As part of my next step onto higher education, I am reflecting and evaluating my projects that I have done during college. I will be researching into higher education and discussing my plans moving forwards.
PERFORMANCES
SHOWS (in order from most recent)
(1) APTA Presents: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! (Thursday Performance) - YouTube
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY PHOTOGRAPHS:
REMOTE
REMOTE PHOTOGRAPHS:
THE WITCHES
THE WITCHES PHOTOGRAPHS:
MUSICIANS PHOTOGRAPHS:
(1) STUFF CAST 2 - YouTube
STUFF PHOTOGRAPHS:
STUFF CAST ONE PHOTOGRAPHS:
(1) LIKE THERES NO TOMORROW - NT CONNECTIONS 2021 - YouTube
LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW PHOTOGRAPHS:
(1) BABES IN THE WOOD - An Unknown theatre company Pantomime - YouTube
BABES IN THE WOOD PHOTOGRAPHS:
FILMS (in order from most recent)
(1) John Lewis Christmas Advert 2021 - YouTube
Gluttony (short horror) Dir. Sam Luke - YouTube
Pride (Short Horror) Dir. Robyn Mooney - YouTube
(1) Lust (Short Horror) Dir. Jack Fowler - YouTube
(1) Elijah can't die - Year Two - YouTube
(1) Guiltless - Year One - YouTube
Stolen by a killer - Year One - YouTube
(1) Solving with Holmes - Year Two - YouTube
(1) With a little help from my friends - Year Two - YouTube
(1) Gone - Year One - YouTube
(1) Laugh or you'll Cry - The End - YouTube
(1) Laugh or you'll Cry - Episode 3 - YouTube
(1) Laugh or you'll cry - Episode 2 - YouTube
(1) Gifts for everyone - John Lewis AD - YouTube
GUEST SPEAKERS
Samuel Jordan
Samuel Jordan, who's an alumni from the acting course in Stockton Riverside College, came in to speak to the class (first and second years). He explained to us all his accomplishments in the acting industry along and what it took to get him there. Since leaving college, he attended Northampton University, and he's booked a range of jobs. I mean, he's been working alongside Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks! Samuel also gave us information on university and drama schools, plus scouting agents and the behind the scenes on acting in the industry. I find these talks really useful as it gives us a lot of information, and gives us a real insight into the industry. We had a look at a trailer for a television show he's starring in, as the main character. He is an immensely talented actor, the only way is up for him.
LAMDA
We had a LAMDA workshop, with two ex students Milly and Stu. exciting. They came in to speak to us about the school and do a Q&A. They spoke to us about the school, the benefits and stuff we’d need to know about money and travel. Actually, quite exciting, we’re part of some pathway programme so we can actually audition for LAMDA for free. We did some bodily warm ups, to loosen us up and walked around the room. They gave us scripts, in partners. I was with Justin. We had to analyse and annotate to script, picking out the verbs, adjectives, nouns, facts, options etc. After we did this, we had to stand in a space. Envision some sort of bubble of energy- and pick a word from the script. We had to say the word (I picked ‘Sam’) and say it 5 times over with the 5 senses. So we said it a total of 25 times. It was really helpful actually, I could visual the different senses and give context to the character. We then discussed self tapes and the process of them. I’m quite familiar with the process due to research and other work shops I’ve done. I enjoyed this in particular as it was a workshop and we got to partake in tasks which gives us more of a sense of what we might do if we got into LAMDA.
David Kirkbridge
Year 2's had a zoom call with a friend of Kelly's, David. David also attended this college, and now he's acting in West End's 'The Play that Goes Wrong'. He gave us a sort of pep talk and motivated speech. He advised us on how to keep going and keep up our energy through rehearsals even when we feel exhausted and burned out. It's really helpful hearing another actor outside college say they understand what we go through and that it's okay.
OPEN DAYS
Salford
As of now, I have only attended one University open day. I attended Salford University on the 9th of October 2021. At the open day, we got a presentation by a few of the tutors who went through the course, things to expect, and some alumni of the course. We had a tour around our particular building, and the tutors took us into the rooms we would work and rehearse in. The rehearsal space was big and there is plenty of rooms to work in. After the tutors took us on the tour, they answered any questions people asked and lead us back out.
