Shaila Mudhoo

Enjoying every moment of being a USW student 

The main thing about studying BA (Hons) Theatre and Drama at USW is the freedom to create and the space to expand your imagination. Working through different challenges, such as devising, directing and acting, has developed my skills and prepared me for the acting world. 

At USW, I’ve also worked with creative individuals and developed my team-working skills, which is important when working with other actors. 

Since being with USW, I have been in four short films, have voiced in three radio dramas and have worked with the Sherman Theatre for my work placement. I have also expanded my stage acting with the University, as I took part in a piece directed by a third year during my first year, and I performed in the Climate Change ‘CCTA’ Show. 

There are many opportunities to collaborate here – three of the short films I have been a part of have been USW student films. When working with fellow students of USW through different courses, I’ve been able to network, and it gave me the chance to learn with other students. 

I am currently working on a stage performance with my course, and we'll be creating a performance of the Greek tragedy, ‘Electra’, which I’m looking forward to. 

Plans for the future and advice to future students 

One of the first steps after graduating is to build my showreel for agents using the experiences I’ve gained throughout my final year. This will highlight my acting abilities through different roles and genres. 

My goal is to find a job as a performer or a part of the crew in a theatre, which will enhance my knowledge of the job from different aspects. The road to pursuing an acting career is not easy, but I am prepared to face the obstacles! 

If I could go back in time, the advice I would give my younger self when starting as a first year is to not give up easily and to not be afraid to take risks. It is essential to trust your own ability and with that continue to adapt and develop further. 

I would tell myself that if you don’t succeed in getting a role, that does not mean anything on your acting ability. The rejection prepares you for something greater and better for you. It’s easy to be disheartened and get discouraged when not accomplishing the goal of getting a role but use this as your drive and your motivation to encourage you to improve and to continue evolving as an actress. It is a learning curve and it’s an important part of this job.