My Journey from Student to Drama School

What inspired you to pursue a career in performance?
My earliest memory is impersonating Shania Twain whilst I played the DVD of her 'Up' tour in Chicago on the television. I knew every move and every note so well I didn't even have to watch. As I grew up, I was constantly in drama clubs, school shows, music performances and talent shows. There was never a moment where I thought I'd want to do anything else. The escapism, the encouragement from other like-minded performers as well as the belief that teachers, lecturers and mentors had in me has always furthered my love for performance.

What was your reaction when you found out you’d been awarded the Dewar Arts Award?
When I found out I'd received the grant, it didn't feel real. These are the types of things that you always read about but you think you'll never experience. Without a very special lecturer from the Performance course at UWS, I wouldn't have even known about the Dewar Arts Award so I felt so grateful and overwhelmingly happy when I got the news. I also felt very proud! It's definitely a little boost of confidence.

What drama school will you be attending next year and what excites you most about this? 
I will be undertaking the MA Acting course at East 15 Acting School and couldn't be more excited. I am most excited about working with the fellow like-minded actors I will be on the course with as I believe we will all equally understand the value of our time being trained by some of the best in the industry. 

Looking back, how did your time at UWS shape your future and help you discover your focus after graduation?
There are probably not enough words sufficient enough to answer this question. Firstly, and most importantly, is the encouragement and support of the lecturers. Dr Henry Bell and Dr Catriona Fallow will always have a special place in my heart. They took time out of their busy schedules to help with applications, audition prep, school research, references… the list is endless not to mention, I think they had more belief in my abilities than I did. Also, as previously mentioned, without Henry, I wouldn’t have even known about this funding opportunity. Furthermore, the ability to work with the Creative Director of the Citizen’s Theatre, Dominic Hill, as part of the course played a huge roll in my receiving this grant as he very kindly wrote a reference for the application.  Similarly, some of the fellow students I met on the course have had a major impact. They're positivity, encouragement and drive made me want to work harder and go further! I will forever be grateful I attended UWS when I did.

What advice would you give to somebody considering studying Performance at UWS?
I would recommend attending the open days that are commonly held. This way you get to meet current students as well as the lecturers and see firsthand the type of support you would receive if you were to attend. The lecturers are all so open to questions and are so willing to help! Please just reach out to them!