Megan studied a level 3 BTEC in performing arts. We caught up with Megan recently, here is what she had to say:

Why did you choose a BTEC in Performing Arts?

After leaving school I knew I wanted to go into the performance industry, but was torn between doing my A Levels or the BTEC course at Leicester College. I went with the A Level option initially and quickly realised that it was not the best route for me. I contacted Leicester College and was thankfully able to transfer. I knew people that had completed the course and loved it. It was especially exciting to find out that alumni of the course had gone on to study at top conservatoires all over the UK. Doing the course at Leicester College is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

What did you learn on the course?

The course gave me the opportunity to focus completely on my future career and work with experienced tutors from the industry who want nothing more than to see you succeed. It allowed me to work in a variety of performance styles, explore all aspects of the industry and become a better performer. The people I spent my two years with became my mini family and I was inspired by the growing talent surrounding me every day. The course developed my skills as a performer and instilled the confidence in me to put myself out there in performance opportunities.

What opportunities did you have while at the College?

We performed at a list of venues in and around Leicester from cabaret evenings to graduation ceremonies and flash mobs which allowed me to become a versatile performer. The course suited my lifestyle well, allowing me to get a part-time job at Curve and also giving me time to rehearse and perform in principal roles in shows outside of College, which all benefited my studies. I also think one of the best things about Leicester College is the facilities available, especially the Sue Townsend Theatre which we used weekly for lessons and for all performances. It’s incredible to have such a venue connected to the College that is used so regularly, meaning we became entirely comfortable with the stage and the space. Our final marked performance of Spelling Bee was definitely a highlight of the course for me. We had been working on the musical for all of second year and to do the performance and get the incredible response that we did from the audience was amazing. We also took the show on a mini-tour to Coalville’s Century Theatre which gave us a real idea of what life might be like as a performer on tour and meant we had to take the show with us and adapt it to fit that space. It was also amazing to work with the Leicester College technical theatre students. They were extremely dedicated and were as enthusiastic about us in making the show a success. Throughout the two years, I found strengths in myself I didn’t realise I had and it has given me the toolkit to prepare myself for and be successful in auditions.

What are your plans for the future?

I have already featured in many theatre productions: I have starred as Velma in Bugsy Malone, Curve; Featured dancer in Curve’s Gala, Curve; Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, The Little Theatre; Olive Ostrovsky in The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Leicester College Sue Townsend Theatre; Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Curve and as Kathy Cratchit in Scrooge, Curve.”

Gaining a high-grade level 3 qualification which is equivalent to three A Levels means I have the option of going to university in the future.

“For now I am hoping to continue my studies in musical theatre at a conservatoire in London. My next steps involve preparation for these auditions in the new year, whilst rehearsing for and performing as Kathy Cratchit in the professional production of Scrooge at Curve, as part of the youth company.”