Graduating VCA
When I applied to the VCA in 2017, the thought of going back to university for two years as a full-time student felt quite daunting. Two years later, I can honestly say it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
You don’t know what you don’t know.
Sounds silly, but in all honesty, as someone who thought they knew a lot about the industry, the VCA and its teachers, mentors, guest speakers, students and opportunities have taught me so much and given me new tools in terms of language, knowledge, perspective, research tools, networking connections and a new outlook on working as a professional in the Performing Arts.
Over two years, I have had the good fortune to learn new practices and approaches, as well as having validated a lot of the skills I already possessed. A relentless barrage of assessments in the form of essays and thesis writing proved a challenge, especially as I hadn’t been in student-mode since I studied my Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design some ten years ago. Not to mention, an incredible line-up of secondments that I’m still pinching myself about having had the chance to witness, and the opportunity to work internationally at an Asia-Pacific wide conference.
So what kind of Director will I be?
I hope to be someone who who leads cohesive teams, empowering all of the creative collaborators involved to bring their skills to the table to really shine at what they do. I love creating new worlds and bringing together a range of visual and audible artistic elements to make engaging escapes for audiences. I love text, and dissecting text with actors to find how their voice most effectively and comfortably sits in a piece is something I’m passionate about. And I hope to create environments where everyone feels valued and comfortable, and also share a laugh or two along the way.
So here’s to 2020 and beyond! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes my way!
VCA’s Masters of Directing for Performance Graduating Class of 2019.
Top: Mary Angley, Sophie O’Brien, Kitan Petrovski, Christian Cavallo.
Bottom: Saro Lusty-Cavallari, Milly Cooper, Shondelle Pratt.