In the Spotlight is our regular feature where we meet current students from our Performing Arts faculty, made up of Institute for Contemporary Theatre, Northern Ballet School, and Performers College. This week we meet Hannah Bedworth, a second-year BA Acting for Stage, Screen and Digital Media student from our Birmingham campus.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TRAIN IN ACTING?
I’ve been a multi-disciplinary performer from a young age, and I’ve been training in Musical Theatre from the age of 4. I was keen to build my skill set, especially in new areas that would stretch me through new learned techniques and enabling me to develop a unique acting personality. I have always loved the process and rehearsals aspect of acting as much as the final results in any production I’ve been involved in. I decided to train in acting specifically to gain a better understanding of the craft and importance of developing and researching characters in full depth.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PERFORMERS COLLEGE?
My research into HE institutions was in depth and Performers College ticked all the boxes for me – course content, facilities, a teaching team with significant industry experience and a reputable name within the industry. The acting course has enabled me to gain technical expertise, exposed me to new texts, helped me refine accents, body language and develop an understanding of the breadth of opportunity and platforms where my acting could be used. For example, on stage, on the radio, in motion capture or in front of a television camera. Also, the links and the shared facilities with both BIMM Music Institute and Screen and Film School here in Birmingham is something unique to the Performers College and really led my decision in choosing to study here.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TIME AT PERFORMERS COLLEGE SO FAR?
My highlight of my time at Performers so far has been the enrichment and workshop opportunities that we have been provided alongside our core hours which included things like Shakespeare, puppetry, movement and presenting. In particular I loved working with Graeme Rooney in a workshop based around The Play that Goes Wrong. It was a great opportunity being able to talk to someone who has performed professionally and gain his insight into the industry. I love that Performers College are constantly bringing in industry professionals to aid us in our training.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR CAREER TAKES YOU IN THE FUTURE?
I have a keen interest in directing as a possible future career path, undoubtedly experience as a performer will have to precede this to truly know that role end to end. I have been able to study directing as part of my studies here and have been guided by industry experts who have enabled me to analyse every aspect of directing, from choice of text, casting and rehearsal techniques to final performance.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE APPLYING TO PERFORMERS COLLEGE?
Be prepared for your audition, not just in terms of knowing your text or song, but do your research and understand your playing type, age etc. Be bold, and be ready to take risks and redirection and give them your fullest potential. You’ll also get more out of the experience if you can ask relevant questions and know whether the college is going to meet your needs so have a really good think about what you are looking for – location, extra curricular opportunities, agent showcases, student destinations etc.
WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON?
I was recently one of five students in training to be awarded a place with the Godber Theatre Foundation which is a real privilege as I will be mentored by a nationally renowned and loved playwright and his team of professionals. It will give me access to John Godber Company and associated company events, masterclasses and industry connections. They aim to help my career during and after training and also hold strong links with Hull Truck Theatre, whom I know are a pioneering theatre for exploring new works.
In my first year at Performers College I also joined a local drama group in Solihull, the Midlands Drama Academy and was able to experience my first agent showcase – now I’m looking forwards to our Performers College ones next year!
To discover more about Performers College, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or book an Open Day on our Events page.
