Ashley Patten

MFA Acting

With her heart set on Shakespeare and wanting to dive into the varied taught techniques within acting in England, Ashley made the jump from her life in New York to study at BCU. Since then, not only has Ashley flourished personally, but the kindness and hard-working ethos of her tutors and peers has given her invaluable skills for her career.

"I studied Acting as an undergraduate in New York which I loved, but I came out feeling like there were a lot of gaps missing in my knowledge. I’d fallen out of love with studying after graduating, but the pandemic gave me time to think, and I became inspired to throw myself back into acting school when things were up and running again. 

I’d applied to many different acting schools both in the UK and the US, but I felt like the UK had a completely different way of teaching acting as a craft, so I was intrigued and wanted to know what this experience was like in a different country. I was unable to fly out to visit BCU before starting, but my impression of the Head of Department alone was enough to give me a feel of the University’s community; BCU just felt like the right decision for me. Birmingham gave ‘big city’ vibes, but also the reassurance of having a small community to call home without feeling lost. 

When I was younger, my mom wanted me to be a doctor and an Olympic swimmer and all these things. I didn't really know what I wanted to do for a long time, until a specific English literature class in seventh grade. After reading out a story to my class, my teacher pulled me aside after the lesson and told me I should start being in the school productions. Being on that stage for the first time made me realise that was all I wanted to do. 

The thing I love about acting is the idea that I can tell a story from different perspectives other than my own; I can step outside of myself and see how somebody else sees something and then share that with others. Also, when the acting is done right, it can affect other people and they can go on that journey with you.

Postgraduate Acting at BCU has truly felt like being part of a family. You get to know everyone very quickly and it's easy to become close with people here. The tutors know what you're trying to work on and trying to achieve; they take the time to help each individual person do that, which is so valuable and something you can't get everywhere.

I’m most proud of my final show piece because, when I first started the program, that was the one thing that I thought I could never do. I knew it involved writing, performing, and directing a one-person show which sounded terrifying. It’s amazing how the tutors prepare you for everything and how much they support you along the way. I was put in contact with an agency by one of my tutors which reinforced the idea that all of them are ready to help and give advice when it comes to industry stuff; whether it's your spotlight, your headshots or your website – they tell you what looks good.

BCU has been a part of my personal development. I’ve become aware of not just what I needed to work on as an actor, but also social interactions. Being an American living in the UK has had its challenges; there are a lot of social differences and ways of communication. Learning some of these things has not only made me a better person but a better actor.

I think coming from an undergraduate course to a postgraduate is quite a change; you’re exposed to whole new ways of approaching everything. You feel like you’re getting a fresh start and a chance to let go of what you know and rebuild yourself. You get to focus on what you’d like to improve upon and target your weaknesses – it’s very much a more refined and tailored experience. 

My main career aspiration would be to get paid for acting work on stage. Looking further into the future, it would be a dream to perform at the Royal Shakespeare Company. I feel BCU has given me some connections to RSC already, and guest directors are always being brought in by our tutors to help give us contacts and a bit of an insight into that world. On top of giving me the practical skills to be worthy of getting on that stage, BCU has pushed me into getting industry connections. 

I AM BCU means making the commitment to improve your life. if you want to study and pursue acting, you need to be bold. Fear will always work against you and will never allow you to make a good choice - so be brave!"