Personal statement

I am applying for the stage management course because it seems to cover a wide range of skills associated with stage management, and is the area of work that I want to enter. The elements of the course, particularly the parts that focus upon other areas of technical theatre, offers a wider range of future opportunities in the technical theatre. Previously I have been interested in working as a lighting operator or designer. However, a recent work placement ignited a passion for stage management. I particularly enjoy the problem solving aspect of this role of stage manager, locating the problem or problems and having to work and think about the solution is something I find to be particularly enjoyable, especially when I see the final product and the result of my hard work.

Through my work experiences, I have learnt about the box office, admin work, taking bookings and helping patrons on performance nights. I have also learnt about what goes in backstage, even try-ing a few things, like helping in the fly deck and helping to get a show in and ready to perform. When I worked on Joseph at the Alhambra theatre in Bradford I learnt about the elements that went into preparing for a show. During the "get in", I was calling to the fly man so we could attach the scenery to the bars, I was told the importance of the safety of fellow workers. I felt that this placed a lot of pressure on me, especially for my first day! Later on in my work experience, I was offered the opportunity to operate a pulley, which meant my work would be seen by the paying audience of a professional production and, after doing it once under supervision, I was left alone. This experience taught me how to follow cues well and the need to follow the stage managers or-ders. At my previous school, I helped by being the technical liaison in a performing arts showcase that my performing arts class put together. This ultimately led to a polished show. At my current school I help lead a team of 'backstagers'. During productions, I work with one of the younger years and am responsible for ensuring they follow the correct cues. I also help the teacher before the production, one recent way I did this was to take measurements to help the teacher block the production while they were away rehearsing.I enjoy learning new things. One of my favourite subjects is Maths, as it is a lot of problem solving and can sometimes be quite a challenge, but it always feels good when you arrive at the right an-swer. I also enjoy Physics as it gives me an understanding of how things work and it is a subject I find myself understanding well. My third A-level is Media, which offers a way to practice of my cre-ative skills, as well as my organising. In my AS year of Media, I produced a film opening with an-other student, in doing this we worked with various students who volunteered to be our actors. This obviously placed me in a position where I needed to organise multiple people. In my first year of sixth form, I studied Chemistry as well, which offered a hands on approach to learning through the various experiments we did as a class.I help in my schools gardening club, which is run by a teacher and learning support staff. Through this I help them by looking after the young people and keeping them on topic and focused. At my church, I serve on the altar, which I have done for almost 10 years, having started when I was 8. I am now head altar server, which involves tasks such as teaching the new 8 and 9 year olds, creat-ing rotas, and organising the team of 8 each week (giving out jobs and ensuring they behave are two key components). Currently we have an total of 25 servers. I find this to be very rewarding, particularly when I see the progress they have made through serving.

I feel that I can learn a lot and advance my skills in this course, which will prepare me for my chosen career and the working world.

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