Creative GradFest21: “The course has given me the confidence to take every opportunity”

Theatre and Drama student Naomi Linahan, has worked for the NHS and a Cardiff-based theatre company during her time on the course. As part of Creative GradFest21, the 21-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil, tells us about how the course has given her the confidence to take all of the opportunities that come her way. 

Why did you decide to study at USW?

I chose to study at USW after I attended a drama school part-time whilst doing my A-levels. Going to drama school made me realise that environment wasn’t right for me. I needed to be somewhere where I could be creative and explore all of the avenues that the theatre industry has to offer - that’s when I discovered USW. By the time I came to the conclusion that I didn’t want to go to a drama school I had already used all of my UCAS applications, so my only option was to use UCAS Extras, as I only had one choice, I really had to make the right one and thankfully I did!

Have you always wanted to work in the theatre and drama industry?

I’ve pretty much always wanted to work in the creative industries apart from a short lapse in judgment where I wanted to go into politics!

What has been your favourite part of the course?

My favourite part of the course has been getting to experience theatre from all across the world. For example, studying Japanese theatre and taking part in Kabuki workshops, as well as taking part in a 12 week-long Polish theatre festival. It’s really exciting to engage with new types of theatre, to learn about the culture and history that surrounds them, and gain insight and knowledge from experts that I can then carry over into my own work.

How has the course prepared you for your future career?

The theatre and drama course at USW has prepared me for the future by enabling me to gain an abundance of new skills and expanding those I had coming onto the course. When I started my degree, I was somewhat introverted and shy, but thanks to my amazing lecturers and peers I have now gained the confidence to go on and complete work for the NHS, work alongside a Cardiff-based theatre company and even apply for jobs in Channel 4 and ITV, which I would have never had the confidence to do before joining this course. 

Can you tell us more about the work that you did with the NHS and the theatre company during your time on the course?

My work with the NHS involved working closely alongside the arts in health team on a community wellbeing project. My job was to listen to participants stories and recreate them as digital stories which are then used to educate staff and in some cases are shared with the public. I have also worked with the theatre company Hijinx, which has involved a number of things from curating online exhibitions to getting involved the workshops they run with their members.

What are you planning to do next?

I’m going to study a masters in drama before going on to study a PGCE in Further Education. But, if this year has taught me anything it’s to take all of the opportunities that come your way so, who knows what the future holds. I’m excited either way!

What interests you most about the theatre and drama industry?

I think what interests me most about the theatre and drama industry is how diverse it is. It’s more than just putting on performances; it’s education, it’s activism, it’s history. It’s multidisciplinary.