[Jasmin1234]

i know this isn't to do with musical theatre but i am applying for a BA in acting at several london drama schools and need help with my personal statement! i read some tips a few people had given another student on their personal statement and it looked really useful so would really appreciate any criticisms, what should stay what isn't neccessary? don't worry about being harsh ,, thanks


I have always had an enthusiasm for theatre and have been a spectator of live productions of all sorts from a very young age. These performances inspired me and made me want to be a part of this exciting community so I started to get involved with school productions including an ensemble piece of Romeo and Juliet which we had the privilege to perform at The Sheffield Crucible Theatre. This was an amazing experience and made me want to do more so when the chance came around I chose to take a GCSE in Theatre Studies which allowed me to look into drama in more depth, taking inspiration from practitioners such as Brecht whilst rehearsing the play of ‘Shakers’ by Ian Godber in which I had the role of Adele. My interest in theatre peaked when I started the 6th form and started to explore the works and theories of theatre practitioner Stanislavski. I found his ideas fascinating and used many of his techniques including, ‘the magic if’, objectives and super objectives, given circumstances and subtext whilst rehearsing and performing the school production of Mike Leigh’s ‘Abigail’s Party’ in which I played Angela. I threw myself into this performance and enjoyed getting to know my character by inventing her back story, her opinions of the other characters and what she would do in the uncomfortable situations throughout the play which from our interpretation she was mostly unaware of. I enjoyed every aspect of the lead up to the performance including the long hours spent performing, and directing, the stress, and the excitement . It was whilst rehearsing this play that I decided I wanted to pursue acting as a career. It is a career which I will put everything towards achieving. I have started to get involved with more drama outside of school to expand my knowledge and understanding of acting and to channel my talent.

I took part in a week long acting course at Arts Education School London over the summer which I paid for with the money I earned from my waitress job. I had to work hard to pay for the course, plus my accommodation and train tickets but it paid off. The week I spent at Arts Ed gave me an insight of what Drama School is really like and developed my understanding of naturalistic, Stanislavski style, acting. It turned out to be the most exciting and interesting week of my life which further comprehends that Drama School is for me. I auditioned for National Youth Theatre last year but was unsuccessful. Despite this I am determined to continue with my ambition and have booked another audition for the National Youth Theatre which will be held in February 2010. I have used the critical feedback they gave me and what I learnt at the summer course to explore the subtle emotions within texts and have developed a way of portraying them without forcing myself to ‘act’ anything. I have applied for an audition to take part in an ensemble piece to mark the opening of the new Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. I am planning to spend some time over the summer with my great aunts London based Disabled and non Disabled Dance Company, ‘Candoco’ as work experience. I have seen many of the company’s performances over the years and found the dancer/actors truly inspiring and was captured by how they use their bodies to create symbols and even language. This will be a fantastic, educating experience for me.


In addition to drama I have also always had a passion for Art and Languages, particularly French. From the age of five with few exceptions I have visited France with my family every year and I have always been intrigued by the French culture and language. I am currently studying French A Level and speak the language well. Although I have no interest in pursuing languages as a career it is my aim to speak French fluently and I wish to live there at some point in my life. I intend to spend a large proportion of my summer in France volunteering for an organisation called ‘WWOOF’, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, This will enable me to experience a different culture and establish my French Language. I believe that to be a good actress experience of different cultures is crucial. I find Art similar to Drama in that both involve learning about previous, and present ‘professionals’ and the history of the topic then taking inspiration from these to create something of our own. I have always been very imaginative and creative. I take full advantage of the freedom to explore new ideas and methods of portraying those ideas as images or pieces of theatre and hope to provoke thought in the spectator. I feel that my experience of art and my knowledge of the history of art can only strengthen my potential in theatre as it has helped me to think artistically and imaginatively.

This institution is suited to me as I have always been a very practical learner and worker and I find that by ‘doing’ I am able to have a greater and more in depth understanding of the topic or subject area. The highly demanding layout of the course both physically and mentally appeals to me as I know that I work best under pressure and this way I will gain the most from the three years. I relish the idea of being surrounded by, and working with students and teachers as enthusiastic about theatre as myself. I think that this environment will inspire me ever more, help me to achieve my utmost potential and point me in the right direction of developing a career in acting.

Although I appreciate and have a love for both live theatre and films my ultimate ambition is to perform onstage amongst professional actors as I perceive performing onstage in front of a live audience to be the most exciting and rewarding experience of theatre.