AFTER a three-week acting trip to Los Angeles, 20-year-old Zara Michales of Caringbah is set on making a name for herself.The aspiring actress was part of a select group from the Australian Institute of Performing Arts (AIPA), taking intensive acting workshops at the Young Actors Space in the city, a well- respected training institution with alumni including Leonardo DiCaprio and Molly Ringwald.“It was such an eye-opening experience,” Miss Michales said.

“I met a lot of amazing people and learnt a heck of a lot.”

Along with daily acting classes, she had the opportunity to meet different casting directors and actors.

“Former Home and Away star Ryan Kwanten came in to give us an inspiring pep talk,” she said.

“I was particularly excited to meet Jane Jenkins, who discovered Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise when they were unknowns.”

The trip exceeded Miss Michales’ expectations, as she was lucky to catch the eye of a manager, which led to an extra performance in front of some new fans.

“David Hasselhoff was in the audience and congratulated me, which was quite exciting,” she said.

At an acting workshop at AIPA last November, Miss Michales received great feedback about her acting skill and ability by Twilight casting director, Joseph Middleton. As a result, she was invited by AIPA to attend the Los Angeles tour last month.

An AIPA spokeswoman said more than 200 people had applied for the tour and Miss Michales was one of 41 young people to be selected.

“Zara is an exceptional young Australian actor. Her talent and dedication far exceeds other actors of her years,” the spokeswoman said.

“There was a lot of agent and manager interest in Zara in LA, and it will only be a matter of time until we see her on the big screen.”

Back home, Miss Michales is putting her journalism degree at UNSW on hold so she can jump at any opportunity which may arise.

“This is the time that I have to give acting my all,” she said.

“I have a potential lead role in an Australian indie film this September, so until then I will continue going to acting classes at AIPA and, fingers crossed, I will be back in LA soon.”

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.