Stories have always been present in my life.
As a child on long car journey’s my
sister’s would tell stories to keep me entertained. discovering theatre through school
gave me a whole new angle through which I could entertain and in some small way
recreate the magic of the tales that made hours of seemingly endless car journeys
into unique unforgettable experiences. My desire to tell stories, through acting has
been a driving force in my life for years and I believe it would only thrive in a
university setting where I’m offered the freedom to create and the opportunity to work
with other like-minded individuals
Currently, I’m studying UAL ‘Performance and Production Arts - Acting’, at Exeter
College. Every day I find new ways to improve my process, develop my skills and
deepen my understanding of the art. Throughout the course we have had a great
focus on different methods of characterisation; we have looked in-depth into
Stanislavski’s system, exploring it practically I personally found Stanislavski’s work
useful when we were studying the play, ‘Blue Moon over Poplar’ I explored the
character of Peter and his psychology through the lens of the ‘Magic If’ and in
practice applied emotional memory during performances. When exploring more
non-naturalistic pieces I turned to Chekov and his technique of psychological
gestures to try and visually represent the abstract thoughts of a character. When
deciding upon a character’s physicality, I referred to Laban's efforts to create a basis
on which to build a more in-depth style.
I’ve taken opportunities to engage in drama and performance in both my educational
and personal life. Throughout my secondary school education, I took part in school
performances and annual musicals. Outside of school, I was a member of a local
amateur dramatics youth group at ‘The Little Theatre’ performing yearly plays and
taking part in smaller productions. I was lucky enough to be offered primary roles in
many of the productions, including a number of plays for the parent theatre company.
I was approached and offered roles in two short plays, Of the two, my favourite was
Terrance Rattigan‘s ‘The Browning Version.’ Years later, I still look back fondly on this
time and refer to the character, ‘John Taplow’ and the play in my college work. This
was a great experience and it gave me a glimpse into the professional side of the
theatre. As a member of an ensemble, I can be relied upon to work professionally
and efficiently. I confidently present my own ideas and am capable of working with
and developing the ideas of others. I am eager to engage with projects, always the
first to arrive at the rehearsal studios. I have a strong sense of discipline in every
aspect of my life, allowing me to balance college, hobbies, and my job.
Over the last few years, I’ve found that skills I have gained through performing and
doing drama are applicable in the real world. Whilst working at Mcdonalds, I’ve learnt
valuable communications skills and how to deal with customers. Just as I have
learned transferable skills from Drama and applied them in the real world, I have
learnt from some very valuable lessons at work, like sometimes you need to speak
up and take action to get what you need, be that a hamburger for an order or advice
and guidance.
I also have various interests and hobbies external to acting. Since the start of the
first lockdown in 2020, I’ve been learning the guitar and have grown very fond of my
instruments. Music has proved an invaluable alley of expression for me, from
learning and performing songs, I relate to or writing my own songs to help me
understand and express my own emotions and feelings it has always been there for
me. Additionally, I have a very strong passion for exercise. I attend a gym religiously
and I run daily. Running for me is an opportunity to escape, It has allowed me to
explore my local area, and visit all new landmarks, for me there is no greater
incentive to push myself than finding what lies just beyond the horizon, both
figuratively and literally. Working out and running has helped me to manage my
mental health in one of the best ways possible, it clears my mind, gives me time to
think and is generally good for my health and wellbeing. I have noticed a huge
improvement in my physical abilities and mental state since I first took up exercising
as a hobby. More recently I have discovered an interest in films, the process through
which they are made and the way that stories are told, both in front of the camera by
actors and by the camera, through framing and direction. This feeds into my passion
for acting and it is my hope that I shall be able to create my own filmed material, in
the form of indie short films or acting professionally in filmed media.
For me a life of telling stories, my own or others would be the best life possible. The
prospect of meeting and working with like-minded individuals, to produce my own
work with the aid and advice of lecturers and industry professionals is super exciting
for me. It would mean the world to me if one day I could look back at my life knowing
something I created, to someone means anywhere near as much as those childhood
stories did. I look forward to the challenges, the opportunities, the victories and the
defeats the university will bring me because I know that I will take it in my stride and
make the best out of it I can.
