personal statement drama school examples

• Personal statement advice: drama

Applying to university

• Getting started
• UCAS Tariff points
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: English
• Personal statement advice: Midwifery
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Filling in your application
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• Fraud and similarity
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

Being clear about the type of course you're applying for (especially the balance of practice and theory) is key to an impressive personal statement, according to admissions tutors. For more advice, take a look at our guidance on writing your personal statement . And here's how to prepare that all-important audition piece .  

What to include in your drama personal statement

We spoke to Nick Strong, Drama Admissions Selector at Aberystwyth University, to get an insight into what drama tutors are looking for you to demonstrate in a personal statement:

Drama basics:

• Genuine enthusiasm for drama, along with evidence that you've studied or read beyond the curriculum.
• Good analytical and critical skills – with examples of how you've used and developed these in practice.
• Skills gained from your critical and creative experiences, both within and outside your studies, or how you feel you’ve benefited from them.
• How any positions of authority, charity work, employment, hobbies or other relevant activities have benefited your development, or their relationship to drama.
• Your interest in the professional expression of the subject, such as theatre-going or the work of particular directors, actors, designers, film makers or theatre companies.

More about what drives you:

• Ensure your personality comes across in your personal statement – in particular your creativity, enthusiasm, energy or dedication to drama.
• If you can, articulate your career aspirations and how your degree will help you gain the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you prepare for it.
• Professor Anna Furse, Head of Theatre and Performance at Goldsmiths, University of London, advises applicants to be clear about whether they are looking for a course with a practice-theory ethos at an interdisciplinary university like hers, or a more practical course at a conservatoire or drama school. 'It’s fine to apply to both,' she says, 'but simply be aware and don’t write too generically'.
• For her kind of course, she is interested in applicants who are looking for a broader education in the range of creative, technical, and intellectual skills, that will prepare them for a wide range of careers in the performing arts.

Language and structure of your personal statement:

• Your personal statement should flow logically and be as engaging as possible, making the reader want to read on and show you can articulate your ideas in a succinct but interesting way.
• Get the right balance between subject-specific material and outside interests, which Nick Strong suggests should ideally should be 75%/ 25%.
• Check punctuation, grammar, spelling and syntax very carefully, as it may make the critical difference between two otherwise identical applicants.

What to avoid in your drama personal statement

• Overblown quotes: avoid starting your personal statement with a highbrow or pretentious quotation – tutors want to hear what you have to say, in your own words.
• Not expanding on your experience: don't just say 'I am captain of the football team'. Try ‘through being captain of the football team I have gained the following experience…’.
• Humour: a touch of dry wit can sometimes be effective and memorable, but equally, experimenting with jokes in your personal statement can be risky and backfire badly, so judge this with care.
• Giving the impression you haven't researched the course content: that's why Professor Furse at Goldsmiths would advise applicants for her particular course to avoid saying things like 'I simply love to perform and want to be a musical star'. 'It's fine to have a passion to perform', she says, 'but think also about why you want a university degree and tell us about this'.
• Irrelevant experience: as Nick Strong told us, starting with something like ‘I have wanted to be an actor ever since I was third shepherd from the left in a nativity play when I was three’ is a definite no-no. Focus on your most recent and relevant creative experiences.

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

How to prepare for your conservatoire audition, five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, do you need to take an english test to study at university in the uk.

• Self Tape Feedback
• Drama School Deadlines
• Audition Advice

Writing the Perfect Drama School Statement

• Uncategorized

Crafting an impactful personal statement for drama school can be quite a daunting task. It is disheartening to observe that many applicants often receive inadequate guidance, leading to the creation of lackluster personal biographies rather than compelling statements. In the pursuit of gaining admission, applicants frequently resort to the “pick me, pick me, pick me!” approach, which fails to make a lasting impression. What most schools fail to realize is that they often lack the expertise to guide students on how to write an effective personal statement. Thus, many candidates end up with a subpar submission that does not effectively showcase their true potential and passion for drama. Aspiring students need to recognize the tremendous impact a well-crafted personal statement can have on the admissions panel, and they must strive to make their submission stand out as a powerful testament to their abilities.

THE WEIGHT OF YOUR DRAMA SCHOOL STATEMENT

Undoubtedly, one of the most common misconceptions among auditionees is that the personal statement’s significance pales in comparison to their acting abilities. While it is true that acting prowess holds substantial weight in the evaluation process, discounting the influence of a compelling personal statement would be a grave mistake. The moment an applicant places that sheet of paper before the admissions panel, they essentially offer a glimpse into their personality, aspirations, and potential. Given that this piece of writing can significantly influence the panel’s decision, it is crucial to ensure that the personal statement is nothing short of remarkable. By infusing the statement with authenticity, passion, and confidence, candidates can increase their chances of leaving a lasting impression on the evaluators.