Once we finished this tour, I visited the accommodation I'd be staying at as it is on campus. I was taken to the show rooms, and some students who were living there spoke to me about what it's like living here. After this I had a walk around the campus to have a feel of the surroundings.
Salford is my first choice and I definitely want to go to this University. I am planning to attend an applicant visit day in May after receiving my offer.
THEATRE TRIPS/SHOWS
Tim Minchin
Since Corona Virus, it has been very difficult to get to the theatre due to lockdowns and restrictions. Luckily, with collaboration with the Globe, we were given free Tim Minchin tickets. Tim Minchin is an Australian comedian and writer. He wrote the Matilda soundtrack and also makes his own music. Tim Minchin is an older comedian, so I didn't know what to expect. I've never attended a comedy show, as it was never really my thing. However I was blown away! It was genuinely one of the best shows I have ever seen. The songs were fun and engaging, he was charming and polite and he was actually really really hilarious. The show was roughly 1 hour 30 minutes and it included a range of content. He sung a variety of his songs, and did some stand up skits. He talked about his TV show and he closed off with an emotional song to end the night. Tim Minchin is the perfect balance of funny, witty and likeable. If he came back to the Globe I'd definitely go see him again.
Blood Brothers
On the 3rd of February 2022, the actors, film students and makeup artists went to see a performance of Blood Brother's at Darlington Hippodrome theatre. Here is my review of the performance.
THE PLOT:
'Blood Brother's' is a play written by a Liverpudlian playwright, Willy Russel. Set in 1960's Liverpool, this play tells the story of two fraternal twin brothers, Michael and Edward who are separated at birth. They both go on to live very different lives, in two completely separate environments.
Michael, also known as Mickey, is brought up by his biological mother Mrs Johnstone. Mrs Johnstone is a single mother, and struggling financially, hence why she had to give Edward up. She is also raising seven other children, and they live in a poor part of Liverpool. However, Edward's life is very different. Edward (or Eddie) is raised as an only child, to Mrs and Mr Lyons. They live near by in a wealthy area of Liverpool.
Mrs Lyons was unable to have her biological children; though she was happy to adopt a child Mr Lyons refuses. While Mrs Johnstone is working as a cleaner for Mrs Lyons, she persuades her to give up one of her children.
For many years, Mickey and Eddie did not meet- until one fateful day when both boys were seven years old. Immediately, they became best friends- or 'blood brother's'. Despite the fact they have to go behind their mother's backs to remain friends, their strong bond continued through childhood and teenage years when they moved away. Regardless of their strong bond, the difference in their upbringing tears their friendship apart which spirals and eventually leads to their tragic deaths.
CONTEXT:
This play was written during a time of vast changes in society and politics too. The show impacts the audience as it demonstrates the immense and detrimental ramifications that social inequity has on people, and especially children and their behaviour. At the time, people strongly disapproved of sex before marriage and this is why Mrs Johnstone 'has to' marry quickly. Divorce was uncommon and this is another reason the neighbours might disapprove of her. Blood Brothers draws the audience's attention to the detrimental effect that social inequality can have on people's lives.
THEMES:
- Social Class
- Poverty
- Sex and marriage
- Divorce
- Friendship
- Love
- Death
- Fertility
- Religion/The devil
- Superstition
- Marilyn Monroe
REVIEW:
This is the 3rd time I have seen Blood Brothers, and all I can say is wow. Each time I see it I am left amazed. Although I know the story quite well, it still manages to shock me and I believe that is good theatre. The performances of Mickey and Eddie are phenomenal. I have seen both of these actors each time I have seen this show, and every time they hit the nail on the head. Their characterisation is outstanding. The set and lighting is has a huge impact as it plays a big part in the show. The significance of the set is vital- specifically when the Johnstone's move out of their first house as it leads to audience to believe Mrs Johnstone can forget her past but this idea is quickly destroyed. Mrs Johnstone and Linda particularly stood out to me during this performance, as I believe their emotional execution and line delivery was absolutely beautiful. However, I do believe there is room for improvement- one of the things that I'd say could improve was Mrs Lyons delivery. I enjoyed her performance in the final scene when Eddie dies and I can definitely feel her vulnerability and her mental well being declining as time goes on and superstition creeps up on her, but I do feel as though the delivery could be a bit stronger in certain parts.
