Chelsea Thomas’s journey in acting

Chelsea Thomas is a rising South African actress whose passion for performance began at a young age, fuelled by a love for impersonation and storytelling. After honing her craft at a performing arts school during her high school years, she naturally transitioned into a professional acting career. Audiences will recognise her from the acclaimed series Spinners, where she brought the character of Amber to life while taking on the unique challenge of learning the world of spinning. As she continues to expand her portfolio with film projects and new creative ventures, Thomas remains committed to growth, pushing boundaries, and exploring the depth and diversity of human stories through her work.

Q. Looking back at your journey so far, what first drew you to acting, and when did you realise this was something you wanted to pursue professionally? 

I’ve always been a natural performer. I used to love impersonating people and tv characters as a child! Later in my high school career, I joined a performing arts school where my love and passion for performance grew. It was just the natural next step to pursue acting professionally. 

Q. Your roles have allowed you to explore very different characters and worlds, what do you look for in a character or project that makes you want to be part of it? 

I absolutely love being versatile. I am always curious about what it’s like to be in somebody else’s shoes, so I always kind of look for what a character wants, needs and where their power lies. Figuring out their ‘why’ somehow automatically draws me to them. Even if I don’t necessarily agree or fully understand the character – I enjoy a challenge! 

Q. You feature in Spinners, a series that has reached audiences both locally and internationally, what was it about the project and your character that excited you when you first came on board? 

Definitely the spinning! It was unlike any other brief I’ve ever received in my career so far. It hit close to home, because Spinning is and has always been a big thing in Kraaifontein. Amber and I are also worlds apart. I enjoy exploring characters that I have absolutely nothing in common with. 

Q. Was there anything about the production or the character that challenged you in a way you didn’t expect? 

Performing some of the stunts were definitely challenging. I am quite the perfectionist, so when I do partake in something, I want to do it right. Nothing prepares you for your first time getting behind the wheel to spin when you’re an anxious driver! However, we had the best spinning coaches and stunt teams who guided me and always made me feel safe and secure. 

Q. Is there a particular role or project you’ve worked on that has changed the way you approach your craft or helped you grow as an actor? 

Every project I work on teaches me something new. I always approach every new character/project with the intention the learn. To be stretched, challenged and as vulnerable as I can be. Something I realise every time I’m on the set of Spinners is that I am but a small part of a very big machine. 

Q. How do you balance bringing your own experiences and personality to a character while still fully stepping into someone else’s world? 

I believe that the characters I portray shouldn’t have anything to do with me, so when I do bring personal experiences or personality – I keep that in mind. I am very bubbly and always joking around, and yet I’ve always played characters who are either way younger than me, or the complete opposite of who I am. I am grateful for that because I prefer it that way! 

Q. What is something about the acting profession that you wish you had known when you were starting out? 

The long hours and what we call “hurry up and wait.” I fantasised about the industry in the ways that I’ve seen it on tv: Plenty of time on set, months in advance to properly train and prepare for a character. I quickly realised that the South African performing arts industry is way different from Hollywood! 

Q. Is there a particular role or type of character you hope to play at some point in your career? 

I would love to play a villain in a period film hopefully when I look a little older in my thirties! 

Q. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your journey that you didn’t expect? 

I am truly unstoppable. When I was starting out, I’d shy away from a lot of things due to fear. I’ve learnt over time that nothing will happen for me if I constantly get in my own way. Now I walk into every casting with confidence and certainty. 

Q. Looking ahead, are there particular kinds of characters, genres or stories you’re hoping to explore next in your career? 

I’ve done two films this year for the very first time and I think that is a world I would like to continue exploring. I’ve done series and telenovelas for most of my career so far, so I am excited to explore film and see what I have to offer.