C S V PA A L U M N I

WHERE ARE OUR STUDENTS WORKING TODAY?

Spring Edition 2015

SCOTT WALKER Worldwide exhibiting fine artist who’s received national recognition

from galleries around the world.

In 2013, his work was selected for display in the International Artist’s Festival, curated by the Museum of Russian Art (MoRA).

Most recently, in 2014, Walker’s work was awarded Best in Show at the Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.

(Untitled)

Artist and Senior Designer at ZenithOptimedia / Publicis Worldgroupe, New York, USA.

Created campaigns for clients, including: Amazon, Chevrolet, Electronic Arts, New York Jets, Nike, Miami Dolphins, Starbucks and Wild Turkey Bourbon.

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SCOTT WALKER

SCOTT WALKERArtist and Senior Designer at ZenithOptimedia / Publicis Worldgroupe – New York

When did you join CSVPA and what programme did you study? I was there from 2007-2009 as part of the BA in Graphic Design & Illustration.

Do you think your experiences and opportunities on the degree programme helped you in your career? I definitely learnt a huge amount at CSVPA and am eternally grateful to the staff there for everything they did for me. They introduced me to so much of the world I work in professionally today- not just in the technical sense through learning software and skills, but philosophically too. John Blackman, Mandy Doyle, Kevin Hart and even Jane Herzog from the

Fashion department, all taught me to approach design with a freedom I hadn’t had before.

I think they recognised I had a strong work ethic but they also knew I needed that energy pointed in the right direction and without that focus, I wouldn’t have applied to Parsons New York to study, let alone dream of working and living out here.

What was it like going over to study at Parsons New York for the final year of your degree?Parsons was and continues to be an incredible place to study. The opportunities it opens up are limitless, especially if you’re willing to put in the hours and not get distracted by everything else NYC has to

www.scottwalkerdesign.comAWARDED HONOURS, INCLUDING:

D&AD BEST OF YEAR (2013), BEHANCE PORTFOLIO APPRECIATION AWARD (2013), 2 X NY

SILVER ADDY AWARDS (2012), NY GOLD ADDY AWARD (2012).

SCOTT WALKER

offer. If you’re a student looking to establish yourself here after you’ve finished studying, it’s a big struggle to secure a visa. They’re like gold-dust! It took me a year of being in the wilderness, unable to work or travel, but I’m a better designer for having had that time; I pushed myself to work on independent projects, winning awards for my fine artwork and doing murals and tattoo illustrations on the side.

What did you do after you finished your degree? I spent a year after college freelancing for a medium-sized ad agency in midtown Manhattan. I was immediately drawn to how competitive advertising was; how everyone wants to win all the time. After that I freelanced at McCann on the Chevrolet account, a big step up. I remember seeing my ad on the side of a skyscraper one morning and feeling pretty proud of myself for a brief moment. Last year I was offered a position as Senior Creative Designer at ZenithOptimedia in SoHo. They’ve given me the security of a visa to work full time and it’s great experience, winning new business pitches and catching clients’ attentions.

Throughout the few years since graduating from Parsons, I’ve worked hard on developing my fine artwork. I’ve slowly developed my own illustration style, though it’s constantly evolving, and my graphic design pieces have been selling pretty successfully, which is a nice feeling. In the last year I’ve had my first solo exhibition in NYC, and competed in my first Secret Walls Live Art Battle (essentially you compete to draw against other artists over 2 hours in front of an audience) - which was awesome. I’m presenting my tequila barrel for the Herradura Tequila Art Barrel NYC contest tomorrow, which has been an awesome project too, so creatively I’ve spent a lot of time working on independent stuff in addition to what goes on during the 9-5.

What awards have you won over the years?Within the advertising industry, I have been awarded various honors, including:

D&AD Best of Year (2013), Behance Portfolio Appreciation Award (2013), 2 x NY Silver ADDY Awards (2012), NY Gold ADDY Award (2012).

