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 Freya Clayton, a second-year BA Acting for Stage, Screen and Digital Media student from our Birmingham campus.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TRAIN IN ACTING?
My inspiration for acting came from the idea of life being a one-time thing, and if you have a dream and passion for something no matter how out of reach it is you have to pursue it!
I came from a small town up north as one of seven, and I always craved more. There was no one particular moment or thing that made me want to become an actor – I’ve just always loved being creative and telling stories.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PERFORMERS COLLEGE?
I chose Performers College because their approach is different to other schools I’d looked into – they don’t believe that in order to be your best you have to be broken down and built back up. Instead, they encourage you to embrace your quirks, and your individuality and build on who you already are to become your best self.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TIME AT PERFORMERS COLLEGE SO FAR?
My personal highlight at Performers College was my recent second-year contemporary play. I got to work creatively alongside an inspiring cohort, playing the role of Philomelle in The Love of The Nightingale. It gave me the opportunity to really grow and develop my stage presence and skills through rehearsals and the final performances.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE YOUR CAREER TAKES YOU IN THE FUTURE?
Once I graduate from Performers College I will be focusing on auditioning for jobs and working as a voice-over artist, alongside TV and film as well. I have a deep passion for cartoons and animation, being from a family where cartoons played a big part in our childhoods. After spending time in the UK, I hope to move to the USA for a couple of years and see what might be out there for me!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE APPLYING TO PERFORMERS COLLEGE?
My advice to someone applying to Performers College would be to bring your aura and quirks with you, don’t just leave them at the door. The school loves to see individuality and everyone here wants to see you thrive. The other thing I’d say is to bring your best to the table at your audition and once you join you’ll only get better from there.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?
I’m currently writing my own script that I’d love to carry onto stage or film using my writing workshops at Performers College. Once it’s written, I’m going to seek advice from professional playwrights as to how to progress my ideas.
Within college we are currently in rehearsals for our classical plays and I will be playing the role of Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. I’m extremely excited to implement my experience from our stage combat qualification professionally within the play!
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.
