2013 Reflections

Yo there thespians!
I apologise an awful lot for not having written a word since the day before my Guildhall audition! (I did not get recalled, if you want to know, that's okay though because that was my practice audition so I was not too bothered how far I got in that process system.) I have been extremely busy with... well everything.
I just wanted to write this because, as the last day of the year 2013 I thought that it would be good for myself to see what I have learnt over the previous 12 months in terms of life. Also because, as you might of seen on the news yesterday, a guy called Adam Pickup was found dead in Manchester yesterday. He was 17 (like me) and he also went to my collage in Stockport. And although me and my friends are going down to collage today to lay some flowers for him; it has made me have a serious think about life in general. I could be dead any minute so do I actually want to spend the precious moments that I have pursuing a goal that could never happen? My conclusion was, yes. Because it makes me happy when I am on the stage performing. I feel like I am doing something productive with my life, that I can share the stories of others is my idealistic view of doing something good with the world.
That said, I really do need to start working much more harder in many more aspects of my collage and acting work.
So what have I learnt this year? Well I'll tell you:
1.People do not mature at the same pace. - I learnt this when a good friend of mine managed to get pregnant three times over the course of the year. Now like me you would of thought that getting pg'ed once would of made you realise that you need to wear protection. But then I learnt that she needed to do these things in order that when she gets older she can look back and think why she did it. I.e. you gotta give space to people to grow in their own time.
2. I am not very good at exams. - But that does not mean I won't try to improve my skill at them.
3. I am a very strong willed person.
4. Kick Ass 2, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug and Anchorman 2 were brilliant sequels. Nuff said.
5. Festivals are dirty but fun. Nuff said also.
6. I can overcome my fears. -  When preparing for Les Miserables I had no sang in front of an audience of people on my own since I was 10, so you can see why I was happy when I got through.
7. I can do well when put under pressure.

Of course I have learnt other things but I honestly cannot think of anything else at the moment.
I am looking forward to the new year, plus slightly dreading it (well the first half of it.) Mainly because within the next six months I would of found out if I will be going to Drama School or the National Youth Theatre Summer Course. Plus I'll be having my A level exams in which I want to be considered for MMU then I need like a B and three C's. Therefore I cannot get distracted!

Speaking of Drama School, NEWS UPDATE!!!!!!!!!:
I have TWO AUDITIONS NEXT WEEK!!!!!
The first on monday for MMU at 1:00 (thank fuck as I get a lie in.)
The second on Tuesday for RCS at 11:30 (not so good as have to get a train at 6:15 :/ .)
Both school's are in my top three within my choices so I am both utterly excited and terrified that I might muck it up. As with Guildhall I am using the Helena moaning speech for my classical, my Port speech for the modern and The Serpent Speech for the alternative.
All I know very well so I shouldn't muck up on my words (I can say the Shakespeare one backwards. Fact.)
I just don't want to let myself down, I want it so badly that I guess if nothing happens then I would get on a proper downer.
However I am quite glad that they are next week as I know that with the death of Adam, collage will feel so depressing and I would rather have a pleasant time while studying rather than be depressed. (I already get depressed with how much I don't understand in my maths lessons, and knowing that I've got an exam in it too.)

ALSO! Have applied to another Drama School! Drama Centre in fact, I don't need to learn anything extra with it but just go along and pay the audition fee. Plus it does look amazing.

Right well, I guess I'll be posting on Monday and Tuesday on how the audition's went.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
(Oh and Happy New Year!)
Cheerio 2013,
Terri ;D

Almost at the Audition!!!!!

Hey peps!
Now just thought that I would let you know that Tomorow is my Guildhall audition, and to be truthful I am feeling the nerves kick in already. But I am going to be telling you guys what happens at it and what I might learn for the experiance. Of course I understand that the likley hood of getting a recall id very slim but I do hope that my hard work will pay off. But for now I am going to continue practicising in the car.
Cheerio,
Terri :D

Midsummer Night's Dream review and One week to GO!