As a Fine Artist, my artwork has received international recognition from various galleries around the world. In 2013, my work was selected for display in the International Artist’s Festival, curated by the Museum of Russian Art (MoRA). Most recently, in 2014, my work was awarded Best

S C O T T W A L K E R D E S I G N S

G R A P H I C D E S I G N

SCOTT WALKER

SCOTT WALKER

in Show at the Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.

As an art director and designer what campaigns have you worked on?I have created campaigns for numerous clients, including: Amazon, Chevrolet, Electronic Arts, New York Jets, Nike, Miami Dolphins, Starbucks and Wild Turkey Bourbon

Looking back did you value your time you spent at CSVPA? My time there was priceless. John and Mandy introduced me to a whole world of possibilities. They showed the faith in me that I felt my art teaching at my high school hadn’t. The best compliment I can pay to the school and staff there is that they had the kind of impression on me as a student that I can only hope I one day leave on a young artist or designer. What makes CSVPA so special and unique? The intimacy of the environment is what I benefited from the most. There was nothing superfluous about the experience there- you turned up and got on with it. There were plenty of extra-curricular programmes available if you wanted them, and I think a lot of the international students enjoyed that a lot. For me it was just about being able to focus. Every day I knew I could walk through the doors and learn a ton of stuff in what felt like my own personal college. Not many places resonate like that.

In what ways did CSVPA help you get onto the career path you followed? I learnt a variety of things there that have helped. The art history classes have proved to be more and more valuable as time has gone on here in NY. People are constantly referencing, either directly

or indirectly to fine art and in Brooklyn, the more obscure- the better!

The design classes were great. We worked on so many different things. Zines, book covers, posters, albums.. it was everything I wanted to work on. With my illustration classes, I experimented as much as possible; when I mentioned earlier that the college helped me in a philosophical sense, I’m really referring to the outlook I learned to adopt with my drawing. I’ve always loved doodling ever since I was a child, but when you get to your teenage years, you’re bombarded with so much high-quality imagery from all over the world, that suddenly you become conscious of other stuff and worry you’re work isn’t as cool-looking. CSVPA was hugely influential in helping me channel out the negativity and start learning from the world, rather that battling against it.

What would you say to a student who is looking to follow a similar career pathway to you? I guess just ‘back yourself’. You’re just as likely to screw up doing the normal thing each time so you may as well strive for something different. My path to here isn’t a traditional one but then I’m not a traditional person. I’d also tell them to preserve as many of the childhood habits as they can throughout their design careers- those are the things that will sculpt your work down the line, they add nostalgia and nostalgia moves people.

What would you say to a student who is thinking of coming to study at CSVPA?Work hard and you’ll be rewarded. It may not seem like it at times but the skills you’re learning there are invaluable. If you want to get paid for drawing cartoons and doodling on computers, its places like CSVPA that equip you for that environment

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SCOTT WALKER

REO MA

Reo Ma is a Fashion Designer

He started his own label in 2013, was stylist of I.T Beijing market, and founder of Hong Kong local brand “impression” from 2009 to 2010 .

After graduating from his undergraduate degree in Fashion Design at CSVPA, Reo sold his final year collection in UK, Italy and Hong Kong.

He has now launched his own label “Reo Ma” in Hong Kong and has just returned from Paris Fashion Week.

When did you study at CSVPA and what programme did you study?I first joined CSVPA in 2009 and I started the Pre-Foundation before moving on the BA Fashion Design. Why did you decide to study for your degree at CSVPA rather than go to another UK university?I did my degree at CSVPA rather than go to another UK university because it is better to work within a class that is made up of a small group of students. Cambridge is also one of my favourite places in the world.

Do you think your experiences and opportunities on the degree programme helped you in your career?To be successful you need to work really hard and it is down to you. I applied for a lot of different internship in Paris and Beijing during my study time in CSVPA.

How did you start out in your career as a Fashion Designer? I started my own label “Reo Ma” in 2013, and my first collection was my graduate work. I sold my final year collection Reo Ma FW-14 to stores in UK, Italy and Hong Kong. My second collection Reo Ma AW-15 was showing at Paris Fashion Week in January 2015.

