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Ashmole
sixth form

Christopher - University of Hertfordshire, English Literature with Acting and Film

Christopher


Date attended Ashmole:   2002 - 2009

A Levels:   English, Religious Studies, Media Studies and Sociology

University:  University of Hertfordshire

Course:   BA (Hons) English Literature with Acting and Film


 

 

 

 

What are you doing now?

Actor

What did/do you get involved with at university?

I was a member of my University's Drama Society

What did you find most valuable about your experiences at Ashmole Academy? What skills did it help you to develop?

What I found most valuable was the friendships I made, which helped me to come out of my shell as I began to express myself.  This allowed me to be more fun and focus on my studies more.  It made for a much more enjoyable learning experience, which later helped with developing skills of communication, collaboration and being a good team player, skills that are essential for an actor.

What top tips would you give to other students wishing to follow a similar career to yours?

To be yourself and never stop learning.  Determination is key, but don't forget to have fun also. Enjoy the process.

If you find a path that works for you, then stick to that path, because you're half way there.  But try not to jump straight into the industry. Learn as much as you can about it first, as patience makes for a greater rewarding experience.

Craft is an actor's best friend.  So learn what you can about it before approaching professional acting; it'd be hugely beneficial to have an understanding of acting techniques, so maybe start to think about what technique may suit you or what you find the most appealing, that you could apply to your work once you get opportunities to perform.  Craft will be an ongoing development as your career progresses.

Read books, watch films, and go to the theatre whenever possible; observation is another friend of the actor, and we can learn a significant amount by doing these simple things.

How did Ashmole help you reach your goals?

Ashmole helped me further my interests in exploring the human condition.  I found that the best way to do this was to mould my studies toward a career in storytelling, which then gave me a pathway into developing myself into an actor.

Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself.

I am also a poet and playwright, and campaigner for animal rights, including being an ambassador for 'Tiger Time Now', a campaign of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, fighting to end illegal Tiger trade and to help protect Tigers in the wild, raising awareness of their rapid decline.

Please write a quote that sums up your experience at Ashmole.

"I will always be fond of Ashmole.  It was more than a place of education for me, it was a community and it is through community, where education best thrives"