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH
Salford
Salford University is my first choice and has been since I decided on going to University. I have applied for two courses, Theatre and Performance Practice and Media and Performance.
WHY SALFORD?
There is many reasons why I am interested in this University. I am wanting to move out into a city, and Manchester is the place where I am most set on. I want to be in a city but somewhere where I can still have ways of visiting home, and after researching there is plenty of coaches, buses and trains I can take. Secondly, I have been on the Salford website and thoroughly studied both courses I am applying too and read through the modules, and the subjects I will be studying are things I feel as though will be beneficial to my learning and progression as an actor. One of the most important aspects of University to me is the area and atmosphere I'll be living in. As Salford is very much city life and night life it's perfect as that is exactly my type of living. There is plenty of things to do, and there is many things to experience and plenty of opportunities since it is near Media City. The campus is easily navigated and the University offers many amenities, such as the free gym and 24 hour library which is extremely useful for me. Salford also offer many societies, such as the Salford Siren's cheerleading group. I am looking to join a few societies so this is extremely important to me.
RESEARCH
Salford University is a
public University located within Salford, Greater Manchester. This University
caters towards a variety of courses, especially within the media and arts
industry. For example: Digital Media, Film Production, Animation, Dance, and of
course, Theatre!
There is a wide range
of reasons as to why I would like to carry on my studies at Salford. Firstly, I
have visited Salford before, and it is only one mile west of Manchester City
Centre- I have spent quite a lot of time in Manchester so I am familiar with my
surroundings- as opposed to moving to a place like London or Liverpool.
Secondly, I have researched accommodations to see what is accessible to me as a
student so I can be comfortable in my living space. Additionally, I have spoken
to administrations and researched how the students are supported, as I feel one
of the most integral part of going to Uni is making sure you are happy.
University is a very big deal, and it can be difficult if you’re moving away
from home, and I feel as though Salford Uni has all the correct support in
place for their students.
I have spent hours of
my time researching the course to make sure it is the correct fit for me- I
have looked at all the entry requirements which I am confident in and I have
looked through all the modules in the 3 years that I will spend studying there.
Not only will we perform in shows and films etc, we have the opportunity to
take them into our own hands and direct and create our own art. Directing is
something I have always been interested in and always loved doing. I am always
happy to help on sets of films, as I love working behind the scenes and on
camera. When we do shows at Stockton Riverside, I feel as though we have a lot
of creative freedom and I always love putting my ideas forward and helping
shape the performance.
I want to continue to
develop my skills as a performer with both aspects of stage performing and
screen performing and directing. Stockton Riverside has taught me many valuable
lessons for my career and Salford will help me build upon this. I have a
passion for all aspects of screen and stage, acting, developing and writing is
what I want to do for the rest of my life and studying at this University will
help me prepare for this.
The modules within the
Theatre course are very versatile, which is something I am looking for, as I
think I am a versatile performer and I want to delve into many projects so I
can have a strong portfolio for my career. Not only do we work on shows, films,
radio, comedy etc we will also have a range of seminars and workshops provided
which will further develop or skills and push us as performers.
SALFORD UNIVERSITY- FACTS AND STATISTICS
- Salford
University is known for creativity and learning.
- They have 5
schools, including The School of Arts and Media, The School of Science,
Engineering and Environment, The School of Health and Society, and Salford
Business School.
- In the most
recent study of the National Student Survey, the theatre and performance course
received 93% for overall student satisfaction.
- The New Adelphi
Theatre seats 350 people.
- They provide
access to study materials such as books.
- The Uni has
around 18,000 enrolments a year and has a 62% acceptance rate.
- The Theatre
course requires 112 UCAS points.
- It is a 3-year
course.
- It has a 90%
employment rate and a 10% drop out rate.