Looking back did you value your time you spent at CSVPA?Looking back I really valued my time at the College and I really miss it. I met my best friend in this school, we do everything together and the teachers are so supportive and they spend so much time helping us individually. I still ask for help from my pattern making tutor, and she gives me all the time I need, and I am not even a student anymore!

The facilities are amazing; you have everything you need in one building.

REO MAFashion Designer

What would you say to a student who wants to be a Fashion Designer?It is not easy being fashion designer, especially if you want to be an avant-garde designer like

me. You need to work smart and work hard

REO MA

DAISY WATERSTONE

Completed her training at CSVPA and moved straight from the Drama Foundation into professional work.

Daisy made her professional stage debut at The Old Vic in Yael Farber’s production of The Crucible. Television includes: Silent Witness (BBC),

Cyber Bully (Channel 4). Film includes: Testament of Youth

When did you study at CSVPA?I joined the one year Drama Foundation at CSVPA in September 2012.

What did you do after leaving CSVPA?When I completed my course in June 2013, I hadn’t got into drama school. I was stuck wondering what to do in the meantime before applying again, or even whether to apply at all. I was fortunate enough to look very young for my age, so I had the idea that I could try to get an agent and use the window that I have to play younger roles, something I probably wouldn’t be able to play after doing 3 years at a drama school. I would look too old then.

I rented a DSLR camera in Soho and filmed myself doing three monologues, edited them together and made a showreel. I had read an interview of actor Jeremy Irvine who had been in a similar position to myself. Having done a Foundation course and not got into drama school afterwards, he sent off a showreel to an agency called Hatton McEwan Penford and he was signed. I figured that I didn’t have anything to lose - so I sent them my showreel and CV. Within just two hours of sending it, they asked for me to come in for an interview. On my second interview later that week, they signed me onto their books and within 48 hours I was cast in Silent Witness; the first professional audition I went on with them. Shortly after, I went on to perform with Mischief Theatre Company in Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington.

From January 2014 onwards, I went on about 3 or 4 auditions a week. This led up to me being cast in the upcoming WW1 feature Testament of Youth, as Clare Leighton, the younger sister of the film’s male lead. Working with such talented yet humble actors on this film taught me so much, and inspired me to keep going.

My biggest break so far came shortly after. After a few rounds of auditions, I was cast as Susanna Walcott (one of the small group of young girls) and understudy Mary Warren in Yael Farber’s production of The Crucible at the Old Vic. The show ended up being a sell-out with five star reviews, and it is an experience that was so life-changing that I simply cannot put it into words. Being the youngest actor in the cast, working alongside such brilliant and gifted people, was 15 years' worth of drama school training in itself. The show ended this September (2014), and since then I’ve filmed a Channel 4 drama called Cyber Bully which is due to air early this year, and I’ve just completed being the lead in a National Film and Television School short film, which is in currently under consideration to be placed into film festivals. Right now I am in Rules for Living, a new play by Sam Holcroft at the National Theatre and I am also taking weekly voice lessons to develop and strengthen my voice.

Looking back did you value your time you spent at CSVPA and how did it prepare you for the next step in your career as an actor?My time at CSVPA was an experience that I needed. I firmly believe that an actor never completes their training, even if they’ve done a three-year course at drama school. They learn new things in every job they do, and every experience they have. CSVPA gave me huge support and guidance as to the sort of actor, and person I am. It made me grow up a lot and I’m so grateful that I had the chance and opportunity to do a Foundation course taught by such talented people. It was truly inspiring and everything a Foundation course should be and more.

DAISY WATERSTONEActress

What makes CSVPA so special and unique compared to the other experiences and training you faced after leaving the school and why was that important to you?

I learn on the job, and am really enjoying the thrill of learning on the job, but my Foundation training is the root of how I accessed it all. My CSVPA notebook (that have all my notes in from the course) is probably one of my most prized and helpful possessions that I own if I need help with creating and preparing for a role. To me, the Drama Foundation is so special because the class sizes are so small. The extra support, care and help we received from our teachers is something we craved and managed to get. They know you really well, which means

they teach you really well.

