Emma Thorpe

What is your name and what did you study?

My name is Emma Thorpe, and I studied BA Drama and Theatre Studies with Education Studies.

Why did you choose Chester?

I chose the University of Chester due to its welcoming feel. I liked how the University is a mixture of a campus and city university with learning taking place right in the heart of the city. With studying a combined degree, I liked how my course was located on both Exton Campus and Creative Campus, Kingsway, allowing you to really feel immersed in that section of the course whilst you were on site. I also chose Chester due to the opportunities it offered, including the option of a work placement model in its second year, and the facilities it had on site.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Through studying a combined degree, I liked the opportunity of being able to learn a vast array of different topics across both courses. Within Drama and Theatre Studies, I liked how I was able to diversify my skills taking modules in Technical theatre, Clowning and History of Theatre, including elements of theatre which I had never done before. Through this, I was able to broaden my skillset, learn new things about my own performance abilities, whilst also understanding what elements of theatre I enjoy and which elements I might struggle with. The course provided the opportunity to really play with different theatrical styles and try new things, make mistakes and understand what elements of theatre you want to work with.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career in the arts?

I would say be patient, be willing to try new things and love what you do. The arts is a difficult career because there isn’t one set path. Everyone’s journey is different and with that sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do. If you are willing to try new things, trust the process and love your work, then you will make it. Also, I would say be kind. People want to work with people who bring joy and make rehearsal spaces a lovely place to work. The industry works a lot through word of mouth and networks, so whilst you might have not worked with that theatre/director/producer before, they might know someone who has. So, treat everyone with kindness and care, but also be fair to yourself.

What graduate role have you commenced? What area(s) are you working in and what does that entail day to day?

My current role is Young People’s Producer at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds. This sits within our Creative Learning department and oversees all projects designed and facilitated for young people below 18. My role is very diverse as it incorporates elements of administration, facilitation, producing and directing depending on the project. I oversee our Youth Theatre programme, facilitating on two groups whilst also producing their double-bill performance on our main stage across the Easter Holidays, and our SENsory Youth Theatre, which are creative play sessions designed for young people who identify as learning disabled, neurodivergent, having SEN, or other social, emotional, and mental health needs. I also look after our school's programme working on three main projects whilst also developing bespoke workshops depending on a teacher’s need. I’m the staff lead for our Youth Advisory Board, I also produce our young people summer show. This year being a new adaption of Sword in the Stone for 22 young people, alongside any other projects which might require young people.

No two days are ever the same. Depending on whether it’s term time or school holidays, what my role looks like can change dramatically. I can either be spending the day in the office catching up on admin, facilitating sessions out in schools on an array on different topics including Shakespeare, playwriting and theatre making. I can be in rehearsals for our upcoming youth theatre play, holding meetings with local stakeholders about our work, or going to other local venues to talk to them about ways in which we can work together. What I can say is that most days are full of really exciting opportunities.

How did your time at Chester prepare you for your current role?

I believe the flexibility of the combined degree prepared me for the multitude of different strands my job now presents. Through working between two different schools at the University, I had to be aware of the changes between them including referencing styles, methods of presentation, and deadlines. It meant that you had to be flexible, always prepared to travel between campuses (sometimes twice a day), and open to communication.

I think from my time at Kingsway specifically, the importance placed on attendance, communication, but also joy and care, has really supported me within my transition to the working world of the arts. The ethos created within our practical sessions has highlighted now in my work with young people the importance of setting boundaries, whilst also allowing for joy within the sessions. The level of respect and comfortability garnered within those spaces are lessons I will always carry and have helped me with the formation of my own teaching spaces.

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies or internships whilst studying?

The main society I was involved in was the Drama Society. At that time, it was more focused towards Musical Theatre. I was a committee member during my second year, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I met some lovely, like-minded people from different courses who are still some of my best friends today.

In my second year, I completed a work placement at a local high school within their Drama department. It was a joy to be in their school for a month and to really immerse myself in the working world of a school for that time. That placement taught me a lot about teaching and the impact which certain lessons can have on young people.