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Theatre Studies Personal Statement
Theatre is a living art-form, which is constantly evolving. Theatre is something that one person alone can influence, you don't need to have anything other than an imagination to create a performance or to influence people's ideas, and this fact truly excites me.
I have been acting on stage since the age of nine, and still find performing a thrilling experience, due to the fact that theatre has the power to emotionally affect people, and it is exhilarating to be a part of something this powerful. Working in front of a live audience is the most unique experience I have ever felt; anything can happen, so you have to be alert and work with fellow cast members as a team to ensure that if something does go wrong, that you can pick it up to make it seem part of the action. Theatre is a living thing, and this quality is part of why I wish to make a career out of it. I feel that studying theatre at degree level would help me to widen my understanding of its history and extend my knowledge of practitioners. I found learning about Artaud, Berkoff and Brecht in Theatre Studies engrossing, and I enjoyed performing in Strindberg's 'A Dream Play'. I look forward to developing my skills as an actor, such as learning to use different methods in creating my performances. Studying Performing Arts and Theatre Studies at AS Level has allowed me to improve and acquire valuable skills such as communication, quick thinking and time-management when working to create a performance; I have also been able to gain negotiation skills while working in groups. My work in English Language and Geography has helped me to obtain analytical skills, and taught me to question things we might overlook at first glance, whether it is in texts or the world around us.
My love of theatre has enabled me to research outside the course, and I have read 'The Theatre and its Double' by Artaud and 'The Empty Space' by Peter Brook. I found their views on theatre very interesting. I also enjoy watching and performing Shakespeare. I went to see 'Henry V' at the Royal Exchange in Manchester for the second time recently; and I played Romeo in the college production of 'Romeo and Juliet.'
I started performing with local theatre companies at the age of nine, and have had several major roles since the age of eleven. I perform in an average of two productions per year, and this passion has allowed me to hone my skills as an actor; in the same process I have acquired organisational and intra-personal skills. I have been playing bass guitar for the past three years and have had classical singing lessons for the past two years, these activities have helped me to control my focus for long periods of time. I find that reading helps me to relax, so I read a lot and am a member of the college book group. Recently I have read 'Red Dragon' and 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, and 'Son of a Witch' by Gregory Maguire. I enjoy books because they allow me to use my imagination in a way which allows me to escape from the issues of every-day life for a while. I am on the committee of the theatre group, F******** M*******, as the member representative. This requires me to make sure that the member's views are taken into account at meetings. I am approachable and friendly, and I think this makes it easy for the members to come to me with any problems they have.
After higher education I wish to pursue a career in the theatre. My ambition is to perform in straight plays and musicals, as I would like to use my skills as a singer on stage. Studying my art at a higher level would be very beneficial to me in terms of progressing as a performer, and I have a lot to give to the course as an engaging student who works well in a team.
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