Ayril Borce is a Filipino-Australian performer born in Romblon who moved to Adelaide in 2007. He completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and has experience in jazz choir, drama and dance. In this Philippine Times (TPT) interview, he discusses his upcoming role in the Melbourne production of Saturday Night Fever.
How did you get involved in musical theatre?
I got involved in musical theatre when I was in high school. It all started when I did the Class of Cabaret back in 2014, where someone in the audience saw my performance and asked me to audition for their youth production of Hairspray.
I auditioned and luckily got in to become an ensemble. I got to meet so many talented young performers in Adelaide, but importantly, I got to experience what a musical was, and I loved it!
In 2023, I got offered a spot at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) for their Diploma of Musical Theatre. I finished my diploma and started professionally auditioning from 2024 onwards. From then on, my love of musical theatre has grown and can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.
How did you feel about this upcoming role with the production of Saturday Night Fever?
Honestly, it was all super sudden since I just came off of doing Tarzan The Stage Musical. I had about a week after Tarzan closed and I was right back into auditioning. What I loved about the audition process for Saturday Night Fever (SNF) was that it was quick and so welcoming. The pressure wasn’t there from the beginning. I was able to just enjoy the process without overthinking everything.
I am so grateful to be in this show, especially in something that came from a classic movie.
When the brief for Saturday Night Fever came out, I got so excited because I am so familiar with the movie, but especially the genre of music it has, disco! Growing up, I loved listening to disco and the disco divas that were on the radio.
I feel honoured that I get to step into this production with such amazing people and creatives because I get to learn so much from everyone. Being fresh into the industry, I am just so eager to get to know everyone in the cast and the team, but to also soak up as much knowledge and tips and tricks.
Photo credit: James Terry.
Photo credit: James Terry & Cameron Grant.
What are you most excited about for Saturday Night Fever?
I am the most excited about bringing to life the soundtrack of the show just because I love listening to the genre. The songs in this show really are just classics that everyone loves, and the way it builds the story and hits you with nostalgia is unforgettable. I can’t wait for audiences to come and experience this musical, especially coupled with the choreography and the staging; it really will be a spectacle to behold. I heard there’s going to be a light-up LED dance floor!
How has your Filipino identity influenced you as a performer?
Being a Filipino comes with the stereotype that you can either sing or dance or both, and thankfully, I got both and a little bit of acting on the side. I take such a huge pride in being a Filipino and always showcasing that because this is where I get my drive, ambition and work ethic from.
Coming from an immigrant family, I see firsthand (through my parents) that drive, ambition and work ethic can take and lead you to places. I’m not saying that that’s everything you need, but it has definitely helped me strive for bigger and better things for myself.
More importantly, growing up in the Philippines, where singing at family gatherings and performing at fiestas were such a huge part of my upbringing, I was able to build my foundations in music and performance. I always loved how those things built and created a community, which is essentially what musical theatre is. I get to surround myself with people who are celebrating life with song and dance on stage, but off as well.
Any advice for Filipino youth looking to become performers themselves?
My advice for Filipino youth looking into becoming performers or even being in the creative arts is to trust yourself and surround yourself with people who will be in your corner at every turn. There will be moments in your life where the trust and belief in yourself is not enough to continue towards the path you want to lead, so rely on the people around you. Your family, friends, chosen family – your community. The community that you surround yourself with are the people who will be there every step of the way, even the step backs but definitely the steps forward. I can’t imagine pursuing my passion and dreams without my family and friends. They encouraged and supported me, but also reminded me that everything happens for a reason and what is meant for you will come.
I’ve learnt that relying on the people that remind you of the good you do in life makes a huge impact on trying to achieve the goals and dreams you have for yourself.
Booking information
Saturday Night Fever will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from January 8th until January 25th, 2026, and is a must-see this summer!
Directed by Drew Anthony, with choreography by Jamie & Suzi Rolton and musical directed by Daniel Puckey, this new production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER thrusts this cult classic to dazzling new heights, bringing the amazing disco soundtrack to life!
Tickets are now on sale for Saturday Night Fever via www.ticketmaster.com.au.
Saturday Night Fever at the Athenaeum Theatre
Experience the cult classic Saturday Night Fever live at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre from January 8th to 25th, 2026. Directed by Drew Anthony and starring Ayril Borce.
Event Type: TheaterEvent
Event Attendance Mode: OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Event Status: EventScheduled
Performer: Person
Performer Name: Ayril Borce
Start Date: 2026-01-08 01:36
End Date: 2026-01-08 01:36
Ticket URL: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au
Availability: InStock
Availability Starts: 2026-01-08