OPPORTUNITY

The task of writing a personal statement is not to be underestimated; it presents an unparalleled opportunity for an applicant to speak for themselves. However, this opportunity comes with great responsibility. As a prospective drama student, one must ponder over the message they wish to convey through their personal statement. The first step in this process is to ask oneself, “What do I want the reader to know, think, feel, and do after reading my statement?” By employing a thoughtful approach that aligns with the know/think/feel/do framework, candidates can strategically plan the content and structure of their personal statement. Articulating specific objectives for the reader’s takeaway ensures that the writing remains focused and impactful.

CREATE A NARRATIVE

Aspiring drama students should also consider a few essential questions to answer in their personal statements to create a well-rounded and compelling narrative. Firstly, why are they applying for a particular acting course at a specific school? If possible, candidates should conduct thorough research on the course and offer specific evidence to support their choice. A vague response such as, “It’s a practical course,” lacks depth and conviction, as every drama school typically offers practical training. Therefore, candidates must delve into the unique aspects of their chosen program and articulate their reasons for pursuing it.

Another critical question to address in the personal statement is the reason behind the applicant’s profound interest in acting and their aspirations for a future career in this field. While it is understandable that many have nurtured dreams of becoming an actor from an early age, it is essential to elucidate what aspects of acting and the profession particularly intrigue them. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the profession and the journey ahead is a powerful way to showcase one’s commitment and passion.

SHED SOME LIGHT

Furthermore, the personal statement should shed light on the candidate’s suitability for the chosen course. This goes beyond simply recounting high school experiences in a musical or theater production. Instead, applicants should focus on identifying and highlighting the specific qualities, skills, and background experiences that make them uniquely suited for the course. Admissions panels are interested in candidates who possess the qualities that align with the demands of a rigorous drama program.

PAST EXPERIENCE

In addition to discussing past experiences, the personal statement should provide insights into how the candidate’s current or past education relates to studying acting. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the decision to pursue acting is not a spur-of-the-moment one. By illustrating the progression and commitment to acting thus far, applicants can provide a compelling narrative of their journey and showcase their genuine interest in the craft.

SHOW YOUR PASSION

A candidate’s passion and dedication to acting should be evident throughout the personal statement. To emphasize this commitment, applicants can detail the various steps they have taken to demonstrate their interest and devotion to a future in acting. Whether it involves reading plays for pleasure, attending theatre performances, delving into books on acting, or immersing themselves in documentaries related to the performing arts, showcasing their active engagement with the craft can strengthen the statement’s impact.

Finally, an exceptional personal statement should delve into the candidate’s unique personality traits that make them especially suitable for the chosen course. Whether it is maturity, creativity, imagination, resilience, or any other attributes, providing specific examples and anecdotes that highlight these qualities adds depth and authenticity to the statement. By showcasing these personal attributes, applicants can illustrate how they align with the requirements and expectations of a rigorous drama school program.

SELF-MARKETING

As applicants navigate the process of composing their personal statement, they must keep in mind that this piece of writing is, in essence, a marketing tool for themselves. Therefore, honesty, directness, and authenticity are paramount. While it may be tempting to craft a statement that caters to perceived expectations, such an approach often results in generic, wishy-washy content. Instead, the personal statement should reflect the applicant’s true self and provide the admissions panel with an intimate and genuine insight into their character and passion for acting.

In conclusion, crafting an exceptional personal statement for drama school is a multifaceted task that requires careful thought, introspection, and honesty. Aspiring students must seize this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions panel by showcasing their passion, commitment, and suitability for the chosen course. By addressing critical questions, highlighting relevant experiences, and infusing the statement with authenticity, candidates can create a compelling narrative that sets them apart from other applicants. As they embark on their journey into the world of acting, a well-crafted personal statement can be the key to unlocking the doors to their dreams. For those seeking guidance or coaching throughout the audition process, reaching out for assistance from professionals, such as those at [email protected], can prove invaluable in refining their personal statement and enhancing their chances of success.

Share this post

Mark Westbrook

Related Posts

Drama School Auditions:

The Psychology of Preparation Introduction: The realm of drama school auditions is a world filled with dreams, aspirations, and a fair... read more

Studying Acting Techniques at Drama School in the UK

Join me reflecting on the acting techniques mastered, lessons learned and personal growth experienced during my studies at drama school... read more

Preparing for a Drama School Audition

What Techniques Can You Use? Embarking on the journey to secure a place in a reputable drama school often begins with... read more

Coping with Audition Anxiety: Expert Tips to Ace Your Drama School Audition

Auditioning for a top drama school in the UK is the stuff dreams are made of. But it can also... read more

Should I go to Drama School?

Title: Should I Really Go to Drama School? Making the Right Call for Your Acting Journey Introduction Welcome, aspiring thespians and drama... read more

What are the Best Shakespeare Monologues for Young Women?

