‘‘I’d heard from many that New York was the toughest and the most competitive place to live and to work, so I thought ‘awesome, bring it on’,’’ she said.

‘‘I think it’s imperative for an artist to push themselves out of their comfort zone. That’s how you grow and learn what you’re really made of.’’

The 23-year-old followed the well-worn path of aspiring performers to the Big Apple after winning a full scholarship to the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Her work has been featured in short films and in a minor role in an episode of the TV drama Power.

The actress had never considered a career treading the boards until her drama teacher grandmother encouraged her to audition for the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

‘‘I had started a degree in sound and music design at UTS, but wasn’t in love with it and was at a bit of a loss for what to do,’’ she said. ‘‘Then, one day while visiting my gran she suggested I audition for a NIDA course. I thought she was joking.’’

Her grandmother helped her prepare monologues and was delighted when Miss Goldie was accepted into NIDA’s famously competitive program.

After graduating from the Sydney institute Miss Goldie started saving, initially just for a six-week course at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

‘‘Through a huge stroke of luck I landed a full scholarship, which allowed me to do the full two-year conservatory program. I couldn’t believe my good fortune; I packed and moved immediately,’’ she said.

Her humble beginnings in Wollongong fuelled her passion for the screen.

‘‘My first job was at age 14 at Video Ezy near Wollongong Hospital, where I could take home as many movies and snacks as I wanted,’’ she said.

Aside from freezing winters and high rents, missing family is the hardest thing about New York life for the actress.

‘‘When it comes to my biggest supporters, it would be a tie between everyone in my amazing family; it’s been really hard to be so far away from many of them these past years,’’ she said.