julia decided she wanted to be on stage too. Julia pursued her passion for acting, breaking down barriers for artists with Down syndrome. Her connection with DADAA (Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts Australia) was a pivotal step in her career. Through DADAA, Julia met Simone, a mentor who helped her secure an audition for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She completed a one-year course at WAAPA with Bill McCluskey and later continued her training in acting for film and television with Damien Foley.
Julia’s critically acclaimed play ‘You Know We Belong Together’, co-written with Finn O’Branagáin and Clare Watson, premiered at the Perth Festival before touring internationally to London’s Southbank Centre, Edinburgh, and the Sydney Opera House. The play not only captivated audiences but also sparked conversations about inclusion and representation for people with disabilities.
Leading with Passion and Purpose
Julia’s advocacy extends beyond the stage. She uses her platform to educate audiences about the experiences of people with Down syndrome. “One of the things I share is how people with Down syndrome were treated in the past. It was just awful,” she reflects.
In recognition of her contributions, Julia recently received the Medal of the Order of Australia, a moment she describes as “everything” to her. She was also a finalist for Western Australian of the Year in 2022, an experience that, in her words, was “a highlight of my life.”
New Dreams and New Stages
Despite her many achievements, Julia’s journey is far from over. She is currently working on a new project with collaborator Finn O’Branagáin and dreams of starting her own theatre company. And her ultimate goal? “I still want to be on Home and Away,” she says with a smile.
Her advice to aspiring artists with disabilities is simple and heartfelt:
“Be prepared for hard work, but it’s also lots of fun. Know what you want and go for your dream. There will be painful days, but connections and organisations will help you along the way.”
A True Santa Maria Spirit
Julia’s story embodies everything we celebrate at Santa Maria College: courage, compassion, and excellence. She has not only broken barriers in the arts but also opened doors for others to follow. We are incredibly proud to count Julia Hales among our alumni and can’t wait to see what she achieves next.
- AlumniSpotlight, DisabilityAdvocacy, DownSyndrome, Featured, InspirationalStories, JuliaHales, PerformingArts
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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