There is something powerful about finding the courage to be yourself, especially when the world around you seems to be telling you otherwise. For actor Reuby Chip, the journey into theatre has been about much more than performance. It has been a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, community, and learning to embrace the parts of himself that once felt difficult to express.
In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with Reuby to explore the experiences that shaped both the performer and the person he is today. What begins as a conversation about acting soon unfolds into an honest discussion about identity, belonging, creative growth, and the role storytelling plays in helping people connect with one another.
Growing up in Sydney, Reuby often felt constrained by the environment around him. While surrounded by supportive people, he found it difficult to fully express himself and explore different aspects of his identity. Looking back, he describes carrying a lingering sense of self-judgment and uncertainty that followed him into adulthood. It wasn’t until he moved to Melbourne that things began to change.
The move provided more than a new city. It offered a fresh start. Melbourne’s diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and openness to different lifestyles gave Reuby the freedom to explore who he was without feeling restricted by expectations. More importantly, he found himself surrounded by people who led with authenticity and vulnerability, inspiring him to do the same.
That willingness to be open would eventually become one of the foundations of his work as a performer. For Reuby, storytelling is about connection. Whether on stage or in everyday life, stories create opportunities for people to listen, learn, and understand one another. In a world where so much interaction happens through screens, he believes live performance offers something increasingly rare: genuine human connection.
His path into acting was far from conventional. After exploring university studies and briefly attending film school, Reuby found himself unsure of what direction to take. Acting was initially something that seemed exciting, challenging, and worth exploring. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion. Rather than feeling like a career choice, acting became a way of engaging with life itself.
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Reuby’s perspective on performance. While many actors focus solely on their craft, he believes that living a full life is just as important as performing. The experiences, relationships, successes, and failures people encounter ultimately become the stories they bring to the stage. For Reuby, great acting comes not from perfect technique but from genuine human experience.
The discussion also highlights his love for Melbourne’s independent theatre scene. While independent theatre can be messy, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic, it also provides an environment where experimentation and vulnerability are encouraged. Reuby describes it as a community where there is room for both ambition and collaboration, and where making mistakes is viewed as an essential part of growth rather than something to fear.
Andrew and Reuby also dive into Foreplay, the acclaimed queer comedy currently captivating Melbourne audiences. Reuby stars as Pete, a character navigating desire, relationships, boundaries, and self-discovery. The play follows two couples as they explore what happens when long-standing relationship rules are challenged, creating moments that are funny, awkward, heartfelt, and deeply human.
What makes the story resonate, according to Reuby, is that it extends far beyond sexuality. At its core, Foreplay is about people trying to do their best while navigating complicated emotions and imperfect decisions. The characters are searching for connection, struggling with uncertainty, and trying to understand what they truly want from life and from each other. These are experiences that audiences from all backgrounds can recognise.
Playing Pete has also challenged Reuby personally. The character’s openness, impulsiveness, and emotional honesty have encouraged him to examine aspects of his own life and identity. In many ways, the role has become an opportunity not only to perform but also to continue growing as a person.
Throughout the episode, one message remains clear: authenticity matters. Whether discussing theatre, relationships, identity, or creative expression, Reuby repeatedly returns to the idea that meaningful connections are built when people allow themselves to be seen. His story serves as a reminder that personal growth is rarely instant, self-discovery is often messy, and finding your voice is a process rather than a single defining moment.
Ultimately, this episode is about embracing vulnerability, finding community, and recognising that the stories that connect us most deeply are often the ones that reveal our shared humanity. For Reuby Chip, both life and theatre are about showing up honestly, taking risks, and allowing yourself the freedom to become who you are meant to be.
