Emma Graveling

MA Acting

Six years already into a career in design based in London, Emma had always seen acting as a secret hobby which she never thought she could pursue. Her determination led her to apply for BCU, and after one visit, she knew she wouldn’t be happy until she was studying here.

"Before I applied to BCU, I had no intention of going back to university. I was six years into a set design career in London and considered acting a secret hobby that would never be possible as a career. I only applied to BCU at first because I felt compelled to try. Some part of me wanted to know if I could get into a reputable drama school, and I was amazed to get a callback. When I came to the university I fell in love with the beautiful buildings and the creative atmosphere. Coming away from that audition I knew I wouldn't be happy unless I followed my true passion and came to BCU to study acting.

I was nervous, it would take all my savings to afford to go and I would be pressing pause on my career in set design. As soon as I made the decision, it felt right. Money can always be built back up again, but opportunities in life need to be seized. I'm glad I seized this one.

This course has taught me more about acting than I believed possible. Dimensions that I had never considered. I am a better actor and I will become a better actor for the teaching experience at BCU. My experience at university has given me a toolkit of acting skills and taught me that you never stop learning as an actor.

Professionally I have made some wonderful contacts. Not only with directors, working actors and my tutors, but with my cohort of actors; people that I trust and celebrate. Together we have created a network to share industry information beyond BCU. They are my greatest strength and throughout the year and supported each other for life beyond BCU. A new world of possibility has been opened up to me and I feel confident that I will be able to work as a professional actor. That wouldn't have been possible without my BCU experience; due to the confidence I found here, I believe that anything is possible.

The BCU community is a wonderful thing. To be surrounded by people with the instinct to study is always inspiring, and I know I will miss it. Outside of my course, BCU has connected me to student alumni. It is a wonderful place for networking and if you are considering applying, I recommend meeting as many people from other courses as possible, and attending societies, you never know who you might meet! For example, I’ve gained part-time acting jobs through acting alumni.

I was nervous about re-entering education after so long, but I needn't have worried. I realised very quickly that everyone would be treated equally, age and experience had no relevance. Whatever you bring to the table, everyone has different strengths, and you might surprise yourself.

We have covered, surely every aspect of acting under the sun in a very short space of time. We have touched on singing technique, dancing technique, physical theatre technique, mask work, and achieving your best vocal quality. We have focused on breath, technique, posture, accent breakdowns, actioning, Stanislavski, Laban, playback theatre, how to break down a script, and interpreting and performing Shakespeare, with layers of intellectual understanding. We even had a workshop day in corporate acting which was a whole area of acting I didn't know about. Really, they do an amazing job of covering everything to a level where you can continue to study independently.

The thing I like most about being a student at BCU is that I take pride in being a Midlands actor, which I wouldn't have been able to call myself without BCU. There is a tangible desire in the Midlands to create acting projects. Studying in Birmingham also means you have the possibility of both Manchester and London, as reachable, thriving acting destinations on either side of you.

The most challenging thing for me has been confidence. I was worried that I’d feel as though I wouldn’t belong here as I didn't have years of professional acting experience behind me, or a bachelor’s degree in acting or performance. After a week or two, those fears had dissipated. You always have room here to improve, and you are always shown how to do better.

Be prepared to be a hard worker, to push your limits and to be resourceful. Because all of these things will be met with reward tenfold. Everyone's journey is different, but speaking for myself, going to BCU was one of the best decisions I have made. I can't remember having more fun in one year or learning more skills than I ever thought possible. If you want to learn to be a better actor and to meet people who love acting, then this is the right place for you.

I am BCU means being determined, a team player, adaptable, and proud of being your own person."