Please tell us who you are, where you come from and what you are doing now.
Hello, my name is Emily Foster, I was The Henley College SU President for the 2019-2020 year (what a year that was!). I am from just outside of Reading and attended Langtree School before attending The Henley College. Since I left Henley, I have been studying for my BA in Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. I am set to graduate this July but am starting work this May, as a Freelance Stage Manager with my first production being Rabble Theatre’s Henry I.
When did you come to The Henley College, what did you study here, and how did you get on?
I was at The Henley College between 2018 – 2020, I studied Ancient History, English Language and Literature and Theatre Studies along with my EPQ. I loved all of my subjects and the teachers along with the more flexible style of working offered which helped me when starting at university.
What was your first impression of The Henley College?
I was very impressed with the knowledge of the teachers in their subjects, also with the facilities offered in terms of student support.
Why did you choose to come here? What helped make up your mind?
I chose to come to The Henley College because my school did not have a sixth form so I had to leave and my other options were joining a school with a sixth form. I felt I was ready for more freedom and that is what I felt that Henley College offered me.
What is your best memory of your time at The Henley College and why?
As someone who loves theatre, it would have to be the various shows and projects I worked on both as part of my course and the extra shows. Unfortunately, my favourite of these shows was never performed due to COVID but Equus was an incredible experience and I have many memories from this that I will always treasure.
Did you always want to do what you are doing now?
Yes! I decided I wanted to be a Stage Manager when I was 14 years old and found out that it was an option!
What has influenced your decisions about the subjects you have studied and the career path you have chosen?
I chose ancient history because I have always been interested in this period of time and wanted to study something I loved, I chose English because I was good at English at GCSE and I chose Theatre Studies because I knew this would allow me to develop my skills in Stage Management. Without the enthusiasm of teachers who let me step into technical and backstage roles throughout my time at college I would not have the love for my job that I have today.
What are your ambitions for the future?
As a freelancer it’s hard to say as it very much depends on the available jobs! But I would love to one day manage a large-scale UK tour.
What do you think The Henley College did for you – aside from the qualifications you gained?
I found friends who will last a lifetime and we are still in regular contact and meet up now despite us being all over the UK for university and jobs!
If you had one piece of advice for a 15-16 year old thinking about their future, what would it be?
You don’t need to get bogged down in everything! Everything happens for a reason and you are worth more than your grades! Also hold on to the friends who matter!
