David Fenne studied BA American Theatre Arts, and graduated in 2015. We caught up with David and asked him to share his experiences of studying at Rose Bruford College and how his education has helped him to succeed in the industry.
What did you like most about studying at Rose Bruford College?
I really liked the balance American Theatre Arts (ATA) had between academia and practical acting. I felt that both elements really complimented each other and led to me being more critically minded when approaching text. I also just loved the campus – such a vibrant, green space made it a pleasure to go there every day to learn and the old house had so much texture and character. I can’t really explain it, but being in such a rich environment helped both acting and learning in equal measure.
How has your course helped you to get to where you are today?
ATA honed my critical thinking and analytic skills in a way I never full appreciated until after I graduated. The great respect of text and language that was instilled in us, greatly impacted my own writing and encouraged me to consider my language carefully.
It also helped with my long form improv company in many ways. Not only from a story-telling and worldliness that lends itself to long form improv, but also the desire and drive to make and produce my own work. ATA had the spirit of “everyone muck in” which means I was used to putting on many different hats from stage manager to marketing manager to producer.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
This year (2024) not only did my improv theatre company Pinch Punch have a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe with our show, Locomotive For Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit, but we were also Offies Finalists. Out of everything I have done since graduation, I am far prouder of Pinch Punch than anything else. Not only is it a company we have grown from scratch, but it’s also our own work and nothing makes me happier than making people laugh with my own material that I’ve made up on the spot.
On a different tack to performance, I’ve also had three books published in the past two years and have made the transition to full-time author while also keeping my improv company going. While the highs are not as flashy as they are in being a performer (no one applauds me for a good adjective!) there have been some incredible moments. My first book, Overemotional was Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week which was a total shock to see it in an actual newspaper and just last week I was on BBC Radio to promote the third book in the trilogy. In honesty, the highlight of my career has been meeting fans at comic-con and signing their books. Maybe it’s the performer in me, but I like to see the people my work has affected and the fact that so many queer people have found their home in them makes all the stress of publishing worth it.
How have you stayed connected to Rose Bruford College since graduation?
I have remained in contact with friends I made in the course and one (Elliot Burton) was even best man at my wedding.
What would you say to a student who is thinking of applying for your course today?
If you want to be a straightforward actor, pick a different course. That isn’t what ATA is about. If you want to make your own work, develop your skills as a practitioner, and be a true renaissance person in theatre, this is your course. You won’t have the straightforward road into the industry as 90% of your contemporaries, but instead, you’ll travel your own interesting path.
Pick three words to describe Rose Bruford College
Vibrant, Challenging, Community