sophie wilkes

As an individual, I am quite quiet and find it hard to express myself, but musical theatre helps me to come out of my shell and explore the person that I want to be. Releasing the emotions that I tend to bottle up, portraying different characters, and embodying their experiences and how they might be feeling/thinking, allows me to find confidence in; talking, presenting, communicating, and overall performances. In turn, it entertains the audience and I then feel all different types of emotions.

My first experience in the industry was on holiday aged nine. The hotel was holding a small, non-competitive competition which I participated in and won. After being bought up onto the stage, this is when I knew that performing is what I wanted to do in the future. Martha Graham’s techniques are one thing I have gained inspiration from. Her techniques have shaped what we know of dance today.

Martha Graham once said: “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” I feel have carried these words throughout my journey within the musical theatre industry. It has helped me to not give up in tough times.

Another inspiration is Stanislavsky. He also created outstanding acting techniques, exploring naturalism and realism which has helped me to understand my character, read in-between the lines, and develop my acting skills. It has allowed me to expand my knowledge of different acting techniques, apply them, and adapt to any given role.

I’m currently studying musical theatre at college and have taken part in different performances like; pantomimes, jukebox musicals, and showcases. I have danced and studied drama on and off for a couple of years, I have a great quantity of experience in musical theatre as I have studied dance drama for three years at GCSE and attended dance classes outside of school and college. This has given me the ability to; work under pressure, adapt to different roles and with limited time, work with different types of people, and experience different types of cultures and a variety of different dance styles.

Overall, I have a deep passion for musical theatre, the big lights, the massive audiences, and the Adrenalin rush just before you stand up on stage. It’s something I couldn’t live without. I have spent years of my life dedicating myself to improving my skills in something I love. I am hardworking, dedicated and always take advantage of the opportunities that are given to me. I feel that this course will benefit me and give me the most opportunities to develop my skills and give me the best future in this industry.