Alumnus Iwan gains place at prestigious Drama School

Alumnus Iwan White is pursuing his dreams of studying the performing craft further at Drama School. He has been offered a place to study a BA Hons in Acting at Court Theatre Training Company in London. Drama Schools are notoriously competitive often with only 25 places on a course and over 2,000 applicants per year!

Aspiring actor and keen footballer Iwan White graced the All Saints’ Academy stage many times whilst studying at All Saints’ Sixth Form. Securing the lead roles of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in our whole-school musicals.

Alongside these musical roles, Iwan studied A Levels in Drama and Theatre Studies and Fine Art. Iwan joined ASA as part of the Cheltenham Town Football Club Development Squad. Honing his skills as a goalkeeper, he trained several days a week along with his studies. During his time at All Saints’ his passion for the stage took precedence over his commitment to the pitch as he decided that’s where his future lay.

Upon completion of his A Levels, Iwan gained a place at University of South Wales (USW) in August 2019 to study a BA Hons degree in Drama and Theatre.

Iwan commented ‘The theatre and drama course at USW was brilliant and an amazing experience. They helped me to develop my skills further but, in order for me to reach my full potential as an actor, I feel that I need to study on a course that better suits my needs as a training actor. The 2-year intensive acting course was what attracted me to the Court Theatre Training Company. When I start this course in September, I will receive face-to-face practical training, Monday to Friday (9-5), and I feel this is the training I need to start a career in this industry.’

Whilst studying at All Saints’ Academy in Year 13 Iwan applied to a few drama schools such as Bristol Old Vic and Oxford School of Drama. Although unsuccessful this time around it gave him some valuable experience that he applied to his most recent application and audition. The only difference being, this time Iwan had to do his monologues and interview using video due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Whilst studying at All Saints’ Academy Iwan held the position of Head Student. He was always keen to help out his peers, younger students and to be a good role model. His advice for those looking to pursue their dream in applying to drama school is ‘make sure you know what kind of training you are looking for and what best suits your skill set. Many drama schools across the UK offer different types of training, so take the time to research and have a look around. If you don’t get in straight away, there is nothing to stop you trying again the following year, most students who get into drama school are 20 and above or have just finished a year or two of university, so do not give up!’

When asked what his favourite memory of performing at All Saints’ Academy was his first thought went to the devised piece he created with his A Level Drama group called AINWIS. ‘The best feeling I got from doing this performance was the fact that me and the group created it from scratch and made it one of ASA’s most memorable performances.’

Director of Performing Arts, Miss Baynham-Williams said ‘The transformation that I saw in Iwan over two years was incredible and he lit up the stage as ‘Gaston’ in Beauty and the Beast and ‘Jean Valjean’ in Les Miserables. Iwan began taking ownership of the stage, he started to take charge of his own future and realised that you have to work hard to get where you want in life. Iwan’s constant positivity, endless enthusiasm and relentless passion for drama was clear from the start and I am thrilled that he has been accepted into a Drama School to study a BA (Hons) Acting course. He became a role model to the younger students of our Performing Arts Faculty and is a shining example of the fact that anything is possible if you keep trying. I attended both of Iwan’s Drama School auditions with him last year and it was there that he realised the intensity of this competitive field but; never one to lose faith; he didn’t give up and contacted me for support this time round when he felt determined and ready to go for it again. Iwan’s sheer grit, determination and resilience to ‘go for it’ has gotten him the result that he longed for and I could not be happier for him. I’m exceptionally proud of the young actor that he became through his time with us at All Saints’ Academy and am delighted for him for ‘Bringing it home’ and adding himself to the growing list of successful Drama School students that have left ASA.

As a Performing Arts Faculty, we believe that Drama can be transformative as a subject and this success story is a glowing example of how a talent for performing can be exceptionally life changing. I’m just pleased that we could be a part of his journey and that we were able to support, guide and inspire him to follow his dreams and fully embrace the subject that he excels in. Congratulations Iwan!’