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 Amelia Smeaton, a third-year BA Musical Theatre and Dance student from our Birmingham campus.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TRAIN IN MUSICAL THEATRE AND DANCE?
Growing up in a tiny village in Dorset, I have always dreamt of achieving something I can look back and be proud of. I have been dancing ever since I was a small child, and I’ve had the most incredible teachers. For a long time I never believed I could perform as a career, but I have such supportive, incredible parents and that support allowed me to believe in myself. After performing in Christmas and summer pantos, I knew dance was something I wanted to train in at the professional level. I believe if its something you love, why wouldn’t you chase your dreams to do it forever?
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PERFORMERS COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM?
I chose Performers College as when I visited on the open day I felt the buzz I had been looking for during my various visits to other colleges. Performers College Birmingham will always be special to me as our year was the very first, we have built our own little family and for that I am forever grateful. Performers has such a homely feel, yet has pushed me in so many ways to progress and find my own potential. I love the way they value individuality, training us to be amazing and creative individuals as opposed to carbon copies.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TIME AT PERFORMERS COLLEGE SO FAR?
My personal highlight thus far would be performing as the very first curtain raiser for the Birmingham Royal Ballet. That piece, named Seraphina, holds a very sentimental place in my career as a training professional. Auditions were held at Performers College and a select 16 dancers were chosen. I was lucky enough to be one of these, which subsequently provided me with the opportunity to work with Patsy Hope-Brown and Lachlan Monaghan. The group chosen held such talent and creativity and I had the honour of sharing the Hippodrome stage with them all. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity Performers College arranged for me and will always keep it close to my heart.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR CAREER TAKES YOU IN THE FUTURE?
I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me and am excited by each new venture. I would love to work on cruise ships and be able to travel the world whilst doing something I love. I would also love to understudy on the West End, but I am excited at the possibilities of keeping an open mind and seeing where my career takes me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE APPLYING TO PERFORMERS COLLEGE?
My advice to someone applying to Performers College is to just go for it! The college loves to see passion and potential, they are never looking for someone to be the finished product, they just want to see your attitude, individuality and what you can bring. This college is so supportive and each and every person you meet wants to see you thrive. So just bring your best and enjoy yourself!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?
I am currently in full-time rehearsals for our show Sweet Temptations, with Creative Director Blair Anderson. I am so grateful to be one of the featured roles where I play a Karen (from Mean Girls) inspired character, in a show based loosely on the story of Willy Wonka. I have loved every minute of this creative process and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve all been working so hard on. I am also training to become a Personal Trainer so I can support both myself and others on the journey of reaching our full potential. I am so excited to see where this takes me!
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.
