How Not To Make It In America, by Emily Steel

My acting teacher said to me: It’s like gold dust, what you’ve got. It’s like you don’t have any skin. 

It’s 2001. A naive young Australian actor sets out to make it in New York. But then 9/11 brings down the Twin Towers, his high-school sweetheart dumps him and his visa expires. What do you do when your dreams collapse around you?

25 years after the events of September 11 changed the world, Theatre Republic brings this funny, moving, one-man show to the Fringe. Inspired by real-life experiences of playwright Emily Steel (Adelaide Fringe Best Theatre 19 weeks), actor James Smith plays 28 characters to make you laugh, cry, cringe and hope. 

"a masterful feat of storytelling" InReview

"James Smith’s Matt is a marvel" Barefoot Review

★★★★★ "Go see it and take all of your friends" GlamAdelaide

• $25.00 - $35.00
• 10-22 March 2026
• 60 minutes
• Holden Street Theatres
• The Studio