Client Feature: Lexi Sekuless from The Mill
It was a pleasure to interview Lexi Sekuless - Canberra Actress, Presenter, Voiceover Artist; owner of The Mill Theatre, and Acting Coach.
I worked with Lexi on her actor headshots, as well as branding images for her website, social media and marketing.
You can check out these images in this article and also via my website. For now sit back, relax and enjoy this interview with the creative powerhouse Lexi!
Meet Lexi
Actress, Theatre Owner, Advocate for the Arts.
Where do you draw your inspiration for acting, and when do you feel the most inspired?
Theatre is life with the boring bits cut out, so the greatest joy is that our work as actors can—and should—be inspired by absolutely everything around us. The cab driver with a wild backstory, the teacher we secretly believed had magic powers, our families, our friends, strangers on airplanes... it’s all fuel. Aristotle said art is a "mimesis of a praxis"—a reflection of real life—and Hamlet reminds us to “hold the mirror up to nature.” So, really, we have the most incredible privilege: the whole of humanity is our inspiration.
I feel most inspired when I’m in the rehearsal room, directing or producing, and a group of artists come together to imagine something into existence. We start with nothing and build a world from shared creativity and trust. And there's nothing quite like watching someone at the start of their journey step into a moment they never thought they could own—that's real magic. That’s when I’m at my most inspired.
What does your business do exactly?
The Mill Theatre is a space that nurtures the local creative community, providing an accessible, affordable venue for both emerging and established artists. It’s a home for Canberra’s artists to develop their craft, share their stories, and connect with audiences. More than just a venue, it’s a hub for growth—offering co-productions, mentorship opportunities, and professional support for actors, directors, and production teams.
Importantly, The Mill is also helping to fill a gap left by some of the government-funded venues in Canberra. While these institutions should play a key role in cultivating our creative ecosystem, many have become gatekeepers rather than enablers—often overlooking the potential of local talent or denying them the space to grow. At The Mill, we’re working to turn that around. We believe in the skills, passion, and vision of Canberra artists, and we’re here to back them. My vision is to help build a thriving, professionalised theatre scene right here—so our artists don’t have to leave town to be taken seriously.
What are your 3 top tips for actors?
Embrace vulnerability: The best performances come from being authentic and willing to show your true self on stage.
Commit to the process: Acting is not just about the performance—it’s about diving deep into the process of building a character and understanding the text. Take your time and commit fully to the craft.
Stay curious: Never stop learning and growing. Explore different forms of theatre, attend workshops, and connect with other creatives.
Images by Tina Nikolovski, taken for Lexi Sekuless.
Tea or coffee?
I’d say coffee is my go-to, especially when I’m preparing for a busy day of rehearsals or meetings. But when I want to slow down, a nice cup of herbal tea is the perfect way to unwind.
What drew you to Tina’s work in general?
I’ve always admired Tina’s ability to create and capture authentic, powerful moments. Her photography doesn’t just reflect an image—it tells a story, distilled into a single frame. That’s something that resonates deeply with me, especially in my work in theatre and arts advocacy, where we’re constantly striving to reveal truth and connection.
What truly sets Tina apart, though, is her immense attention to detail and her deep respect for the subject. When you look at her portfolio, it’s clear she’s not imposing a style onto her subjects—she captures them. She shoots you. That’s incredibly rare. Most photographers have a “look” they fit everyone into. Tina doesn’t do that. She finds the essence of who you are and draws it out with care and precision. That level of authenticity and adaptability is something I value enormously, and it’s why I was drawn to work with her.
How did this photoshoot help you solve a problem / what did, or will, you use the images for?
The photoshoot helped me capture the evolving identity of both myself as an artist and the Mill Theatre. I’ll use these images for promoting the theatre, as well as showcasing my work as an actor and advocate. They’ll also help me represent the Mill’s mission to grow the arts community here in Canberra—visually embodying the theatre's welcoming, professional, and creative space.
What type of a photoshoot was it (e.g. personal branding and actor headshots)
It was a mix of personal branding and professional headshots. I wanted to capture not just the “actor” side of me but also the theatre owner and arts advocate. It was important to reflect both sides of my work—one that involves being on stage and one that involves creating spaces for others to do the same.
Actor Headshot of Lexi - Taken by @tina.nikolovski
What made you gravitate towards Acting in particular, and being a theatre owner? What motivates you everyday to come to work, and what is your favourite part about your business?
I’ve genuinely tried doing other things! I’ve worked in government, doing policy work, and while I found meaning in that space, I always missed creating and storytelling. That pull toward the stage—toward making something out of nothing—never left me. I’ve realised I’m at my best when I’m making things: characters, productions, communities.