STUDENT REVIEWS – Taken from Student Reviewers
(Anonymous)
-
So much is
provided for students to use for free. If they don't have what you need,
they'll look into getting it for you
- It's a short
train journey to Manchester City Centre, where there's always loads going on
for everyone.
- Life at Uni is
excellent in terms of having my own independence and being able to study
something I enjoy.
- I enjoy studying
at this university and have made a lot of friends here through my course and
living in accommodation.
- I am really
enjoying my time at Salford University. It has allowed me to meet new people
and spread my wings. The only thing I would do different is I would have moved
out and lived at uni. The most important thing I would suggest is to make sure
you know what you want to do before you start Uni, so many people have dropped
out.
Scarborough
After doing a workshop with the course leader of Scarborough University, I decided to do some further research as I am interested in this choice, as more of a local choice.
WHY SCARBOROUGH?
Scarborough is a University owned by Coventry University. They have a 3 year acting course in partnership with the Stephen Joseph theatre in Scarborough. In this unique partnership, CU Scarborough students will work with SJT professionals at points throughout the programme - including mentoring, observation of professional rehearsals, and participation onstage in a professionally-directed piece for theatre. Scarborough quotes that they "We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and most of our courses cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next". They offer a range of modules, some of which a lot of Universities don't offer like stage combat, which will really push me as an actor.
Arden
Arden is part of UCEN, in Manchester. At UCEN you work in collaboration with the film-makers at UCEN. This to me was really important as this is how we operate at college.
WHY ARDEN?
Similarly to Salford, I applied to Arden due to the location, which is Manchester. Each module for each year is carefully planned to ensure you leave the school with exceptional training and experience. They have industry standard facilities which include:
- Use of the main theatre, fully equipped to industry standard. This is where you will perform your showcases
- A 139m squared studio theatre
- Both theatre spaces served by a large scene dock
- A fully equipped machine workshop for set building and design
- A wardrobe area and costume design/build workshop
- A fully equipped music studio
- 9 rehearsal rooms and 2 drama studios
- 2 ensemble rooms and 3 singing rooms
- Small film studio and 2 classrooms
- 2 band rehearsal rooms and 6 practice rooms
- 3 state of the art recording studios and 2 live rooms.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
The art of acting has both influenced me academically and shaped me as a person. During my time on stage and set, I have experienced liberation like no other. Not only am I interested in performance, I'm interested in all aspects of this career, including the production side of things like: script writing, directing and marketing. I thoroughly enjoy working as part of a team, but I can also be trusted to work independently.
During my time at Stockton Riverside College, I studied the Acting for Stage and Screen course. Whilst being a student here, I have gained a range of knowledge and experience which I've acquired by partaking in a variety of different project both on stage and screen. This has, I feel, moulded me into a diverse actor. As well as this, I've worked alongside film students to write scripts and bring my own visions to life. I feel this is a strong suit of mine. I have been involved with multiple stage shows, one of which being 'Stuff' by Tom Wells, where I played a leading role, Dani. As well as this, I took part in the National Theatre Connections competition with my class, an opportunity given both years I have been on this course. Additionally, I've performed in 'The Witches' as the Doctor, Waiter and a Witch. Furthermore, I was cast as Mrs Teavee and an Oompa Loompa in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. Behind the scenes, I've experienced production elements such as marketing, costume and music. Moreover, I've been a part of many short films, ranging from short horrors to comedies. However, the biggest film project I've worked on was a feature length film 'Alice and the Cold Case' which will be screened at a cinema. During this course, I've had the opportunity to showcase my skills and further develop them. Examples of this would be: creativity, characterisation and drive.
Outside of college I have some experience in the film making side of a production, from working on script to operating cameras. My path in acting began when I enrolled in the Pauline Quirke Academy. This allowed me to partake in stage shows, direct, write short films and create our own music. Whilst part of this team, I was a member of London's West End cast of an original PQA show 'Trouble's A Brewin'. This experience influenced me as an actor, and made me realise how much I want to pursue a career by either performing in these projects, or creating my own. I received a Grade 2 Distinction from Trinity College London for my work in West End. I also took part in school productions, including High School Musical, Peter Pan and Matilda.
