I have chosen to apply for a degree course, which combines theoretical and practical Drama, with an emphasis on practical work. I am anticipating this will lead to a post-graduate course of further intensive training; ultimately leading to a career in acting. With this in mind, I am taking advantage of a GAP year, to gain further experience in the theatre. As an A-level Theatre Studies student, I am involved in studying the practitioners behind contemporary drama and this I enjoy. However, I find that I am drawn towards the aspects of the course that involve working as a group to produce our own pieces. I find that this is very helpful in developing my skills in group-work, and I also feel a sense of achievement at the end of these projects.

Psychology A-level contributes to furthering my understanding of the theatre, through the study of people. This helps me to gain a greater empathy when creating characters, and judging reactions to certain situations. I am also taking English A-level. I find that the continual study of texts enables me to gain a very quick basic insight into characters when first looking through a script, or when simply forming an idea in my mind.

Throughout my school-life, I have been heavily involved in theatrical productions, often taking influential or leading roles. This year, I was Sadie in a production of ‘Across the Barricades’; a modern day ‘Romeo and Juliet’ set in Belfast. I felt that this gave me an excellent opportunity to develop the character because the director allowed principal cast members to largely make their own decisions on their individual character and their relation to other members of the cast. Other plays that I have taken principal roles in have included; ‘The Royal Hunt of the Sun’ in which I took the role of Young Martin, and ‘Animal Farm’, in which I played Napoleon.

My other school commitments include various bands and choirs inside the school. As a keen singer, I have been involved in a harmony choir since I started the school. This led to a production of a musical called ‘The Spirit of Freedom’, and a world premiere was held to raise money for Bosnia. This was also made into a C.D. and sold in the local area. The other band that I sing in is the school Soul Band, which plays modern and older style songs, particularly blues and soul, at all school associated functions. Recently, I took part in a performance for William Hague at Belvoir Castle.

I have been involved in the Gasleak Theatre Company in Melton for many years, taking mainly choral parts in their productions. I have also helped during the summer holidays with the local Mencap group, helping with their play-scheme for disabled children to give parents a break during the holidays. This summer, I also went back to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the third time. I always find this an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge of theatrical styles, and this time, I even got an insight into the life of Antonin Artaud.