Date of Interview: 8 September 2025
Interviewer: Serena Coady
Interviewee: Linh Huynh
SERENA COADY
How did your relationship with New Earth first start?
LINH HUYNH
Well, it was, a long time ago, like over a decade ago. So maybe back in 2013, I just finished studying maths at The University of York and didn’t really know what I wanted to do next. I had a good feeling that I want to be a performer or an actor, and I just remember going to a careers advisor and asking her, like, if I could even do any acting after studying maths, because I thought I basically set myself up for life and it’s all set in stone.
So after that kind of conversation, she advised me to, I’ve got nothing to lose. So look into it. And I just remember googling at the time, you know, any sort of short course would be brilliant. And I remember putting in, you know, acting for a new stage in Southeast Asia and, and it popped up. It was like one of the first that popped up, that offering.
At the time, it was known as Yellow Earth at the time, but that would be the New Earth Academy. So that’s how it all started. And yeah, and I’ve been in contact with them since.
SERENA COADY
Nice. How did you find the academy like what was involved in your course when you did it?
LINH HUYNH
That was 2013. So it was just an introduction to screen acting, I think.
And I think it was a two week course where we just were able to do various workshops. I just remember being really amazed at the things that they were offering. So first they called us all down to audition for a course, and that was probably the first time I’ve even had a taste of what an audition felt like.
So I was really, really nervous. I remember meeting Kumiko at the time. She put us all at ease, and I don’t know if I’ve mentioned, but I was based in Nottingham at the time and back in 2013, I didn’t know anybody who wanted to go into the arts, performing arts, acting, as a Southeast Asian. It was my first time too, just being in a room with all East Asians and Southeast Asians. So that was pretty overwhelming, but overwhelmingly good because I just felt automatically so at ease. Everyone was just so playful and it was just that safe space to play and act. And we did one of those exercises where we had to retell fairy tale fables. And I remember doing the Tortoise and the Hare a classic, and then, yeah, after that they had to select people.
And I was fortunate to be selected for the course that year. So that was great.
SERENA COADY
So it felt kind of like a community when you first interacted with New Earth then?
LINH HUYNH
Yeah, it definitely felt like a community from the get go with New Earth. Yeah. It was so, so nice. And yeah, I am still in contact with people from 2013.
The thing with New Earth is they will never turn you down. So that was pretty life changing, I would say, in influencing and encouraging me to pursue the arts. I applied again in 2015. This time it was more introduction to drama school because I had no scooby clue like what drama school entailed. So I was just so keen and I was like, please sign me up, please, please let me in.
So I got to go to London again and play like, know what screen acting is, know what radio is. Yeah. Know what it’s like to do physical acting. I think we did some fighting training as well. It was all fun.
SERENA COADY
So would you say that those two courses with New Earth kind of led you on your creative path?
LINH HUYNH
Oh, definitely, definitely. It definitely shaped where I went next. Then I went to train as an actor. They did Q&A sessions at the time as well, with other people who had gone down that path and gave really solid advice. Really just helped navigate the fear because there were so few of us, I guess back then pursuing it or being seen on screen so it was just really encouraging to have people already forging the path.
But with New Earth as well, I would say they shape you as a person. So it’s not just that I wanted to be an actor because later down the line, I also explored poetry and spoken word. And then I applied for the writers course last year and was accepted.
So I’m exploring that discipline as well. And you were so, just so encouraging with whatever you want to do.
SERENA COADY
You mentioned before that there were so few of you back in 2013. How have you seen that change over the years?
LINH HUYNH
I think the industry, taken us seriously, and it’s great to see, you know, with all the Constellation Bursaries scheme that’s been running, seen more and more mentioned in the press and associated with New Earth, seeing people in casting. It’s boomed, it should be that way and I hope it continues.
I don’t know whether this is relevant to this interview, but I’ve worked with New Earth as their marketing assistant. Of course, as an actor, I would love to act, but I found that I also have skills within marketing and creating stuff to champion other people and advocate other people. So I think on that side, I’ve seen how much change there has been within the decades and seen the shows that they’ve put on.
So for me, I’m contributing on that side. So yeah, I’m still optimistic there will be one day maybe I will feature in a New Earth Play. It’s yet to come. But I’m happy, you know, exploring other disciplines and yeah, using my skills elsewhere as well.
SERENA COADY
How would you describe New Earth’s approach to storytelling? Is there a particular style or lens that you’ve noticed?
LINH HUYNH
I feel like New Earth are very open. They are always looking for something fresh or innovative at the same time, honoring, you know, our East Asian and Southeast Asian roots or things that have been shared before, like common narratives, but in a different light. Reclaiming a certain voice or story. I feel like they’re very good at spotting them and then nurturing those kinds of stories.
SERENA COADY
What do you think makes New Earth different to other theater companies in the UK?
LINH HUYNH
The champion East Asian, Southeast Asian work. That’s all. That’s what makes them different and brilliant and tackling it straight on and just being bold and brave. And that’s what I love about them.
SERENA COADY
What is it that excites you, or what does it mean to you to be a part of the 30 year anniversary?
LINH HUYNH
It’s really, really special to be part of their 30th. You know, as I’ve told you about my origins with them, I wouldn’t be here doing what I do without that Google search in the first place and finding them. So I’m really glad that they were established back then and still here today. So, you know, to hit this milestone of being 30, it’s just a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come, we’ve come, and what’s to come. I feel like it’s an absolute beacon of hope, as well as evidence of how much they’ve trail blazed.
SERENA COADY
What would you say to other, like, aspiring artists or emerging artists who are hoping to connect with New Earth or engage with one of their academies?
LINH HUYNH
So my advice would be, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yeah, none of the teams are scary. Very approachable, very open. They’ve never turned me down. I’ve been like, you know, in academies and then working for them and then. Yeah, doing another course with them like they’ve always been really supportive. It’s a lovely team. Yeah. It’s just a community, like I feel that word is really over used as an but it is a really tight knit like community and I feel like everyone’s out there, just wanting the best for everyone else.
SERENA COADY
Is there a particular story like, or moment during your history with New Earth where you felt that aspect of community?
LINH HUYNH
I’ve been really fortunate to have many memories with New Earth. One being, you know, with the Academy’s being able to celebrate with the actors who were finding their path or beginning their path, and then being able to celebrate right at the end of that week. Either showcasing work or talking to New Earth members. And then going behind the scenes like I said, actually working for New Earth. Seeing what goes on just makes me appreciate what goes on behind the scenes as well. I can’t really pick out a standout moment because they have all just been part of my experience with them.
SERENA COADY
Is there anything that you like? Are there any hopes that you have for New Earth in the future?
LINH HUYNH
I hope they continue to grow. I hope they continue to engage with other parts of the country, and spread awareness, and reach out to those who might not even dare to dream about working in the arts. You know, I remember being based in the Midlands, having never really lived in London, and it was interesting because I always thought or felt like on the outside looking at them, the hub in London.
So it’s great that they have branched out to Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and they continue to do so to engage with other parts of the country as well. And I hope that they are still here in 30 years time as well.