Noah Tsang first got into acting after stumbling into a short series production call while he was studying abroad in Paris. Originally looking for a modeling gig, the business entrepreneurship senior fell in love with acting.
While at Cal Poly, Tsang has modeled, acted and worked as a creative director on a photoshoot. Tsang modeled his friend Brady Nakamura’s designs for the Fashion, Innovation, Trendsetting, and Styling (FITS) Club in 2024.
He studied abroad in Paris during his junior year, where he completed his first semester with CEA CAPA before extending his stay by enrolling in a French school.
Continuing with exploring creative outlets, Tsang worked as creative director for an editorial photo shoot for FITS. Post grad he hopes to move to Melbourne for the summer and apply to drama schools in London to further progress his acting career.
One word that best describes you: Erratic
One thing you would bring to a deserted island: A watercolor set
Your future plans: Applying to drama school in London
One object you can’t do your job without: Clothes
A Cal Poly class that shaped your life: Abnormal Psychology (PSY 405)
Q and A:
Sydnie Bierma: What is your dream job?
Noah Tsang: I have a lot of goals, but I really like the direction that A24 is going. Marty Supreme and the films that have been coming out recently have been so good. That would be a dream to be in one of those.
SB: In your opinion, what makes a good actor or actress?
NT: I’m still learning, but the types of roles that you choose are really important. Because you kind of have to fight for every single role that you get. I feel like all of the people that I look up to have chosen really good people to work with. That’s something that I want for my career, being able to surround myself with really talented people.
SB: What actors do you look up to?
NT: I just recently watched The Dark Knight, so I’d probably say Christian Bale.
SB: What is the biggest challenge in your industry?
NT: I think the biggest challenge in the acting industry is that there’s no roadmap. There’s no “you have to do this, and then you’ll get this.” I think dealing with uncertainty is one of the most useful skills that I’ve learned. And I think it’s a good life skill in general.
SB: Why do you do what you do?
NT: I don’t think I can do anything else. I don’t think I could work in a system where I have a boss. I want to be my own boss, unless I’m working with a talented director.
SB: Why do you recommend going abroad?
NT: You have to see the world. I think one of the most underrated parts about studying abroad is that the organization takes care of your housing, schooling and schedule. It’s easy to meet friends because everyone else is trying to make friends as well. It’s just a great experience to leave the country and see another perspective.
For the final Peak issue this year, the Peak team chose to hold exit interviews with nine students on the horizon of impact. Whether it’s going pro in a less-than usual sport, starting a cheesecake business or transforming the music marketing scene, nine seniors in the class of 2026 stood out as those led by influence. Check out the rest of the features here.
