Tina Thomsen
Actor
CBSHS 1989 - 1991
Most recognised for her role as Finlay Roberts in the soap opera Home and Away, Australian actress Tina Thomsen returned to Redcliffe a few years ago to raise her family. She now spends her time training and coaching budding actors.
After attending CBSHS from 1989 – 1991, Tina pursued a successful acting career in Sydney. Following a successful role in Home and Away (1991 – 1997) she has also has appeared in a number of shows including Shark Bay, All Saints, Big Sky, GP and Farscape.
She has also written, directed and produced a TV Mini-series Forever Elle.
During her time at CBSHS Tina particularly enjoyed English and especially the creative writing side of the subject. She still uses these skills to this day in her work as a script writer, director and screen acting coach - devoting her time and experience to helping other young actors break into the industry.
Tina credits the support she received from both teachers and fellow students at CBSHS in giving her the confidence, belief, courage and drive to pursue a career in acting.
Her favourite memories of her time at CBSHS are of her French and Maths classes mainly due to her inspiring teacher Mr Tiplady. Tina says Mr Tiplady had high expectations of students and demanded respect but gave the same in return. She also remembers that he had a great sense of humour but above all else was kind to everyone he met. Since bumping in to him on the Peninsula four years ago they have kept in regular contact.
As a successful actor Tina would highly recommend CBSHS to any students that are interested in a career in screen arts due to the great drama program that the school operates. She recently had the pleasure of being invited to watch a feature film made entirely by students at CBSHS saying it would have been a dream come true for her to have had access to this kind of experience back in the early 90’s.
Looking back Tina says that if she had her time as at school again she wouldn’t sweat the small stuff, she would also have listened to her parents more and most importantly she says she would have learnt not to compare herself to others – remember you are enough!.
Her final piece of advice to today’s students is “If people disappoint you, let it go and don’t regret the kindness you showed them”.