Are there any highlights that stand out as best memories and why were they so special? My best memories were probably the intense acting sessions we had with Jean; doing exciting, challenging exercises, everyone embraced and threw themselves into it. Witnessing my friends become better and better, their successes with drama schools and RADA Shakespeare exams,

was also very rewarding. It was the greatest feeling to share their excitement with them.

What would you say to a student who is looking to become an actor?There are so many different ways to become an actor, it happens differently for everyone, but only if you work hard. Stand your ground and push for it, don’t wait around for something to

happen. Take matters into your own hands and don’t beat yourself up for anything.

What would you say to a student who is thinking of coming to study at CSVPA?You’ll get everything you need and more out of it – it will set you for life

DAISY WATERSTONE DAISY WATERSTONE

SANPATHIT TAVIJAROEN

Sanpathit started his career at CSVPA on the Art & Design Foundation, before progressing onto Kingston University to further his studies in

Graphic Design.

After graduating he worked in London as a junior designer at Tutssel in the Brand Union. On returning to Thailand, Sanpathit worked for Leo Burnett, Bangkok, Ogilvy & Mather, D’Arcy and is now back at Leo

Burnett.

When did you join CSVPA and what programme did you study?I was studying for my A levels in Art & Design, Product Design and Media Studies back in 1994. The Head of the College, Chris Maughan invited me to take an Art Foundation course in Graphic Design in my second year as well. So I ended up taking both 3 A levels and an Art Foundation in 1995, it was a tough challenge but I was glad to take that challenge.

After leaving CSVPA which university did you progress onto?I had so many good offers to choose from, including an offer from Bournemouth University to study BA Creative Advertising. It was the career that I always dreamt of, plus they only offered 30 places from 30,000 applicants, so it was something very special for me. I also had a straight offer right after the interview day at Kent

University in BA Graphic Design, but I decided to go to BA Graphic Design at Kingston University instead. It was a crazy offer as well, there were over 50,000 applicants but I was amongst the 32 students that got into the course. I had not heard about Kingston University until Chris suggested I took a look and I was really impressed with their course structure as well, so I went to Kingston after CSVPA.

Looking back how did you value your time you spent at CSVPA?I really valued my time at CSVPA. It was such a great atmosphere and a once in a lifetime chance to sit inside the famous chamber on Round Church Street. I got to know lots of international friends who I still keep in touch with today. I had such a wonderful time and learnt so much from the amazing art tutors that I still use a lot of what I had been taught in my career today.

SANPATHIT TAVIJAROENAwarding winning Executive Creative Director at The Leo Burnett Group

What makes CSVPA so special and unique compared to the other experiences and training you received after leaving the school and why was that important to you?I found out that what I learned at CSVPA was actually practical in real life situations. Both living philosophy and professional practicality. It wasn’t just about learning things that would only last until you graduate but what we learnt was so advanced and modern, that even though I learned those skills in the mid 90’s I can confirm that I am still using these skills 20 years later.

In what ways did CSVPA help you get onto the career path you followed?I always had a very strong belief about studying at CSVPA. The tutors are ready to listen to you and really gave me some genuine advice. The course structure was designed to prepare a student like me to work as a professional.

Are there any highlights that stand out as best memories?My best moments always happened in the art block. The graphic design studio was a

tremendous place to be. I came up with lots of stunning ideas, was inspired by some great chats with people around you including tutors from other rooms too. I always fell in love with the drawing sessions, even though it was usually organised in the cold evening but the atmosphere in the class was amazingly warm but full of passion and energy. It was such a highlight for me.

What would you say to a student who is looking to follow a similar career pathway to you?The most important thing to stick in your mind is to stay focused. Taking a ride in your career path may not always lay with roses; the road could get really bumpy or even filled with lots of mud or dirt. The only way to get you through is to be very focused about where you want to go and what you want to achieve.

What would you say to a student who is thinking of coming to study at CSVPA?Please do come with no hesitation. This place will help you build a great foundation for your future career

HOW DID YOU START OUT IN YOUR CAREER AS A DESIGNER?

1996 left CSVPA

1999 finished BA at Kingston University and started as a Junior Designer at Tutssel at the Brand Union in London but only for a short spell.