With that blend of industry experience and a policy mindset, the next natural step was to ask: what if I could run a space where I set the policy? Instead of advising an elected official, I could put my values into practice. I want a stronger, more inclusive creative industry—not just to talk about what’s broken over coffee or stew over missed opportunities. I don’t want to wait to be invited in, and I definitely don’t want to be part of shutting the door on others. This stage of my career is about building the room, and making sure it stays open.
Acting gave me a deep love for human connection and storytelling, and owning a theatre gives me the tools to pass that on. What motivates me every day is knowing that the work we’re doing at The Mill is helping shape a more vibrant, supportive future for Canberra’s creative community. My favourite part is seeing a group of artists come together—whether they’re seasoned professionals or taking their first steps—and watching them build something that didn’t exist before. That sense of collective creation is incredibly powerful.
I often say to casts that my favourite play—Enron—describes how the global financial crisis started (a fairly negative concept!) by comparing it to an imaginary airplane that takes off only because everyone believes that it will. My favourite moment in any process is when a shared belief helps all of us rise to a stratosphere as yet unknown. The Mill has certainly achieved that many, many times—it’s outstanding.
Personal Branding image taken of Lexi Sekuless, by Tina Nikolovski.
Do you run classes for actors, if so where should readers head to find out more?
Yes! At the Mill Theatre, I offer various classes, including acting workshops and professional development programs for emerging actors. You can find out more by visiting the Mill Theatre's website or following our socials for updates on upcoming classes and events.
Tell us a bit about yourself, your fav things and your journey into becoming an acting coach in particular, what drew you to this path? Do you teach anything else (public speaking, singing etc?)
I’ve always been passionate about the arts and empowering others to find their voices—whether through acting or through creative leadership. My journey into acting coaching came after years of performing and realising how vital it is to guide emerging actors through their own creative journeys. Beyond acting, I also help with public speaking and advocacy training, as these skills are crucial for anyone working in the arts. I’m a big believer in the power of communication, whether it’s on stage or in the boardroom.
What are the feelings you have on the day of the photoshoot?
A mix of excitement and focus. I’ve done photoshoots before, but this one felt particularly important because it was about showcasing the work I’m doing with the Mill Theatre. It was an exciting moment to reflect on how far I’ve come and where I’m heading.
What was the biggest challenge for you, and what do you think you achieved?
The biggest challenge was capturing the right balance between personal and professional in the photos—reflecting my journey as both an actor and theatre owner. I think the shoot achieved just that, and the images now feel like a true representation of where I am in my career and what the Mill Theatre stands for.
Actor Headshot taken for Lexi Sekuless, by @tina.nikolovski
How long have you been an acting coach for, and what was your formal training? Summary is fine!
I’ve been an acting coach for several years, with formal training from London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, where I graduated in 2013. During my time in the UK, I had to adjust my accent to sound more British, which led to challenges I didn’t fully understand at the time. When I auditioned for an Australian TV show and had to relearn my own accent, it made me realise how important voice work is. This led me to explore more speech pathology techniques and eventually to voice training. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that acting technique is just one piece of the puzzle. What really matters—more than anything—is temperament and talent. In fact, temperament plays the biggest role in how an actor approaches their craft, and I bring this perspective into my coaching, alongside the technical skills I've gained throughout my career.
What is your favourite way to ‘move your body’? (walking, gym etc)
I love walking—especially by the lakes in Canberra. It’s a peaceful way to clear my head and get inspired, especially when I need some space to think.
How did seeing the final images make you feel about yourself and/or your brand?
Seeing the final images was a moment of reflection, and it was important for me to not fall into the trap of being overly critical. As an actor and performer, it’s easy to get caught up in self-judgment and perfectionism, but I really had to step back and approach the images with kindness. They captured my essence as an artist, as well as the spirit of the Mill Theatre, which felt affirming. It was a reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be in this phase of my journey, and that’s something to appreciate and celebrate, not judge too harshly.
What advice would you give someone who would like to do a shoot but does not know where to start in terms of booking/planning/etc?
Start by understanding the purpose of the shoot and the message you want to convey. Research photographers who specialise in your area—whether it's acting, personal branding, or something else. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with the photographer beforehand to discuss your vision. It’s all about making sure the shoot aligns with what you want to project to the world.
Images by Tina Nikolovski, taken for Lexi Sekuless.
Step into the Spotlight!
Have you been putting off your branding images or brand shoot? I would love to help you capture imagery that sells and helps you tell your story. Get in touch today - I would love to hear about your vision!
Explore my Personal Branding, Commercial, Actor and Model package options.
Let’s connect
@tina.nikolovski
