Jason Patel studied BA American Theatre Arts, and graduated in 2018. We caught up with Jason 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?
The environment that Rose Bruford College has, cultivates a special energy that encourages people to collaborate and work together, therefore enhancing skills and capabilities. There is such beauty and inspiration in the campus of the college itself. It feels special.
People think that you go on the course and come away as an actor. It’s so much more than that, you come out as a fully rounded human. My time studying on the ATA course was key to taking me to where I am today. I came to Rose Bruford College as more than actor and they supported me and encouraged me to be who I wanted to be and do what I wanted to do.
How has your course helped you to get to where you are today?
The course gave me intense training and an entire range of skills. ATA provided me with multiple perspectives and as an emerging artist encouraged me to think for myself. It taught me how to articulate, how to hold a conversation and how to challenge a position and not just accept what I’m told. ATA has a speciality where they really put the emphasis on yourself. You’re not going to be spoon-fed which allows you to really understand how you think, work and play. It allows you to strengthen skills across the board, which is enticing for the industry your entering into. ATA allows you to be an active participant in the industry for a long time. I have a great career as both an actor and music artist because of ATA. It allowed me to harness my energy and say what I want to say, how I want to say it and when I wanted to say it. I got to blend those world together in Unicorns when they used pieces of my music. (Thank you very much Unicorns Team).
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Highlight to date has to be being nominated for Breakthrough Performance for Unicorns this year at the British Independent Film Awards. In fact, I’ve been nominated for two BIFA awards, which is mind-blowing. Of course, this is also linked to the fact that ‘Unicorn’ was released on Netflix. I am so proud of this film, I put my heart and soul into it. Its great bragging rights for my family and friends too. After working so hard for so many years, in this rewarding but competitive industry it’s amazing to have this recognition. I’ve worked hard to build up my CV and portfolio, I have persevered and fought hard to break down the walls and progress in the industry. Then I struck gold by getting this job, but I genuinely gave everything and pushed myself passed all limits.
Earlier this year Screen International also named me as one of their ‘Screen Stars of Tomorrow’ which was a true delight to be across such phenomenal talent again and I released my first full debut musical body of work, my EP: Delicious which has quite literally gone down a treat (so go listen to it and be inspired!). The sky is not the limit. Go live on another planet and bring back something new to the world.
How have you stayed connected to Rose Bruford College since graduation?
Yes, I stay up to date with people I met at college not only on my course but others and we’ve worked together too. I’ve also been back to help current students with professional preparation. I’ve worked with 2nd & 3rd years for the past few years now, helping them to put their best foot forward and encourage them to have the best mindset possible. I love to pass on what I’ve learnt, including the mistakes I’ve made, in the hope that one day we’ll be able to work together. I want to make sure everyone knows and understands to do what they truly love and understand how to navigate a very indirect pathway. Its empowering emerging actors and artists to know there is space for everyone.
What would you say to a student who is thinking of applying for your course today?
Go for it. You won’t regret it. I stumbled across the ATA course and it was the best decision of my life. The professionalism and intensity of the training was incredible. It is a true gem of Rose Bruford College and was the best course for me. It deserves recognition and light shined on it.
Pick three words to describe Rose Bruford College
Intense, collaborative, inspiring
Find out more about Jason
@itsjasonpatel