In my spare time, I like to write my own scripts and stories. I've been a huge reader since I was a child, so I have always had a big inspiration to create my own pieces and bring them to life, whether it be by my own words or the emotions I put into a performance. As a person who enjoys writing, I also enjoy analysing texts in the time where I'm not writing it. On top of that, I enjoy directing and leadership and would like to expand on all skill sets. I feel having the same eye as a director enables an actor to excel in their performance- it also allows me to add my own creative touches into projects I work on.
In terms of work experience outside of the acting world, I've previously worked at numerous part time jobs. I've dealt with working under fast paced conditions, meaning I can be trusted to solve problems and think intuitively. My skill set includes: good time management, grit and determination.
My goal from applying to this course is to work in a new environment on new projects that push me to develop my skills, gaining new expertise and knowledge on the way. I am a strong, resilient person, especially given the tough years we have faced. I think this makes me a strong candidate; alongside my sheer determination to excel in this industry. I'm committed to perfecting my passion and talent and look forward to continuing my acting journey at the next level of education.
FIRST DRAFT:
CASE STUDY OF AN ACTOR YOU ADMIRE - SYDNEY SWEENEY
Sydney Bernice Sweeney is a 24 year old American actress. She began her acting journey back in 2009, when she auditioned for an indie movie that came to her hometown. She was cast as 'Lisa' and made her on-screen debut in the comedy-horror film 'ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction'. Although, Sydney grew up in Spokane, Washington, so she had to convince her parents to take her to Los Angeles to pursue her career. As the actresses hometown wasn't known for entertainment careers, she made a 5-year business plan presentation to showcase to her parents. However, Sydney is not just a qualified actor. She attended college and earned her degree in business. She explained her choice into taking business was so when she gets contracts for acting she won't get messed over. Sydney is also a trained MMA fighter. Sydney is one of the most popular actresses right now, and her fame only seems to be rising by the day. Sydney's break through role was in 2018, when she was cast as 'Emaline' in Netflix's comedy show 'Everything Sucks!'. Sweeney also featured in HBO's 'Sharp Objects' as 'Alice' opposite the Oscar winner Amy Adams. Additionally, she has featured in the hit franchise 'The Handmaid's Tale', HBO's comedy-drama 'The White Lotus' and 'Night Teeth'.  |
| Sydney Sweeney as 'Emaline' in 'Everything Sucks!' (2018) |
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| Sydney Sweeney as 'Eden' in 'The Handmaid's Tale' (2017) |
However, Sydney's most well-known role is in HBO's hit adolescence drama 'Euphoria'. Sweeney plays one of the main characters, 'Cassie Howard' who is one of the shows most loved and iconic characters. Euphoria is one of the most popular shows right now, starring actors like Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Austin Abrams and Eric Dane. The well-talked about show has garnered a lot of publicity due to the heavy topics portrayed in the show, such as: drug addiction, mental health, abandonment issues, abusive relationships, teenage pregnancy, sexual assault and emotional neglect. Sweeney's performance within this show is breath-taking. Sweeney portrays a young high school girl, who is struggling with growing up without her dad and seeks validation due to this.
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Sydney has faced struggles while trying to achieve her career. It was unheard of for a person, especially of her age, to pursue a career in acting as her hometown wasn't a creative place. Sweeney travelled back and forth from Spokane to Los Angeles, and this proved hard when she had to leave behind her 'normal' life. Not long after settling in LA, her family filed for bankruptcy as it was a new cost of living, and Sweeney nearly gave up the career of her dreams. Fast forward to today, Sweeney's determination attributes her achievements: not only an actress, Sweeney is pursuing media law at business school and running her own production house. Sweeney has many upcoming projects. She will be co-staring aside Halsey in HBO's 'The Player's Table'- and her production house 'Fifty-fifty films' will be executive producing.
Sydney's remarkable resilience and determination only proves her dedication to her career. Her talent is admirable and she serves as an example to her fans who look up to her. Sweeney is a young, fresh and talented artist who is going to undoubtedly achieve many things in her career.
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