Abigail Lawson

Musical Theatre is a profession in which there are huge amounts of hard work, dedication and perseverance required. I am ready and willing to put in this effort, and feel I would progress further on a full time course, whilst enjoying it in the process. Opportunities to work with professionals in a full time setting, broadening and widening my skillset and understanding of the subject is my ideal for the next three years of my life.

Performing within amateur dramatic shows for the past eleven years has allowed me to develop many key skills including teamwork, discipline and organisation which are just as applicable to daily life as they are to the musical theatre industry. I am currently studying on the BTEC-Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre at Newcastle College. This course has been excellent in providing training in all three disciplines of singing, dancing and acting, but I have also found a huge improvement in my own fitness, personal health, time management skills and teamwork ability. The course is very heavily practical due to the nature of performing arts; however there is a focus on academic study and industry-based learning where I have received the help and support I need to take the next steps as not only a Musical Theatre performer but as an academic student.

Ovation is an all-female acting group who meet for two hours a week and is auditioned from the full musical theatre department spanning four year groups. I was thrilled to be one of six females from the auditionees to gain a place. Within Ovation, I have been able to broaden my understanding of acting techniques, practice monologues, and work towards performing a full play as an ensemble. Previously to studying Musical Theatre, I gained A-Levels in Drama and Theatre studies which introduced me to acting techniques and allowed me to gain within performing, and English Language which has helped me especially within acting and script work when having to sight read and analyse. I have found that studying Film has improved my time and project management skills as well as providing me with a broader knowledge of the entertainment industry outside of the musical theatre pathway.

I am often described as being an effervescent "people-person" and I feel that being likeable and confident is a great dent in what it takes to be a successful performer within Musical Theatre. I have a wide variety of skills that I will be able to utilise on a musical theatre course, such as leadership and public speaking skills. Throughout my time in college, I was given the role of Acting Coach for projects and performances, which gave me the opportunity to lead class rehearsals, building my confidence in working with others. I am currently employed as a princess performer for entertainment company “Emma Enchanted”. My role sees me entertain children and adults alike at birthday parties and events, interacting with strangers on a weekly basis whilst in character. Often things go wrong, or a child asks an awkward question and therefore improvisation skills come with the territory.

I have many hobbies outside of Musical Theatre, including reading, exercising, socialising and traveling. Travelling has given me an insight into the culture of different countries and spending time away from home in Austria gave me confidence that I am prepared to live alone and would enjoy the independence that comes with the full time training experience. The fact that exercising is a hobby has helped a lot throughout my training so far, as being fit is a vital part of being a performer due to the intensity of the industry and the stamina required for current musical theatre productions.

After completing this course I wish to go on to gain more experience and to become a successful performer within the industry. I hope to carry on broadening my knowledge of the subject and becoming a stronger and well rounded performer.