I initially wanted to study at a drama school on an acting course, but I was worried about this pigeonholing me into one career path. However, studying drama as a BA at the University of Manchester has allowed me to learn about multiple facets of drama (including film, tv, performance art, directing and writing) and means that I can expand my potential for working in the future.
I chose to study at The University of Manchester because I love the variety of modules available to me. Not a lot of drama courses offer so many film related modules as well, and a lot of the content even on the theatre courses feels unique and is really interesting to read about. I’ve really enjoyed the freedom given in the assignments. Having the opportunity to write about films and pieces of theatre that I really enjoyed watching has meant I’ve been able to channel my passion into my writing and has made essays much easier and sometimes even fun to write.
Also, I love the area, and I have had a great time living in the city. Manchester has a very diverse environment, and I love being able to meet all kinds of people, and it has helped me to embrace my own identity.
I’m a committee member of Pantomime Society, and I was a very enthusiastic member for all of my first year. I love the society because it focuses more on having fun, rather than trying to create serious theatre, and having that release was really brilliant whenever I was stressed out. I’m also working as a steward in the Martin Harris Centre, which is a brilliant opportunity offered to all Drama students where you can work flexibly around your classes, earn some extra money, and see some brilliant theatre in the process.
After graduation I know that I want to have a career in drama. Over my time at university, I’ve been inspired by different aspects of my course and my extra curriculars to create lots of different stories. In the future I’d like to explore these further through different mediums (such as theatre, performance art, and short films). I’ve considered studying a postgraduate course at a Drama school in order to get the full spectrum of training, but at the moment I’m not set on that plan as I feel very fulfilled by the content, I’ve been learning at the University of Manchester
I didn’t think I was going to go to University until I came to my interview day at the University of Manchester. As soon as I got here, I got a good feeling, and I knew it was going to be the right place for me.
Written by Velvet Hebditch BA Drama