Sample Performing Arts Personal Statement
Going to a professional theatre to see a West End musical for the first time when I was ten was an unforgettable experience for me and immediately convinced me that this was the sort of world in which I should like to spend my life. I was overwhelmed by the magic of live performance, the bright lights and gigantic stage, and I truly believe that those who share the same drive will understand that intense feeling of wanting to act, sing and dance for an audience. Time has only intensified for me this strong desire; it is almost as if performing is a part of me and where I belong.
From that point on I made every effort to involve myself in the world of performing arts. I joined Youth Music Theatres. In the Vocal Performance Academy I began to gain qualifications, including the Trinity Guildhall Exam at grade 5 and the grade 4 Lamda Exam, which I passed with high merits. I also trained to dance at the Pink Dance Academy, where I gained a Street Dance Exam Silver Medal with Merit, and joined Inferno Street Dance UK. At the same time I underwent private and group voice training, and played a range of characters and leading roles, from Mary in the nursery nativity play to Rizzo in my school’s 2012 production of Grease. A great highlight last month was my first professional performance, at The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone, London
Choosing Performing Arts for A Level has given me an excellent foundation for my future career, with its emphasis on production as well as performance. Questions of set design, lighting, costume design, and the management of rehearsal all interest me deeply. I recently worked as assistant stage manager backstage on the school’s production of Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale, which introduced me to the offstage side of the Performing Arts industry. The director and the company relied on me totally for management control, which meant my organization skills had to be perfect, and, even though I soon understood how demanding the backstage roles are, I loved the ‘behind the scenes’ atmosphere.
Since entering the Sixth Form I have begun audition preparation and have attended auditions for small and large-scale theatre companies. I have started this early, partly because I want to gain more experience, but also in order to train myself personally to cope with the inevitable rejection and learn from constructive criticism. In April 2012 I went for an audition for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York, my first big audition, where I was struck by how fierce the competition is in this profession. I was thrilled and honoured to be accepted and awarded an International Scholarship on to their two-year integrated programme, which I intend to take up after university, as I feel that the more training I can have, the more my skills will develop as a performer and the greater my personal maturity will be in handling the challenges of a life in the theatre.
Working during 2012 at Costa Coffee has gained me a professional qualification as a barista and 12 months previously as a waitress at DeVere conference hotel has strengthened and developed my teamwork skills and creativity within a professional working environment of customer engagement and service which has further developed the ‘people skills’ which are of value in studying a degree in performing arts. I have also done charity work for the Royal British legion and for the help for Heroes campaign.
To be able to perform and express my passion for the arts every day would be the most rewarding and deeply satisfying form of study for me. I would be doing what I love and pursuing work that inspires me. I find the constant buzz and adrenaline rush that come from performing on stage quite irresistible. I believe I that success is a very much a matter of attitude, and my academic achievements and commitment to the stage so far demonstrate my drive, self motivation and determination to realize my goals.
We hope this Performing Arts personal statement has been helpful.