1999 Moved back to Thailand and worked with Leo Burnett, Bangkok as a Graphic Designer

2001 Wanted to broaden my horizon so moved to Bangkok and became an Art Director at Ogilvy & Mather and then D’Arcy Thailand

2003 Moved back to Leo Burnett and really started to flourish.

2004 Ranked the world’s 3rd Best Art Director by Lürzer's archive magazine.

2006 Promoted to Associated Creative Director.

2007 Joined Publicis Thailand in 2007 as a Creative Director, where I won my first ever silver Cannes Lion.

2008 For the third time I re-joined Leo Burnett and career took off. So far I’ve won:

6 X CANNES LIONS (International Festival of Creativity – The Cannes Lions Awards set a global benchmark for what good creative looks like.)

5 X D&ADS (a D&AD Award is recognised globally as the ultimate creative accolade, entered and attended by the best from around the world.)

3 X CLIOS (world’s most recognised international awards competition for advertising, design, digital and communications.)

3 X ONE SHOWS (the world’s most prestigious awards show recognising the best creative work in advertising, interactive, design and branded entertainment.)

2 X ANDY AWARDS (a most sought after award for global creative excellence in advertising.)

2 X KINSALE SHARK AWARDS (International Creative Awards that rewards brilliant free thinkers and welcomes brave ideas.)

Other awards include London International, New York International, Adfest, Spike Asia, Adstars, Award Award Australia, Asian Effectiveness, including tons of local recognition in Thailand advertising show as well.

Today I’m an Executive Creative Director of The Leo Burnett Group Thailand taking care of the creative department, one design unit and an art department.

Recently I just produced a short film for TMB bank called Panyee FC a very popular piece of film that has been invited to show at many film festivals around the world. My most recent piece of work was recognized as the world’s top ten most awarded campaign in 2013 by the Gunn Report. It was a print campaign for Center for Protection of Children's Rights Foundation (CPCR) titled A Boy, A Girl1 and A Girl2.

I was invited to be a member of Adfest Direct & Promo jury in 2013, by an executive international jury at Citra Muriwara 2013, Indonesia. On top of that I was also invited to become an executive jury at New York Festival twice in 2011 and 2009 respectively.

When did you join CSVPA and what programme did you study?I came in 2006 and studied the one year Art & Design Foundation Diploma.

After leaving CSVPA which university did you progress onto?I went to UCA for a 3 year Fashion Design degree. Then did a short course at Central Saint Martins in Fashion Marketing and also Fashion Business at Portobello Business School in London.

How did you start out in your career as a Fashion Designer?After my studies I came to Hong Kong and then Guangzhou in China. In Hong Kong I was designing for a company called SML and we supplied to Bloomingdales, I.T Hong Kong, Nordstrom, Aldo, Wet Seal and Me Moi. After moving to Guangzhou I worked for NTD Apparel as a Designer and Buyer supplying Forever 21, Wet Seal and Hello Kitty and then for ICON Fashion as a Senior Designer and Buyer where we supplied to New Look, Little Mistress, Paper Doll, ASOS, Monsoon and the in-house label Mixed Message. For the last year I have been designing for Caggie Dunlops (from Made in Chelsea TV show) brand ISWAI.

Looking back did you value your time you spent at CSVPA?Yes it was an amazing year - the Foundation course gives you a chance to try all the creative routes and was a wonderful year to really push your creative boundaries and have the freedom to try and experiment before focusing yourself on your degree course. The teachers at CSVPA are all so inspiring and really challenge your creativity with new ideas, the fact they are all working artist means they are always in the loop with what’s happening now in the creative world. Being a part of the end of year CSVPA fashion show was an amazing experience and gives you a chance to showcase your final collection on a real catwalk which most Foundation courses don’t have. It was an incredible night that I will never forget.

What makes CSVPA so special and unique compared to the other experiences and training you had after leaving the school?

At CSVPA you get your own workspace which is so valuable when you are working on a creative project - you also get to see your tutors every day, 5 days a week which again is such a help when you have a question and don’t have to wait weeks to speak to your tutor like you do at University. Again the fact that the tutors are working artists outside of CVSPA means they are current and know what is happening in the creative world.

