Former student, Olivia, talks about her time with us and how the Performing Arts course has helped her pursue a career in her dream job.
At the college, it is always brilliant to hear from former students who have gone on to great things since leaving us. Former Performing Arts student, Olivia, recently got in touch to share her Henley experience and give us insight into how it has helped her progress in her dream career.
“Hi, I’m Olivia Foster-Browne and I’m from Reading. I am currently in the Original cast of the UK Tour of The Book of Mormon.
I went to The Henley College from 2014-2016. I completed a BTEC in Performing Arts and finished top of my class with D*D*D*
I loved The Henley College. It was a spacious campus built in a picturesque area that was filled with so much diversity and variety.
I chose to go to Henley because of the BTEC course in Performing Arts. When I went to the open day, I had thoughts of doing A-Levels, but then found out about the BTEC and knew it was perfect for me. Doing what I love all day, every day? What could be better?!
I have so many good memories at Henley College, it’s hard to pick just one. Off of the top of my head it would have to be either one of the dance shows that I took part in, getting to showcase work that I was passionate about and had created myself was so much fun; or it would be our second year play ‘Marat Sade’- a theatre of cruelty play. It was all about playing games, it was something different, creatively liberating and was filled with improvisation and audience participation!
I’ve always known from ever since I can remember that I wanted to be a performer. It’s always been an innate part of me and it still is.
I think a big influence for my subject choice and career path has been my mum. She always loved theatrics. We would sit down and put a musical film on whilst she did my hair and I think that’s where it all started. I could never imagine myself doing anything else with my life.
I’m hoping for a career in the musical theatre industry. I was so lucky to be able to graduate from my college and go straight in to a performing job that I love, so I just hope that I can continue in that way, in doing whatever makes me happy.
As well as college providing the setting and opportunity to continue to perform and gain qualifications in this area, for the first time in education I was able to surround myself with like-minded people who shared interest in the same things that I did!
If I could advise a 16 year old on their future, it would be not to panic if you’re still unsure about what you want to do with your life. If you do, then amazing! Stay focused on yourself not on others and work hard towards what sets your soul on fire! If you don’t...that is okay! You’re still so young, so immerse yourself in a variety of things that interest you, don’t lose hope and don’t lose faith. There is no right way to “do” life. It will come.”
If reading Olivia’s story and learning more about her journey and experience with The Henley College has inspired you, there is still time to apply for September 2020 by following the link.
If you are interested by the Performing Arts course mentioned in this story and want to follow in Olivia’s footsteps, you can learn more about the course details here, which will provide you with all of the information needed to enhance your understanding of this creative, vocational course.
