Q. What qualifications route did you take to realise your career?
Probably not as conventional as you might think. It was most important to get through auditions to get to drama school and for that I needed talent.

Q. Please explain what students will learn during your course?
Students will learn the discipline of the performing arts industry. This essentially consists of time keeping and a code of conduct which is specific to drama as well as acting singing and dancing skills.

Q. What’s the first thing you teach your students?
Definitely to be inspired by others and have self belief. No matter what your background, you have the right to be in the performing arts.

Q. What qualities do you need to succeed in your industry?
Self discipline, determination a thick skin, and sense of humor.

Q. What are the benefits of studying your subject?
The benefits are vast because you can choose so many different pathways once you’ve studied drama.  Examples can include travel and tourism, stage management, front of house box office at the theatre, working at the cinema, creative apprentice, teacher, childcare – in fact anything that requires you to communicate with the public.

Q. Please explain why you love your subject?
Because it allows me to experience the world through plays and encounter characters that I may not have met in my lifetime.

Q. What skills do your students have by the end of the course?
They will learn discipline, confidence, acting, singing and dance skills, as well as how to use drama in drama therapy.  Students become more aware of issues in the world, history. This tends to lead to higher expectations and aspirations as well as getting a qualification that gets you into Higher Education.

Q. What do students normally do once they’ve finished their course?  
Higher Education, drama school or University.

Q. What’s the best way to go about getting a job in your industry?
Be prepared when opportunities arise. Get a good CV together and get out there.  

Q. Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
Absolutely not, every day is different!

Q. What advice do you have for people interested in studying a course like yours?
Show your talent so that it can be harnessed and disciplined so you can work in industry and be successful. Remember that actors usually work 90% of the time, so always have a plan A and B!