Kate Spencer studied BA American Theatre Arts, and graduated in 2013. We caught up with Kate and asked her to share her experiences of studying at Rose Bruford College and how her education has helped her to succeed in the industry.
What did you like most about studying at Rose Bruford College?
I loved the varied aspect of my course and the ability to not only learn from the curriculum that
was set, but having the opportunity to develop in ways that I felt passionate about.
Rose Bruford is in a great location as you get the best of both worlds. Being just out of the
centre of London and getting to study in the grounds of Bruford feels calming, with the
knowledge you are so close to London to be able to pop in easily to see shows. Also there is
lots of diversity within the students and staff at Bruford, so I was able to learn about different
cultures and how the performance industry and training differs.
The opportunity to study in Chicago and tailor my studies to what I personally wanted to focus
on was amazing, and the opportunities to learn and experience an American education (and
social life!) was something I am hugely grateful for.
How has your course helped you to get to where you are today?
The shear amount of diverse work and training, unapologetic work ethos and incredible
networking opportunities. ATA definitely helped make me a all-rounder within the arts.
Primarily an actor, although now also working as a Producer, Lecturer and Photographer, the
techniques, willingness to try different things and ethos to go out and look for work or produce
work myself has helped progress my career. From working on small scale productions and in
Regional Theatres, to West End and becoming a Regular in Coronation Street, my training
helped me lay the foundations of who I want to be and what kind of work I want to be involved
in. Studying both in London at RBC and in America on my semester abroad helped me
become adaptable and flexible, and I am still using exercises that I learnt whilst training, today.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
With every job, there have been aspects that I have loved (and aspects that could have been
improved!), but I think that’s part of being in this industry.
Connecting with audiences on smaller scale productions such as Mind The Monsters with
Oxford Playhouse was great, and I really got to see how the work was making a difference.
Learning from and working with the actors and crew on Coronation Street, who I had watched
for years when I was younger, was incredible, and being a part of such a huge and infamous
production was a dream.
I’ve been fortunate to travel the country, and have performed Internationally, and now, also
working as a producer, its great to be on the other side, aiding others to put on work I am
inspired by and am passionate about.
How have you stayed connected to Rose Bruford College since graduation?
I guest lecture in Professional Preparation to the 3rd year ATA students, informing them about
life in the industry, self-tapes, agents, registering as self employed, Tax(!) etc.
I’m also still very close with the majority of my year. 3 of my classmates were my bridesmaids
(as I was there’s!), and we still meet up and support each other in our different ventures
regularly. I’m also still in contact with some of my American friends who I met and studied with
on my semester abroad.
What would you say to a student who is thinking of applying for your course today?
Do it! You will learn so much, not only about the industry, but about yourself, the sort of work
you want to be involved in and the kind of people you want to work with. This course opens up
avenues in unexpected ways and you will learn so many skills, many of them transferable if
you decide to go in a different direction after graduation. The opportunity to study abroad is
incredible and RBC is the more comfortable, warmest place to study, and the ability to work
and meet other students studying other subjects, is also a great networking opportunity
Pick three words to describe Rose Bruford College
Supportive, enlightening, opportunities galore
Find out more about Kate
Website: www.kate-creates.co.uk
Instagram (photography): kate.creates.uk