For this Unit we have been having weekly lessons with Shelley where we discuss and look at options for our future. We have all signed up to UCAS and have began researching courses we are interested in. For me I have been looking at courses that are closer to my home in Cheltenham so I have been looking at Bristol and Birmingham. I would like to defer mine for a year so I can take a gap year to work and earn some money and also go travelling. I will continue working in Tesco in my home in Cheltenham part time as this is a stable job and one I can take time off if and when I travel. it will also be nice to be at home for a year because for the past 2 years I have been in London and haven't seen my family as much as I would like to.
I have got two choices on my UCAS application, one is the Royal Welsh College of Speech and Drama and the other is Birmingham city university. Both run similar courses and I am interested in both. I would like to go to Wales because it is not only close to my home in Cheltenham but I know it is also one of the best drama schools in the country. I spoke to one of the lecturers at Theatre craft last year but she informed me that they don't have any more open days this academic year. I can look online and read their prospectus and both look like they have excellent facilities to work in. It is not clear if I have the correct entry requirments for this course and it is something I will need to contact them about.
I would like to go to Birmingham because it is much closer to home for me and I know the city well. The course runs closely alongside dance and drama courses and through researching it online I have seen that they work with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and I would love to work with ballet companies. I have watched a video online and the course seems quite small and friendly and really fun. I have got the correct GCSEs and will need to gain at least a pass level on this course to be accepted on to this degree.
Here is my Personal Statement:
I am currently studying a UAL Level 3 Production Arts at Westminster Kingsway College in London. This course has helped me develop a wide range of skills and learn about new roles within the theatre industry. We have been lucky enough to have a small class so can explore new roles easily. I have learnt how to programme and operate a lighting board, been a DSM and called a show, seen amazing west end shows such as Hamilton, been to Disneyland Paris, worked with MTV Music, and so much more. From all these experiences I have learnt so much that I will use in the future. For example, I have learnt that calling a show is key for other members of the tech team. Being on time is essential, and it is something I think is very important. Someone once said to me “if a stage manager is on time, they are late” and this has always stuck with me.
I have always had an interest in theatre from a young age. My family have always been involved in backstage theatre companies and groups, although none of them persued it professionally. When I was younger I remember sitting in lighting boxes watching shows my family were working on, my grandad being stage manager, my gran being in the wardrobe department, and my auntie and mum doing props. When I was 13 I stepped in for my auntie at a local village show and I fell in love with the feeling of being part of a stage crew. Despite the stage being only 3 meters wide, and only having 7 lights in the rig, I knew it was the right environment for me. After a while though I began to crave something bigger so I got myself involved with a youth group production of Oliver! which was being performed in a local theatre. After this I started working with the adult group, at only 15 I was the youngest by a long way. I have built up my responsibilities and worked my way up and taken on more responsibility the more shows I have done. I started working with the props team and now I have taken the lead for some shows. I have also been ASM for shows and held responsibilities. I have had work experience in the west end at the Noel Coward Theatre, and also worked at a festival as an artist liaison runner. It has taught me how to work with difficult people, how to be professional, and working long and unsociable hours.
The course I am interested in is the stage management course. I really think this will help me further my knowledge and be able to be successful. I would like to work in professional theatres and my dream would be to work on touring shows, either musicals or ballets. I think touring would really open my eyes to the world of theatre as you are always moving and facing new challenges and problems, something which I love to face. I would also like to get more professional work experience and I think this is something university will help me with. I will also be contacting west end theatres when I turn 18, as when I was younger I wrote to so many asking for work experience but all the responses were negative due to my age. I am used to travelling long distances, having to travel across the country from my home in Cheltenham to London for college. This shows I am dedicated and hardworking and I don’t let anything hold me back.
I am taking a gap year to go out and travel and also work to earn money towards university. I really enjoy exploring new places and I want to see more of the world. I think this will also prepare me to go on tour, which is what I would love to do as a career, or work in different events. Learning how to live and cope in new environments is something I like to try. Moving to London at 16 to live on my own in student accommodation was a big step for me, and although at times I wonder if it is right, I do have so many more opportunities here compared to at home. Despite this I would like to study closer to home as I feel that having family and friends around me to support me will really boost my confidence and help me to succeed.
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