A TRURO drama student is about to be catapulted to stardom thanks to her role in a film currently showing at cinemas nationwide.

Stagecoach Truro student Aria Balliah-Quinn, from Newquay, was five years old when BAFTA-winning writer/director Mark Jenkins cast her in Rose of Nevada alongside international stars Callum Turner, George Mackay and Rosalind Eleazar.

Shot entirely in Cornwall during summer 2024, Rose of Nevada charts the mysterious return of a fishing boat 30 years after it vanished. Two men join its crew hoping for better fortune, but after one voyage, they find themselves transported back in time and mistaken for the original crew.

Aria plays the younger version of Eleazar’s daughter, Jess. Even though it was her first professional filming job, she took it all in her stride. “I didn’t know they were movie stars until someone told me,” she admitted. “I had to do lots of expressions. The cameras were kind of scary at first, but I got used to them. Everyone was really nice and we got to film on a beach.”

The film had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025, followed by Toronto International Film Festival in September and the New York Film Festival in October. It was released in cinemas across the UK on April 24.

Stagecoach Truro principal Eily Tatlow worked with acting agency Oscar’s Talent to secure Aria the audition that led to being cast in this life changing role. “Aria is a fantastic student who tries really hard and has outstanding potential,” she said. “We are all really looking forward to being able to watch her on the big screen.”

Stagecoach Performing Arts was founded in 1988 and now has 60,000 students enrolled in weekly classes worldwide. Notable alumni include Emma Watson, Jamie Bell, Eleanor Tomlinson, Tuppence Middleton and Tom Fletcher.