Why hello my furry friends!
^That is if you are furry.
After a few strenuous days revising and line learning I have decided that I need some fun... Sooo last Wednesday me and mum headed down to old London town on the train to go see a Midsummer Night's Dream on the west end, staring David Walliams and Sheridan Smith.
The main reason we are going is so I can talk about it at my auditions, As I am doing Helena's speech in ONE WEEK for the GUILDHALL audition pannel.. Not that I am panicking what so ever about the whole thing but this should help tug a few strings in my favour if they ask about it (i.e. shows an interest about the subject  and a passion for it.)
Anyway the Play was fabulous, definitely worth all the money we spent on getting there. Especially David Walliams who, on his Shakespeare debut played the camp Bottom, and he did it perfectly! I particularly liked the fact that in Athens the cast are dressed in 1930's dull day wear whilst in the Magical Forrest the costume changes to a 1960's hippy drug taking feel.
On the note of the guildhall audition, I will write about what will go on during the day of the actual thing. but know I need to practice my pieces and start packing.
Toodiloo
Terri :D
.

Guildhall Audition preparation

Yo gang,
So this morning I'm finding it hard to type as the man of my life - i.e. my kitty Noo Noo - has decided that I am a very good bed so I've got the laptop perched at the edge of my knees to accommodate both the laptop and my man. #worldproblems
Oh and the other one - Smudge - is yowling because she wants more food...
Anyhow enough of my cat problems I wanted to discuss where I am up to with the whole Drama School thing. So I will tell you.

Now that both the play I was in has finished (tank the frigging lord) and collage has broken up for half term for a week + a bit, it has allowed me enough time to get several things sorted.
Firstly I have sent off and paid for my UCAS and CUKAS applications. That means that Manchester Met, Italia Conti and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (!) should be sending me information soon on what I need to do next! And of course I'm happy that everything is moving now in the right direction in comparison to a few months ago where I was just dithering about with nothing to do on the acting aspect. (I re-read my posts from a few months ago and I sound like a plonker.)

But for the major part of this is where I am at on my preparation for my audition at Guildhall which is on the 6th of November so not that far away really.
Now I know my Shakespeare and contrasting piece off by heart, I could literally say them in my sleep but I am still trying to learn my modern monologue which is proving a problem. I guess it's because I'm trying too hard to learn them that they won't stick.
 But I think that by the time of my audition I will know it, or be very familiar with it.

And then the song choice. Now from all the blogs that I have read with people who I have auditioned at the Guildhall, they have all said that they were not asked to sing at the first round. Now I am not a very good singer, I mean I can hold a tune alright but when people talk all the technical rubbish about singing then I get very confused. I have chosen a song and if I have to sing it (please please no) then I will be singing the second verse and chorus of David Bowie's life on mars, OR the song I stand alone from the Movie a Quest for Camelot (man I love that movie). As I know both and I like both so there.

The interview part though... is nerving me out. Mainly because Guildhall hasn't specified what sort of questions they would ask... if any. So I have gone to the over love of my life (2nd to the cats and family I mean) of the Drama UK website. And the advise they give is...

What happens at the interview?

Most schools interview candidates. There will be a different procedure at each school; some interview all candidates, others only those who have successfully completed another part of the audition. The interview is an opportunity for the audition panel to find out more about you and for you to ask questions too. It is worth thinking about some of the typical questions you may be asked:

• Why do you want to act?
• What sort of actor do you want to be?
• What are your ambitions?
• What play or film have you seen recently that impressed you and why?
• Who is your favourite actor and why?
• Are you applying to any other drama schools?

It is important to think about questions that you may want to ask the panel as well.

I have thought about those questions a great deal actually. My question to them would be about their learning support side of things (since I am dyslexic this is a major part of my decision making side of things.) I already know that they offer accommodation (!) to first year students and that they have a library full of helpful books (I do love a library). In terms of my basic answers for the questions they are likely to ask me are:
Why do you want to act? - Because acting makes me happy (cheesy I know but true) and I want to do a job that makes me happy so acting is the obvious choice.
What sort of actor do you want to be? - Shakespearian mainly but wouldn't turn down a TV or Film role.
What are your ambitions? - To be performing as a Shakespearian actress with the RSC within the next ten years.
What play have you seen recently that impressed you and why?  - I have recently been to see  Midsummer Night's Dream (well I will have, it's next week!!!!!) at the Noel Coward Theatre, I was impressed with it because... (I don't know yet as I still need to see it.)
Who is your favourite actor and why? - Ben Whishaw (Too easy). I love him because he never over plays a part and he acts with his eyes. I particularly enjoyed his performance in Peter and Alice (yes I did go see that) and The Hour.
Are you applying to any other drama schools? - Yes I am applying to six in total but you are the first and I have enjoyed it immensely. (Latter a possible lie but will go with it anyway.)

