Loughborough College performing arts student Isabel Peters has earned a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools – setting her on the path to her dream career. Although a technological hitch could have put it all in jeopardy…
“For as long as I can remember I have never wanted anything else,” said Isabel, who is set to begin a BA (Hons) in Acting at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA). It was the first drama school offering training which included live theatre, TV, film and radio and its alumni have found major success, including in Hollywood and the West End.
“Emma and the performing arts team have been so supportive throughout my three years at Loughborough College,” said 19-year-old Isabel. “Although I love acting, I was not confident at first but over time, with my teachers encouraging me I feel I have become a different person. They helped me to stop doubting myself and to believe that this thing I wanted so much was possible and that really motivated me to push myself. I had never done Shakespeare until the College but it became my favourite. Playing Antony in Julius Caesar was my favourite role during my course and I chose something from Rosalind in As You Like It for my audition.”
But the first Isabel heard following the audition was an email from ALRA informing her she had taken too long to respond. “I couldn’t understand what was going on but then I checked back and found an email congratulating me on getting in. I had had wi-fi problems and hadn’t been able to pick up email for a while, so I had missed my offer of a place.
“I was in tears, over the moon but at the same terrified I had blown it. I called ALRA immediately and after the most nerve-wracking week ever they confirmed I had a place.
“I really am so grateful to Loughborough College. If they hadn’t helped me build my skills and gain confidence, I wouldn’t have had the chance to audition and taken that opportunity -but here I am. I still can’t believe it. I got into drama school. It’s my ambition to act on screen, on TV or in films, and now I’m a step closer. My family is thrilled because they know it’s what I want, what I’ve always wanted and I am so happy, so excited.”
Loughborough College performing arts lecturer Emma Ledsam added: “We are immensely proud of Isabel. This marks the fourth consecutive year that our students have progressed to drama school. Isabel's perseverance and dedication to her work has enabled her to succeed so far and we continue to wish her all the luck in the world in her studies and career.”