Personal Statement - Theatre Design with Drama and Theatre Studies

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Whoever has taken a look behind the scenes of a theatre knows that the real action does not take place on stage. Studying set- and costume design not only requires a grasp of the big concept that is theatre, but also ambition, creativity and utter commitment. I am very much aware of the challenges involved in pursuing a career in theatre, but my extensive experience in this field during the last eight years has shown me that these are qualities I possess. My ultimate ambition is to be a costume designer, but the whole process of creating a production inspires me, from the initial decision for a play right up until the last curtain falls.

What attracts me to theatre is that it is a very diverse subject, combining soft skills ,such as interacting with the director and the team, with art, creativity and “hands on” work to create a perfect production.

Having family ties in Scotland and many friends in England, all of whom I have often visited, has strengthened my resolve to study in the United Kingdom, thereby enjoying the challenge of a demanding course whilst immersing myself in a cross-cultural experience. I am confident that my dedication as well as my academical and personal background will enable me to make the most of what I am certain will be a fantastic opportunity.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Having always been fascinated with clothes, fashion, art and costume I regularly took part in my school’s theatre and musical productions both as an actress and behind the scenes from 2001 on. In 2003 I completed a 4 week internship at Vivienne Westwood Studios in London. During this time I learned a lot about concept and construction of clothes and more importantly was involved in the process of what it takes to conclude a project from the initial idea to the finished product, in this case the Prêt à Porter show in Paris where I participated behind stage.

Graduating in 2008, I chose English, German, Biology and Visual Arts as my Higher Level subjects in my International Baccalaureate, thereby establishing a sound academic background as well as knowledge in the arts.

Wanting to further enhance my abilities I am currently doing an arts foundation year at the “Jugendkunstschule Meersburg”, Germany. There I have the opportunity to explore new techniques such as trick film animation and expand my knowledge in other subjects, among them fine arts, analogue photography and graphic design.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Attending boarding school for eight years honed my ability of keeping my own mind, whilst sensitizing my to the needs of others. It has hightened my tolerance as well as my capability to perform as part of a team. During my school days I held many offices such as class representative, course speaker and dormitory speaker. Involvement in sports, societies and Service was an important part of school life too. I initiated the women’s rugby team and was captain of this team until I graduated. I was a member of different societies, such as the choir and the rowing society.

Most important to me was my involvement with the College Theatre Service, whose captain I was. The College Theatre Service’s tasks include building the sets and operating the complex lighting and sound technology, taking care of the costumes and make-up of the actors for all kinds of theatre productions, shows and musicals, concerts and related events. As the captain of the Service I had full responsibility and it was my job to organize and supervise operations, to assign tasks to appropriate members, as well as to perform duties myself. Apart from these assignments I regularly performed in productions as well. These activities strenghtened my leadership abilities as well as my organisational skills and capacity for teamwork along with commitment to tasks both academic and otherwise.

Universities applied to:

• Aberystwyth

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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