In what ways did CSVPA help you get onto the career path you followed?The Foundation course at CSVPA is such a high standard that it means you have the choice of the best Universities in the world to study for your degree. When I was there London College of Fashion (UAL) and Central Saint Martins (UAL) came to our studios to meet us and see our work before we even applied giving us advice about portfolio work. The standard of CSVPA students is so high because the teaching is so good and the fact these Universities came reflects this.

Are there any highlights that stand out as best memories?The end of year fashion show and exhibition were my highlights - as a kid I was lucky enough to live in Cambridge and was invited to the CSVPA fashion shows from a young age. They are so inspiring it definitely had an influence on my future decision to go into the fashion industry and follow this creative career path.

What would you say to a student who is looking to become a Fashion Designer like you?I would recommend doing the Foundation course at CSVPA before doing a fashion degree and then do as many work placements with top brands as possible to get experience and find the companies you would like to work for.

What would you say to a student who is thinking of coming to study at CSVPA?Have a wonderful time - enjoy Cambridge which is such a beautiful city and also so inspiring. Go to all your Life Drawing classes and take advantage of the great tutors who are there to help you achieve your full creative potential. Plus I would say I’m jealous as I would so love to come back for a year and study at CSVPA all over again

JESSICA PRYTHERCHFashion Design

RYUKI YAMAGARyuki graduated from CSVPA in 2012 and achieved a First Class Honour

Degree in Fashion Design.

He was then invited by the London College of Fashion (UAL) to study a Master’s in Fashion Design and Technology Menswear where he

continued his run of success and achieved a Distinction.

Ryuki is now working for RiBo Fashion and Apparel Company in Shanghai which designs affordable fashion for women and teenage girls. Their

brands include: BROADCAST, PERSONAL POINT AND CRAZY.

They sell to over 900 stores across China.

“Over the last three years CSVPA has helped me to progress and advance to the next stage of my studies. Every day the lecturers were there to support us and the environment of a dedicated Art & Design school has helped to me relax and concentrate on my studies. The degree programme here is so distinct from any other university because you can learn the basic skills and you can take them as far as you want to go. Cambridge is such a great place to study your undergraduate degree and the city helped me to develop more interesting and sophisticated ideas. At the beginning of my studies I was concerned, like a lot of people, about what I would do at the

end. However CSVPA has opened up so many opportunities to me that I have had the chance to choose what I wanted to do next. It makes me proud of the course and what I have achieved. You realise at the end how far advance you are compared to other students at other universities.

Ryuki Yamaga went on to achieve a Distinction from London College of Fashion for his MA Fashion Design and Technology Menswear and is now working for RiBo Fashion and Apparel Company in Shanghai which designs for and sells to over 900 stores across China.”

RYUKI YAMAGAFashion Designer

LAURA HARVEY

Laura started her training at CSVPA on the Art & Design Foundation Diploma before progressing onto Kingston University to further her

studies and skills development in Fashion Design.

Her first professional role was working for Boden, before moving to Burberry as a Designer, then onto Joules as a Senior Designer.

Recently Laura was headhunted back to Boden where she is now a Creative Director.

When did you study at CSVPA and what programme did you study?I came to CSVPA in 2005 for the Art Foundation and I specialised in Fashion Design. After completing this I progressed onto Kingston University where I furthered my studies in Fashion.

What did you do after finishing your degree at Kingston University?I started off as a Design Assistant at Boden, who are an online Fashion Retailer who sell across Europe and USA. I was then promoted to Junior Designer and then Designer. After my time at Boden I moved to Burberry as one of their Designers before moving to Joules as a Senior

Designer and more recently I went back to Boden as their Creative Director.

Looking back did you value your time you spent at CSVPA, if so why?Actually - I probably joined the course with a rather inflated opinion of myself and my abilities.“I knew I wanted to do fashion, I knew I could draw, and what else could I possibly learn from a foundation year?” As it happens an awful lot.

