High five for Acting student

Dewi, who is set to complete his studies in acting this term, received offers from Bristol Old Vic, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Mountview and Arts Ed. He says he was overwhelmed by the response: “It was such a surprise, but I feel I’ve been very lucky.”

Dewi’s preferred institutions were Bristol Old Vic, where he applied to study acting, and Central, where he applied to study acting and musical theatre. “Apart from their great reputations, they were very welcoming on the audition day and very down to earth in their approach, which was refreshing when it comes to applying for drama schools.”

The auditions went well, and Dewi feels his training at LIPA Sixth Form College helped in his preparations. “We did a whole module on monologues and I had weekly support and feedback from my tutors. We also did a lot on audition technique, even on things like how to enter a room and make a positive impression.” He also feels that choice of material was important for his audition pieces - “I did lots of research into monologues that not many other people would be doing, in an attempt to try and be different and show my personality.”

Dewi has some words of advice for anyone auditioning for drama school: “Don’t be too safe in choosing your audition piece – find something that lets you put yourself across. If you’re unsuccessful, don’t take it to heart – you can always apply again next year.”

Bristol Old Vic is where Dewi is heading in the autumn, and he feels well prepared for the forthcoming experience. “The audition day was like a series of thorough workshops – they looked at your voice, your speech, we did an improvisation session, a movement session, singing and so on. They were really thorough in getting to know you, and it felt like I was really getting to know them, too.”

Steph Kirton, Programme Manager for Acting at LIPA Sixth Form College, said: “We are extremely proud of Dewi's achievement and it serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Dewi has prepared thoroughly for his auditions and spent a lot of time researching the course he has applied to. We will be sad to see him leave LIPA Sixth Form College but are equally excited for the opportunities that await him.”