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 Danielle Gordon, a third-year Contemporary Musical Theatre pathway student from our Brighton campus.
What inspired you to train in musical theatre?
I have had a love for musical theatre since I was around seven years old. It began as a hobby, and as I became more passionate about it and continued my journey, I decided to pursue higher education in musical theatre to create opportunities for myself and begin my life into the industry.
Why did you choose ICTheatre Brighton?
I was eager to find a course with an even split of all 3 disciplines: singing, dancing and acting, and ICTheatre offered exactly what I wanted. The standard here is very professional, and thanks to the personal approach and what ICTheatre had to offer I felt I had to apply!
What’s your personal highlight of your time at ICTheatre so far?
I have a couple – I was given the chance to represent ICTheatre on the mainstage at the annual Move IT dance convention. This was an experience I never had thought I’d have, and now it’s an experience I will never forget. I was also able to perform at Brighton Fringe Festival as a featured performer within ICTheatre’s showcase. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have had during my time at ICTheatre, whether performance, teaching, or industry related.
Where do you hope your career takes you in the future?
I will always aspire to make my debut as a performer on the West End, but for now I am concentrating on making connections, seeking representation, broadening my knowledge of the industry and seeing how far I can push myself in all aspects of musical theatre.
What advice would you give to someone applying to ICTheatre?
Just do it! From the moment you walk into the building, you’ll feel a sense of community and family. Every lecturer follows your growth during your time studying and are all immensely proud when you begin to show to everyone your full potential. You’ll learn from them to see your own potential too. You’ll always be pushed to be the best you can be and will constantly be thrown out of your comfort zone. This can be scary – but I found it incredibly beneficial to my development.
What are you working on next?
I have just finished my final 3rd year show, a production run of The Addams Family – A New Musical, directed by Gary Sefton. I played the infamous character of Wednesday Addams. I have also signed my first professional contract with the BBC to be a featured presenter for a new short film, which will be released in the spring!
To discover more about joining Institute for Contemporary Theatre, including auditions and how to apply, contact us at [email protected] or book an Open Day on our Events page.
