Now 19, Charlie is convinced of the advantages this one-year course has given her in preparing for the next stage of her acting training."
When did you first realise that acting was what you wanted to do?
"I've always loved acting and I was probably about 7 when I decided I wanted to be an actress! I did A-level theatre studies and took part in all the school plays and musicals available. I also joined the NYT (National Youth Theatre) in 2007, which was a fantastic experience - in fact, one that I'd recommend to any young actor."
When you were looking at the options of where to study after school, how did you go about deciding on the best course for you?
"After taking advice from schoolteachers, I applied through UCAS to quite a lot of universities for Politics, whilst also applying for three-year BA Acting courses at various drama schools. A place on one of the acting courses didn't materialise and I soon realised that I wasn't suited to university, or to studying Politics either. So I looked around for foundation courses which I felt would help me to get where I wanted. I spoke to teachers, friends in the business, my family and researched courses mainly using the Internet and by requesting prospectuses."
Why did you decide to choose the Drama Foundation course at Cambridge?
"My drama teacher had been sent the CSVPA prospectus and when I read it I was so impressed with the course details, and how much time is spent on helping the students with auditions for drama schools. I was also pleased that there was accommodation offered as I was keen on moving away from home. I felt this would add to my maturity when I applied for drama schools again in the future. The affiliation with RADA gave an assurance that the standard of teaching would be high, and when I auditioned I got on well with the Course Director."
What have you covered on the foundation course?
"We cover the main areas of acting training: voice, movement and acting, along with singing, dance, musical theatre and audition technique. In acting we learn to free ourselves of inhibition and to extend our ability to work as an ensemble. Movement lessons were something new to me, and in these classes we learn to see everything as a text that can move us - we cover the work of Rudolph Laban (he was a dancer, choreographer and a dance/movement theoretician) as an aid to understanding our own bodies."
Which areas of the course have you found most challenging?
"I certainly found 'letting go' in lessons a challenge at the beginning, but I soon learnt to stop being self-conscious and trust my fellow students to support me. 'Movement' also includes a full hour's workout at the beginning of the session, which I also find a challenge but it has helped to improve my fitness, for which I'm very grateful! I do find singing a bit of a challenge too, as I didn't feel very confident in that area. However, as in all of these situations the kindness and professionalism of the staff and the support of my fellow course members have made it easy to get through any issues and challenges I've had to face."
What do you hope to do once you have finished the course?
"I hope to stick to my original plan and attend a credited drama school and study on a three-year BA Acting course."
What are your ultimate career ambitions?
"My ultimate goal is to become a professional actress, hopefully one that finds work too!"
Would you recommend choosing to study on a foundation course?
"I'd certainly recommend a foundation course. Even though I felt completely ready for a three-year course, the foundation year made me much more prepared and able to commit to a three-year programme. It also helped to bolster my determination to become an actress. I'd also say to anyone wanting to go to drama school - hold tight! It's a very hard journey, with as many rejections (if not more) than successes. If you want it enough, you need to be prepared that it may take you years before you gain a place on the course that you want, but once you're there, it will be worth it!"
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