Kelly White

What is your name and what did you study?

My name is Kelly White, and I studied MA Theatre Studies and an MREs in Arts and Media with a focus on Live art.

 Why did you choose Chester?

I chose Chester because I was unable to relocate, and it’s conveniently located. The city is one of the safest, the course modules aligned perfectly with what I was looking for and build on my A-level studies, and the University’s inclusive, diverse, and supportive culture strongly appealed to me.

What did you enjoy most about the course?

I enjoyed the variety of the modules and being supported in how I navigated them. The lecturers were utterly supportive and recognised my individual study style, which they nurtured through conversation and recommendation of reading I may find interesting and beneficial.

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

I would advise anyone considering a career in the arts not to focus solely on one area. While having a primary focus is important, developing broader interests allows for greater adaptability in the evolving artistic landscape. Being open-minded and versatile helps build a transferable ‘toolkit’ that supports long-term career sustainability. For example, you may begin as an actor or practitioner, but later transition into teaching, facilitation, or even founding your own company.

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

I’ve just obtained my PGCE in drama and now have my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I’m currently applying to teach drama at KS3/4 and 5 to complete my ECT years, whilst keeping my options open to supply work and teaching in a non-educational setting, as well as lecturing at undergraduate level.

Teaching drama offers a dynamic and rewarding experience, with each day bringing new challenges. Building relationships with staff, students, and parents, and creating engaging, adaptable lessons is deeply fulfilling. While paperwork can be tedious, it's essential and school productions are especially rewarding, showcasing students’ growth in confidence, skills, and social interaction.

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

Seeing how lecturers communicated with their students, guided them and taught their modules has acted as a strong model for how I want to be as an educator. Many tools, behaviours and skills that my lecturers exhibited are ones that I use and try to mimic when the suitable opportunity arises in my own teaching practice. The writing skills I was taught, as well as the breadth of knowledge gained at Chester, has given me what I need to support the enrichment of my own students’ education beyond the required information for examination.

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

Whilst studying at Chester, I took advantage of the wide variety of extra-curricular activities available. I joined the Mature students Society, where I served on their committee for several years, organising meetings and events. I was a student ambassador where I supported lectures on open days, and I served on the committee responsible for organising student symposiums across multiple areas of PHD studies.