Lauren Elcock

What made you want to study your course at the University?

I am creative by nature, which has bred my many interests across the arts. As a child I attended the Anna Scher Theatre School and my desire to pursue acting and singing stemmed from there. But my favourite subject in school was always art and I would forever be drawing or painting in my spare time, so I was very much caught between studying theatre or art at university. However, upon visiting the University of Leeds I loved it so much that I decided to put the theatre course here as my top choice. I have never regretted it – this degree has been challenging, compelling and very enjoyable from the start.

Describe the aspects of the course that you have enjoyed the most. 

One aspect of the course that I have enjoyed is the amazing opportunities it provides in terms of allowing students to work with external organisations. There were modules in which I could gain work experience and ones where I could deliver workshops in settings such as schools and pupil referral units. These opportunities really helped me to identify what I wish to do with my future and have been completely beneficial to my academic progression.

Another aspect I have enjoyed is the range of modules that are available to choose from. There seems to be something that caters for each and every creative interest, allowing students to identify where their greatest strengths lie as well as to explore all different types of performance.

Tell us about your residence abroad. 

I studied abroad for a year in Toronto, Canada. The additional opportunities that this year abroad gave me helped to further shape my desired career path and gave me a greater perspective on different types of theatre study. Most of all, my year abroad really improved my confidence and my ability to operate totally independently of anything familiar. This helped to shape me as a person and improved my academic ability - I think it prepared me for my final year and all of the demands that it brought.

What are you planning to do once you graduate?

My study abroad year has really driven my desire to travel and to learn more about other cultures, so much so that I may even be returning to Canada! I hope to be able to run youth drama workshops in multiple countries around the world whilst exploring those places too.