clevsred asks:
Hi, I'm wondering if you can help me. I am in the process of writing my personal statement. I originally intented to apply for Performing Arts or Musical Theatre. I am overweight and since a lot of the Schools and Unis I was interested in ask for a full length photograph I think I may be immediately illiminated without the chance to audition.
I have attended a Saturday Theatre Arts School for the last 6 years. I have passed my Grade 6 Ballet exam and recently sat Standard 7. I am at present studying for Grade 6 Trinity singing exam and have passed with Merit Grade 5 ABRSM singing exam. I am about to take Grade 5 Theory on 11th November and will be taking ABRSM Grade 8 singing next year. I am also taking Grade 5 piano.
I also take Tap and Jazz dance classes. I do feel I have a good all round ability in the three disciplines of Song. Dance and Drama, but my appearance will create negativity.
I have taken part in annual productions with the Theatre school but they tend to be a mixture of the work that students have studies during the year. Since the student age ranges from 5 to 18, as you can imagine, they are generally an opportunity for children to show their friends and family members what they have been doing.
I have decide to now apply for drama or acting with performing arts or straight BA Acting.
With the exception of a Welsh S4C television program that I worked on as an extra, and GCSE and AS level Drama, I have very little experience of actual roles. I was however 1 of only 2 children chosen from my school to take part in this series. I am Welsh speaking.
How can I sell myself in a personal statement without such experience.
Would enthusiasm alone be enough?
etutor answers:
First, I do sympathise with your problem, though it may be less of a predicament than you think. I am a great believer in applying for what you really want to do. There are many people who are overweight in the musical theatre world, and I think it foolish to give up before you have even had the chance to see if you are called for audition. After all, as you describe them, you have splendid qualifications in a variety of performing arts areas. Moreover, it is unlawful for universities and schools to discriminate against applicants on any grounds, including physical features.
If you do, however, choose to go down the alternative Drama/Acting route, your Personal Statement will read much the same! Emphasise your devotion to the arts as a whole and go over the fact that there are strong artistic links between all the disciplines in which you have been involved. Get your various qualifications in here - advertise them! For the specifically theatrical section, put the stress on plays you like (or types of plays) and explain why. Then say something aout the annual productions, indicating what you enjoyed about the roles you were assigned, and what you learnt from them. This then seamlessly takes you into an account of your personal qualities and skills - make sure you refer to versatility, adaptability, sticking at a task, teamwork, loving everything coming together. And the fact you are Welsh speaking is a useful bonus.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck with your application.
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