Transport and the hotel is mostly paid for. Since my Audition starts at 9:15 I intend to set off at 7 ish as the tube takes around an hour at that time of the morning from where we are staying so we (i.e. mum and me) should make it in good time.
Then a train back home and back in sunny stockport (depending on my mood as at Guildhall they tell you the results of the recall on the day.)

I am going to bugger off now as my cats are annoying me.
Toodiloo
Terri :D

P.S my man say hi.

Personal Statement For People... (Acting)

HI!... again.
Now as I promised (6 months ago) that I would re-post this. SOooo here is some information for people who need help writing their personal statement for Acting. This is from the CUKAS website so you can access this and more there. I'm putting this here though as I know how little examples there are for Acting Personal Statements (TIP do not get confused between a Drama personal statement and an Acting personal statement as a Drama course will be more academic based so the Uni's will not be looking at practical skills unlike acting.)
^In regards to myself I did around 10 drafts of my personal statement before I sent it off on my UCAS and CUKAS applications but don't worry if you haven't started you're one yet as I know for a fact that the CUKAS deadline is the 15th January for UK applicants (and later for overseas).

So here it goes...

What to include in your personal statement:

Most courses have an Entry Profile that you can view in Course Search - these explain what the conservatoire is looking for in their students and what qualifications or experience you'll need for the course. Check these because they'll give you some ideas about what to include in your statement

You do not have to use all the space provided. Consider carefully the information you give to support your application and the best way to present it effectively. Remember, you must be truthful and accurate in what you write. Make this a true match of you, your aspirations, personality, feelings about your chosen study area and experience. Showing understanding of today's competitive music or performing arts profession where versatility is required is helpful and indicates a suitable temperament. It is up to you how you write your statement, but we suggest you include some or all of the following points.

• Your reasons for choosing the courses you have listed. Remember that each conservatoire will be able to see the other conservatoires and courses to which you have applied.
• What interests you about your chosen study area (whether playing an instrument, acting, singing, conducting, stage design or another specialist area).
• Your experience within your chosen specialist area and in any other activity related to the course(s) for which you have applied.
• Membership of national and/or international orchestras, choirs or chamber groups, eg NYO, EUYO or National Youth Theatre.
• Your career plans for when you complete your course.
• Any job, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done, particularly if it is relevant to the course for which you have applied. You may want to list the skills and experience you have gained from these activities. Try to link any experience to skills or qualities mentioned in the Entry Profiles.
• Any involvement in widening participation schemes such as summer schools or mentoring activities.
• Involvement in master classes or other Gifted and Talented programmes.
• Details of non-accredited skills and achievement that you have gained through activities such as:
  • ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network awards), for example, Universities Award
  • Diploma of Achievement
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • OCNW Level 3 Certificate in Personal Development for Progression (previously known as the Liverpool Enrichment Programme)
  • vfifty award
  • Millennium Volunteering Certificate of Volunteering Achievement
  • Young Enterprise.
• Details of accreditation achieved for any activities in preparation for higher education, for example through the ASDAN Aimhigher Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE qualification).
• Your future plans: if you know what you'd like to achieve after completing your course, explain how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you'll gain at the conservatoire.
• Any subjects you are studying that do not have a formal assessment.
• Any sponsorship or placements you have or for which you have applied.
• If you are planning to take a year out, your reasons why.
• Your social, sports or leisure interests and any other achievements that you are proud of. Think about how your interests and social activities demonstrate your skills and abilities. If there's anything that relates to your course or to the skills needed to complete the course, include it - the more evidence the better.
• Any positions of responsibility that you hold/have held both in and out of school, eg form prefect or representative for a local charity.
• Attributes that make you interesting, special or unique.

While you should not include details of your performance in individual units of qualifications (such as GCE AS and A level) in the education section, you may put this information in the personal statement.

If you are a mature student, you should give details of any relevant work and performance experience, paid or unpaid, and information about any current or previous employment.

If you want to send more information, perhaps a CV, send it direct to your chosen conservatoire(s) after we have sent you your Welcome letter and Personal ID. Do not send it to us.

If you are an international student, also try to answer these questions.