Looking back I realised just how much I had advanced in that year, how much more I had been exposed to. I came away with skills and knowledge that were so crucial in my development. Many of those skills I still refer back to on a daily basis.

LAURA HARVEYCreative Director at Boden

What makes CSVPA so special and unique compared to the other experiences and training you faced after leaving the school and why was that important to you?Cambridge as a place is a wonderful, to be surrounded by such beautiful architecture and interesting people was a very inspiring experience in itself, and the course is brilliant. It covers such a wide range of disciplines, it’s quite unique.

You have the opportunity to gain experience in areas that other colleges simply don’t offer. It was only after leaving Cambridge that I realised how lucky I was to receive such high levels of support and contact time with tutors.

In what ways did CSVPA help you get onto the career path you followed?My foundation year set me up for my next step – which was university. With the support of CSVPA I was accepted onto a very competitive fashion design course at Kingston. Had I not been

accepted onto that course getting into industry would have been much more difficult. When a CV lands on a potential employer’s desk, the first thing they are looking at is the institutions where you were trained.

What would you say to a student who is looking to follow a similar career pathway to you?The same thing I was told by my head of design when I was at Kingston – it’s not the really talented people who succeed, it’s a combination of talent and lots of hardwork.

What would you say to a student who is thinking of coming to study at CSVPA?For anyone making the decision to go into design I would stress that it is a very competitive arena, you have to be dedicated and really want it. But CSVPA is an incredible place to learn and Cambridge is a very inspiring city. Studying at CSVPA will provide a great springboard to the next stage of your career

When did you study at CSVPA?I joined the Drama Foundation at CSVPA in September 2007 and then continued my training at LAMDA on their three year actor training programme.

What have you been up to since leaving CSVPA?Before joining LAMDA, I spent the first year out of CSVPA working in a school and joined Mischief Theatre Company. Since then my bio includes:Theatre: the West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong, Nancy Meckler’s production of The Miser; Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Pleasance Theatre London and the comedy sketch group The Mischief in Lights! Camera Improvise! TV includes: Doctors (BBC). Radio: A Little Twist of Dahl (BBC Radio 4).

Looking back, how did you value your time you spent at CSVPA and how did it prepare you for the next step in your actor training?I really value the time I spent at CSVPA. The training was great and the care and attention given by the teachers was exceptional. It was a brilliant way to take a stepping-stone before a 3 year course. It helped me to realise if it was actually what I wanted (which it was) and was massively influential to my success on gaining a place on a 3 year course.

What makes CSVPA so special and unique compared to the other experiences and training you received after leaving the school and why was that important to you?At CSVPA, the group size was small and it felt like a little family! I was only 18 and fresh out of school, the course and the teachers were so nurturing

that I felt very looked after and encouraged, and I didn’t get lost in the scariness of having just left home.

In what ways did CSVPA help you in getting into your career as an actress?It gave me a great head start in a lot of the disciplines that are essential in acting – voice and movement for example. I still use my warm up techniques taught to me by my voice teacher at CSVPA.

It is also where I met a great bunch of people – including Jonathan Sayer(Burke). He and I are still friends now and are both members of Mischief Theatre.

What were the highlights for you whilst studying at CSVPA and why were they so special?We had visits from amazing practitioners at CSVPA. Frantic Assembly came and gave us a workshop after seeing their show, Stockholm. This was a very valuable experience and a lot of fun. We also took fantastic trips to the theatre in Cambridge, so much of it was on our doorstep.

What would you say to a student who is looking to become an actor?A Foundation course is a great way to solidify your goals and gives you an essential boost when applying for 3 year drama courses.

What would you say to a student who is thinking of coming to study at CSVPA?Do it! Have fun, lots of it, and listen to your teachers – they’ll be some of the best you ever have!

CHARLIE RUSSELLActress

Charlie started her career at CSVPA on the Drama Foundation, before continuing her training at LAMDA.

Theatre includes: the West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong, Nancy Meckler’s production of The Miser; Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Pleasance Theatre London and the comedy sketch group The Mischief in Lights! Camera Improvise! TV includes: Doctors (BBC). Radio: A Little Twist of Dahl (BBC Radio 4).

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