Within the performing arts industry, I was to be performing on stage; whether that be on the West End or in New York performing on Broadway. It was important for me to find the career that make me happy from an early ages so that I can develop the correct skills and gain the right qualifications i need to become successful.
My Plan was/is...
Taking part in as many performing opportunities as I could. Eg, school productions, joining extra curricular theatre school, joining a dance school, going to drama school
The first school show that I took part in was Bugsy Malone where I played the part of "Baby Face". Playing this part was so fun and I gained a very good insight to how show/productions were put together.
I then went onto playing in more school shoes such as:
Annie - "Dog Catcher" "Court Judge"
Beauty and the Beast - "Monsieur D'Arque"
I then joined Basics Junior Theatre School to help me further my knowledge of musical theatre where I performed in:
West Side Story - "Big Deal"
The King and I - "Captain Orton" "George (The Small House of Uncle Thomas)"
In high school, I also took GCSE Drama to help me gain more knowledge with acting technique and to further my knowledge on practitioners and the 'behind the scenes' of theatre.
I knew that after school, I wanted to study musical theatre and hopefully make a career out of is and this is where I auditioned to be on a Level 3 Musical Theatre course at The Manchester College where I am currently at. Here, I have learnt a variety of skills that would 100% benefit me when auditioning and performing. The skills I have learnt are: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, different acting skills to interpret andportray a character, and different singing exercises, warmups and techniques (legit and contemporary ways to sing)
I have also joined Encore Dance School to help me get better at dancing in jazz and tap and to help me further my skills/technique in the dance discipline.
AFTER COLLEGE, I want to attend preferably a drama school or a university studying either a BA (HONS) Level 6 Musical Theatre Diploma course or a BA (HONS) Musical Theatre Degree course with an equal split between singing, acting and dancing.
And then after graduating from Drama School or University, I want to be represented by an agency and apply/audition for as many jobs as I can to gain experience.
The first thing that is needed is to be able to sing, act and dance. Without these skills, you would be very limited to specific jobs and roles.
CONFIDENCE: this is needed because you would be performing infant of large crowds. its 100% okay to feel some nerves as that gives you the adrenaline and makes you perform your best.
RESILIENCE: this is needed because is is a very competitive industry and you need to get used to the word 'no' and being used of being turned away. You also need to be used of taking criticism as not everyone is going to like you and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
SELF REFLECTION: you need to be able to look at your performance and know where you went wrong and correct yourself. Without this, you won't be able to improve and get better.
STAMINA: this part of the industry is very full on. You will be expected to dance near enough everyday in training and in jobs.
FLEXIBILITY: being able to work many hours is key and learning/getting used to change from directors and choreographers is also key because dances could get changed and lines could be cut.
HAVING FUN: you have got to love what you're doing because if you don't enjoy it then what's the point in pursuing a career in musical theatre when you don't like it. Showing passion will make you stand and and you will perform the best you possibly can.