1) The applicant is applying for a stage management course because they have a passion for stage management sparked by a recent work placement, and they enjoy the problem solving aspect of the role. 2) Through previous work experiences in technical theatre roles like lighting operator, backstage crew, and fly deck operator, the applicant has learned about various elements of theatre production. 3) The applicant has a history of leadership roles organizing people as a technical liaison for a school performance and leading a team of backstage crew, demonstrating skills in communication, instruction, and coordination that would serve them well as a stage manager.

1. Personal statement
I am applying for the stage management course because it seems to cover a wide range of skills
associated with stage management, and is the area of work that I want to enter. The elements of
the course, particularly the parts that focus upon other areas of technical theatre, offers a wider
range of future opportunities in the technical theatre. Previously I have been interested in working
as a lighting operator or designer. However, a recent work placement ignited a passion for stage
management. I particularly enjoy the problem solving aspect of this role of stage manager, locating
the problem or problems and having to work and think about the solution is something I find to be
particularly enjoyable, especially when I see the final product and the result of my hard work.
Through my work experiences, I have learnt about the box office, admin work, taking bookings and
helping patrons on performance nights. I have also learnt about what goes in backstage, even
trying a few things, like helping in the fly deck and helping to get a show in and ready to perform.
When I worked on Joseph at the Alhambra theatre in Bradford I learnt about the elements that
went into preparing for a show. During the "get in", I was calling to the fly man so we could attach
the scenery to the bars, I was told the importance of the safety of fellow workers. I felt that this
placed a lot of pressure on me, especially for my first day! Later on in my work experience, I was
offered the opportunity to operate a pulley, which meant my work would be seen by the paying
audience of a professional production and, after doing it once under supervision, I was left alone.
This experience taught me how to follow cues well and the need to follow the stage managers
orders. At my previous school, I helped by being the technical liaison in a performing arts
showcase that my performing arts class put together. This ultimately led to a polished show. At my
current school I help lead a team of 'backstagers'. During productions, I work with one of the
younger years and am responsible for ensuring they follow the correct cues. I also help the teacher
before the production, one recent way I did this was to take measurements to help the teacher
block the production while they were away rehearsing.
I enjoy learning new things. One of my favourite subjects is Maths, as it is a lot of problem solving
and can sometimes be quite a challenge, but it always feels good when you arrive at the right
answer. I also enjoy Physics as it gives me an understanding of how things work and it is a subject
I find myself understanding well. My third A-level is Media, which offers a way to practice of my
creative skills, as well as my organising. In my AS year of Media, I produced a film opening with
another student, in doing this we worked with various students who volunteered to be our actors.
This obviously placed me in a position where I needed to organise multiple people. In my first year
of sixth form, I studied Chemistry as well, which offered a hands on approach to learning through
the various experiments we did as a class.
I help in my schools gardening club, which is run by a teacher and learning support staff. Through
this I help them by looking after the young people and keeping them on topic and focused. At my
church, I serve on the altar, which I have done for almost 10 years, having started when I was 8. I
am now head altar server, which involves tasks such as teaching the new 8 and 9 year olds,
creating rotas, and organising the team of 8 each week (giving out jobs and ensuring they behave
are two key components). Currently we have an total of 25 servers. I find this to be very rewarding,
particularly when I see the progress they have made through serving.
I feel that I can learn a lot and advance my skills in this course, which will prepare me for my
chosen career and the working world.
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