"I initially studied drama at GCSE level and really thought that would be the area that I wanted to go into. However, when it came round to school performances, I began to help more with the backstage work and quickly became interested in the process as a whole. In particular, I started to get involved with aspects of scenic design, and through doing these small shows, I began to think that this could be more than just a hobby."

"Throughout my time in education I had always been heavily involved with design subjects - spending most of my time in workshops - therefore it was essential for me that the course provided a more practical base and would give me the chance to expand my knowledge in different materials and processes.

The course at Trinity University College Carmarthen had some outstanding features which clearly marked it out from others I looked into. First and foremost, I found everyone involved to be friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. It also provided the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, some of which I hadn't even considered to be important when studying such a subject. It was the package as a whole that attracted me to the course as it was the perfect base upon which to expand my knowledge and gain valuable employment experience."

"You get to explore all the different areas that go into creating theatre, ranging from its organisational background from studying stage management, through to other more creative subjects such as scenic art, scenic construction and costume and props. Throughout the first year you get to do mini-projects which ensure everyone gets involved. It gives a strong base on which to build, and all the knowledge you gain culminates in a final-year performance which is shown in the in-house theatre."

"All the areas studied in the first year can be challenging in one way or another because you're learning new skills and techniques, but the areas which I found most difficult to grasp were lighting and sound. I had never come across some of the technical aspects of the subject and hence found it sometimes difficult to understand. This being said, at the end of the year I began to appreciate the subject more as everything began to click into place."

"The best thing about this course and the world of theatre, is the fact that you are able to see a single idea or concept being transformed into a physical, tangible object which will be enjoyed by many. Another rewarding feature of the course is the fact that you are given the opportunity to go out into the industry and work within a real-life situation. These experiences are invaluable and, combined with the knowledge you gain within your studies, prepare you well for the future."

"I think there are many qualities that are vital if you are to succeed in this type of work. Working within a theatre is extremely enjoyable but can sometimes be rather hectic; therefore adaptability, the ability to think on your feet, and above all hard work, are essential. Communication is also important as most of your work will be performed as part of a team and you will need to ensure that everybody is working towards the same goal."

"The best advice I can give is to visit as many places as you can and talk to the people there, both tutors and students. In particular, I think it's really important to get a feel for what goes on from the perspective of the students as they are the people that will be going through the process and can give a valuable insight into the course. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask. As I found when I was choosing my course, the more you know the more informed choice you can make."

"Once I have graduated I would like to pursue a career in set design and making. I am also open to the idea of expanding my knowledge further within a Master's course."