Marny Clulow
Costume Production graduate, 2008
“I chose Rose Bruford College because I wanted to learn in a real
theatre environment, and with two live theatres on campus I enjoyed an
unrivalled opportunity to create professional shows with my peers.
Thanks to the contacts and friends that I made at Rose Bruford, I have
been fortunate enough to begin a career involving both Costume
Production and Running Wardrobe. Since graduating in 2008, I have
worked for English National Opera, Theatre Royal Bath, London
Children’s Ballet and the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.”
Jess Gunning
Acting graduate, 2007
“I think a good Actor training is really important and I’m so grateful
for the time I spent at Rose Bruford. Since graduating, I’ve worked
both in theatre and television, performing in Much Ado About Nothing and Major Barbara at the National Theatre, and Doctor Who, Mutual Friends, and Life of Riley for the BBC. I’ve recently finished filming a regular role in Law and Order: UK for ITV.”
Lena Kaur
Acting graduate, 2007
“Just before leaving Rose Bruford, I bagged myself top agents Markham and Marsden and within a week of finishing my London season at College, I was at the Old Vic Theatre in The Sky’s the Limit. After that, I filmed Scallywagga, a comedy sketch show for BBC3. I then went on to Silverstreet, a radio drama/soap in Birmingham. I recently finished a one-women show at the Birmingham Rep theatre, called Rubina, which was part of a new writing season, and I’m currently playing Laila in the Channel 4 teen soap Hollyoaks.”
Teunkie van der Sluijs
Directing graduate, 2008
“Rose Bruford College opened many doors for me: within weeks of graduating, I was directing work that went on to tour the UK and the United States. I became associate director at a theatre in Chicago, was shortlisted for a major directing award, and have been working as assistant director on the West End. The College’s collaborative and supportive environment equipped me with the skills and confidence to achieve this.”
Ceri Payne
Stage Management graduate, 2009
“I started working with the Electric Picnic Theatre Company as stage manager and secretary in 2006 – the year I began my programme. The College has provided funding opportunities and support in our learning to create a company with contacts, rehearsal rooms and tutorial support. As an undergraduate company of Rose Bruford College, Electric Picnic has produced quality work in Plymouth and London since 2006. Our debut production was Bound at the Barbican Theatre and we went on to receive significant funding from Creative Partnerships for the production of Half/Cut in 2007.”
Victoria Johnstone
Theatre Design graduate, 2007
“Coming from a foundation course at a large art college, the small year group sizes at Rose Bruford were a great luxury and allowed us an outstanding level of one-to-one tuition. The College has a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and the facilities are excellent. Training in the same place as actors, directors, stage managers, lighting designers and scenic artists gave me a thorough understanding of their work and the collaborative process. One of the best parts of the course is the visiting directors and other industry professionals, many of whom I have worked with again since graduating.”
Rosalie Craig
Actor Musicianship graduate, 2001
“Since graduating in 2001 I have worked in a large variety of theatres both in London and around the country and for the BBC/ITV. Highlights include playing Arwen in the West End production of Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, two seasons at the RSC, including travelling to Broadway with Hecuba, recording The Threepenny Opera for BBC Radio with the Royal Philharmonic and working on a new TV Sitcom, Miranda Hart.”
Jordan Noble-Davies
Stage Management graduate, 2009
“In 2008 I was lucky enough to be awarded a work placement with the British team responsible for the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
On the night I was tasked with getting the National Youth Theatre to their gate then onto their preset, ready to sing our national anthem. My stomach churned as I was walking them to their position. This performance would be watched by 2.4 billion people. The NYT were also tasked with bringing on the LED umbrellas that would appear at the end of our show and it was my job to determine when the umbrellas were clear to switch on. For this cue I was on the field of play in front of 91,000 people. The atmosphere was amazing.
Before I knew it, everything was done and I was walking back with the cast to the holding area. I couldn’t stop smiling and really couldn’t take in the fact that I had just helped to put on part of an Olympic show. We grabbed our things and shot back to the hotel. A quick change then off to the star-studded after show – Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, David Beckham, Sir Steve Redgrave... the usual crowd!
I never even began to compare the Olympics to a theatre show, but as time went by I realised that things weren’t so different. No matter how big the production, the principles remain the same. The only thing that changes is the amount of zeros on the budget!”