• Why do you want to study in the UK?
• How can you show that you can complete a higher education course that is taught in English? Please say if some of your studies have been taught or examined in English.
• Have you taken part in any activities where you have used English outside of your studies?

Make sure that your personal statement is your own work

We will carry out checks to verify that your personal statement is your own work. If your personal statement appears to have been copied from another source, we will inform the conservatoires to which you have applied. They will then take the action they consider appropriate. We will also contact you by email to tell you that this has happened. Find out more...

Now kids go live your lives!!!

(^I don't know where that came from but OK)

Terri :D.

Another brilliant Drama School blog

Hey,
Wow I really seem to be writing loads on here atm compared to the last month (probably because of my sheer panic about the whole Drama School audition in a THREE WEEKS thing.)
Anyhow a couple of days ago I came across a relatively old blog by a guy called Tom, and it's basically a diary of his experiences with Drama School auditions. And he got in! (To Guildhall too!) So no surprises I have devoured the entire thing to see if it could help me get in as well (perhaps not but you have to try).
But I thought I might leave a link here for you guys to look at, as I know I found it interesting sooo

http://anotherlondonactor.blogspot.co.uk/

Tadahhh!!!!!!  ( #jazzhands )
^And yes I did just do a hashtag on a mac #score !
 ^ Yeah I really need to stop that now.

In terms of Preparation for my Guildhall audition (which is in less than THREE WEEKS) I showed my drama teacher all of my three pieces (but not my song choice - which btw is David Bowie's Life on Mars, risky I know but I know all the lyrics and I enjoy singing it) and she gave me notes on how to improve. Like some actual movement for my Port monologue as before I was just awkwardly standing there and saying it.

I am going to do another post later but at the present time I want to drink my latte.
Adios
Terri :D

Mad times for Mad People

Hello,
Now I realise that I haven't wrote on here for quite some time, not because I have forgoten you but because a) I have been verry very very busy and b) I've had writer's block... badly. (Oh and I appologise if much of this is spelt wrong but I am currently on a bus writing this on my iphone, which let me say, have very arkward keypads.)
But today has been mental, because today everything hit me... like BOOM hit me with your disco-stick thang. And writing on this always seems to calm me down so I'm just going to get everything out in one list of things that have happened in the last month ish.
So here goes:
- I started College
- I am doing 4 A-levels...
-... and a diploma (in which I have to write a 5000 word essay)
- I was told that I am in a play and have had to learn a ridiculous amount of lines in two weeks
- The play is on Saturday
- I have wrote a personal statement for many drama schools, plus filling in too many forms as well
- I have had two orders from my esty shop in the last two days, both deciding that they wanted it shipped abroad to them making me confused about posting and packaging rubbish
- I auditioned for my college's production of Les Miserables to try and get over my fear of singing in public (too long a story to explain this irrational fear so just go with it).
- I got in the college's production of Les Miserables (chorus thank god I dont think I could deal with a main role) with reherals every night after college.
- I have applied for a job... in the libary (coz I is well kool man)
- I have bought tickets to see Midsummer Nights Dream at the Noel Coward Theatre (this isnt a negative but I just wanted to put it out there)
- I sent off my application for Guildhall (Costing me £60!!!!!!!)
-Guildhall have given me a date for my audition, its in less than a month!!!!!!!!!
-I have been ill for the past two weeks, and the cats have chewed through my charger...

!!!!!!!!!!! SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Guildhall audition is on the 06 of November and although I know (due to all the research I have done) that as a 17yr white female I have a minimal chance as it gets but there is always hope and I will always be one to look for hope in these circumstances.
For my peices (which you need three) I have a deffinate selection of (yes another list) :
Helena's  How happy some o' other some can be. (Shakespeare)
Racheal from Port (Simon Stephens)
The Snake in Back to Methuselah (G.B Shaw)

They need to be two mins long so they all need shortening down but that is rather easy to do once its all learnt.
 But a month to do all this, to get everything done... Its going to be ridiculous.
Thank fudge that I've got half term in the middle of it all as then is going to be my knuckle down and just get on with it.

I am going to go and start preparing. Because, as I have just read, it is the lack of preperation which is the biggest dreamkiller for drama school aplicants.
On that note...
Cheerio,
Terri :D

P.S And I have a maths test tomorow.