Lillian Watson

What is your name and what did you study?

Hi my name is Lily and I studied BA Acting. 

Why did you choose Chester?

I loved how practical and hands-on the course was, with us being able to have an even split of both stage and screen, it meant my course was well-rounded in being able to explore different avenues of performance. 

What did you enjoy most about your course?
I love the cross collaboration across the courses. Being able to partner up with the media course to create high-quality showreels was an amazing opportunity, as we were able to make connections and use that showreel for life after university. I also loved how much opportunity there was for us to perform in different venues, from Chester Cathedral to Storyhouse. This gave me opportunities to make industry connections.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career in acting

You spend 3 years at university, so do something you love! The arts take forms in many ways and can take you down many career paths. I have gained so much as a professional and individual.

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

My graduate role is President of Chester Students’ Union. My role is centred around governance of the charity and enhancing the student experience by seeking opportunities with the local community and wider University network. No two days are the same, from planning to running events. Attending committees at local and national level to support students. Sitting as a governor of the University, chair of the trustee board and most importantly, talking with our student network to bring around change they want.

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

I was able to gain a lot of experience around event management as I took part in an internship while at University centred around events management. Also, in terms of my degree, we did a lot of work around stage management that works hand in hand with events management. Most importantly to me, it enhanced my confidence when it came to delivering a brief public speech. 

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies, or internships while studying?
Yes, I was very fortunate to set up a society with some people from my course. It was a performance-based society, so it meant it was a safe space to try out new material while also working on large-scale productions for fun.