Contemporary Drama School | RADA 2022
Step 1. Tourist
Living in London during the summer of 2022 was a transformative experience, one that I never could have imagined for myself. But 2022 was the year I learned to say YES to life, so when I saw a summer theater program I applied on a whim - and was accepted! Five weeks in this fairy-tale country left me with one overwhelming certainty: I absolutely want to return.
Being in a city of such a rich history was incredible. I saw all the tourist sites that I could think of. From Big Ben, to the Churchill War Museum and the Tower of London, there was certainly no shortage. Museums were also on my list - I felt very small when I showed up to The British Museum and realized they are built like castles in their own right. Entering the Museum of Natural History, for example, felt like I was entering the Red Keep. It certainly put anything I’d seen in the United States to shame!
Special shout out to Foyles, the largest bookshop in the UK. It’s a good thing I don’t live near there, or I would have to buy a second bookshelf! Even with my limited suitcase room, I could not help but purchase a few more books to take home with me <3
Step 2. Audience
In addition to breathing in the culture of the city, I made sure to see as many shows as possible. The West End quickly became my favorite neighborhood, and I cannot express how much I learned from watching some of the world’s greatest performers at work (nor do I want to think about how much money I spent on tickets!). From meeting Amy Adams, to being blown away by Jack Holden’s incredible one-man show, and getting chills seeing Phantom of the Opera, every moment was a learning experience. Here are some of the shows that I saw:
The Glass Menagerie
Life of Pi
Cruise
Phantom of the Opera
A Doll’s House Part II
The Seagull
Mad House
2:22 A Ghost Story
The Tempest & Julius Caesar (at THE GLOBE!!)
Step 3. Student
Finally, the reason I came to London in the first place: The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s Contemporary Drama Program.
When I came to RADA for the summer, I was ready to learn from extraordinary teachers. And I did. I learned more than I thought possible to absorb over a summer and had my high expectations obliterated by the most incredible teachers I’ve ever had the honor of working with. I explored the play Crackwalker and fell in love with its haunting message. “This,” I would constantly think. “This is what I want to do. This is theatre. These are MY people.” Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!
What I did not know to expect, coming in, were the friendships I got to come away with. I was privileged to be a part of THE BEST GROUP 😉 of human beings on the planet. These people laughed with me, sometimes cried with me, and every day inspired me. Before RADA, I’d been a bit burnt out on people. Now, considered my faith in humanity restored.
Seriously guys, I love you all to the ends of the earth. Thank you for a wonderful experience, for being supportive and open and kind, and I cannot wait to see y’all sometime again in the not-so-distant future!
