Will

Why did you choose to do a foundation year?

For me the foundation course felt like the perfect thing to do at that time in my life. I was unsure if training at a drama school was right for me, unaware of what the audition process entailed and naïve as to what type of actor I wanted to be. During my audition for the foundation course, I was advised that I would learn and dive deeper into all the questions I had for myself. Also, the course is three-terms long/a full year, which is different from other foundation courses at drama schools. I wanted to be pushed by myself, fellow peers and teachers to a level that only vocational training could meet, as well as receiving professional help on how to best prepare for auditions for BA courses from people that knew best.

What did you enjoy about it?

The foundation course is very well designed; you get to collaborate and learn so much from a variety of different teachers. There aren’t any course specific teachers which is enjoyable due to getting insight from all aspects of performance as well as outside teachers coming in to perform specific workshops with you. Constantly being around like-minded individuals that are striving for similar goals, creates a dedicated and reverent environment that I loved being a part of everyday. 

The most enjoyable parts of the course for me were the projects that we got to perform every half-term. The Shakespeare project was my favourite. I learnt so much from my teacher and watching my peers grow throughout the process.

What support have you received at Surrey?

Every staff member was easily approachable, whether it was to discuss a tricky piece of text, going through a song or to just chat about how things were generally going. Also, on the course you’re given constructive feedback every half-term, sometimes more than once a half-term. This gives you an opportunity to work on specific things in your project or skills classes for the next term/project.

How has your foundation year had an impact on you?

The course has given me so much and allowed me to grow as a more well-rounded actor. It has equipped me to a point where I have been offered a place on a BA course at one of the UK’s leading drama schools. I have learnt to trust the process and not to strive for perfection every time. Failure is part of the training because that is how you grow as an actor, by not being afraid to fail and learning from the mistakes. The course has also had a huge impact on me on a more personal level. I have learnt so much about myself over the year and those are the things that are going to stick with me for the rest of my career and life.

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing a foundation year?

Go for it! I was apprehensive about doing this course, but I can’t express how much it has helped me grow into a more confident actor and a well-rounded person. Nerves and anxiety are natural, but everyone is in the same shoes, so share with each other and enjoy the journey together. Finally, don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own path with the training. Some techniques and practices work better for some and not for others. But only worry about your own work and no one else’s.