If a career in food doesn’t work out after MasterChef Australia, teenager Callan Smith has another goal.
Callan, 18, tells TV WEEK he would like to apply to prestigious acting schools including the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Past graduates of the two acting schools include Hugh Jackman, Jai Courtney, Cate Blanchett and Miranda Otto.
“I want to go in to producing and directing and stage managing – so more behind the scenes stuff,” Callan says.
The Sydney student graduated from a performing arts high school last year and focused on musical theatre in his final year of studies.
“Food and theatre are my passions,” Callan says.
A standout cook from the start, Callan also reveals he did have a few hesitations about being the youngest in the cooking contest.
“I thought it would be quite challenging,” he admits.
“Once I got my apron I was contemplating how hard it would be, but it’s actually been really good.”
A lover of weird, wacky and wonderful ways to cook, Callan has earned the nick-name named “Mini Heston”.
With a strong focus on sweets, Callan has marveled the judges with flavours including pairing icy granita with soup, which prompted Thai cuisine legend David Thompson to declare he hated a dish that was so smart.
Captaining his team to victory in Yotam Ottolenghi’s challenge at Bertie’s Butcher, Callan is one to watch.
While it hasn’t been without it’s challenges, Callan is enjoying every second of his time on MasterChef.
“I want to be able to get up each day and enjoy what I do. Being a part of MasterChef will help me do this and lead me on a path of eventually opening a theatrical dining restaurant.”