For aspiring young actors, selecting the perfect monologue is crucial to showcase your skills in auditions and acting classes. When... read more

Drama School – Do I Have What It Takes?

It's a good question, isn't it? In the captivating world of theatre and film, the allure of drama school beckons aspiring... read more

Breaking the News: Convincing Your Parents to Support Your Drama Dreams

You've finally worked up the courage to confess your deepest passion - you want to devote your life to theatre... read more

10 Ways to Avoid Getting into Drama School

Have you ever wondered how to ensure a definite rejection from your dream drama school? No? Well, neither have most... read more

Conquering Drama School Audition Anxiety: Tips from the Pros for Staying Cool

For aspiring actors, drama school auditions represent a pivotal moment. Your entire future career path could be determined in these... read more

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Creative Drama School Personal Statements to Consider

Table of Contents

Crafting a creative and captivating personal statement for drama school applications doesn’t have to be a difficult task.

It requires thought-provoking language that captures the reader’s attention and conveys your passion for theater. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By considering examples of previous outstanding submissions, you can draw inspiration from those who’ve come before while also exercising your creativity. We have some helpful tips on using dramatic flair to craft original and engaging personal statements for your drama school application.

In addition, we have drama school personal statement examples for you to read through for inspiration.

Simple Tips for Writing an Effective Drama School Personal Statement

Here are some simple tips that can help anyone to write a great drama school personal statement.

Keep It Concise

Writing a great personal statement for drama school does not require lengthy dissertations. Rather, it requires carefully worded paragraphs that convey your passion for the craft and demonstrate your unique talents. Aim to be succinct to grab the reader’s attention quickly and avoid excessive fluff or unrelated information. 

Be Original

Looking at drama school personal statement examples from past applicants can be helpful. However, remember that you must create a unique statement if you want to stand out. Use creative language to paint a vivid picture of yourself and your capabilities. You should do this while still being true to who you are as a person and an artist. 

Showcase Your Best Self

Dramatic flair is important, but don’t use overly-dramatic words or phrases. Stick to showcasing your genuine abilities in a way that will captivate the admissions committee. Highlight any training experiences or awards that you have and emphasize how they have shaped you into the actor you are today. 

Demonstrate Passion

Your statement should display your enthusiasm for theater and explain why this particular program stands out to you above all others. Explain what drew you toward this specific institution. In addition, express why their classes or professors would help hone your skills in ways other schools couldn’t. 

Embrace Adversity

In some cases, sharing stories about moments of difficulty or failure can help bolster your application. These types of stories can demonstrate resilience and growth. Discussing challenges faced in pursuit of success gives insight into the obstacles you have overcome. It allows readers to see the deeper human side of your story. 

Proofread and Edit

Don’t be in a hurry to submit the statement. Proofread and edit the statement to make sure there are no errors. Sometimes, you can ask another person to read through and offer suggestions. The ultimate aim is to make sure the statement is as perfect as possible.

Drama School Personal Statement Examples

If you need drama school personal statement examples , you’ll find a couple of them in this section.

I am excited to apply for admission into your prestigious drama school. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the art of performing and playing with a subject that’s always been close to my heart. My enthusiasm for this craft has grown since childhood, leading me on an enriching path filled with unyielding ambition and resilience. 

I possess a diverse range of skills in acting, having honed them through countless workshops and courses. From musicals to plays, comedy to tragedy, I am always eager to learn more and expand my repertoire of techniques. Every performance is an opportunity to test myself and refine my strategies. 

My appreciation for theater extends beyond the stage, however. In recent years, I have discovered a burgeoning passion for writing and directing. I find immense fulfillment in constructing stories and characters from scratch, manipulating words and movements like pieces of a puzzle until everything fits together. This interdisciplinary approach provides a unique insight into the creative process, which I’m sure will serve me well at your esteemed institution. 

I pride myself on being able to collaborate effectively with others, evidenced by my work experience both onstage and off. As such, I am confident that I can make meaningful contributions within any production team or setting. Above all else, I am dedicated to making an impact in the world of dramatic arts. It would be an honor to do so in your drama school!

As I have come to understand over the course of my lifetime, theater is a craft that requires dedication and time for mastery. Through my career experience and natural affinity for this art form, I can say that I have amassed considerable skill in performance and production. During my recent decade-long foray into various theatrical roles, I’ve found myself immersed in various avant-garde performances. My experiences have only furthered my enthusiasm for this multifaceted profession. And now, it is time to hone these honed capabilities by furthering my studies at your esteemed drama school. 

I am an experienced veteran in the arena of theater, yet never content with complacency. As such, I embrace a journey of perpetual learning while cultivating an atmosphere of creativity and good faith among cast mates and peers. In addition to demonstrating strong organizational skills, I bring leadership abilities to projects in need. Whether writing scripts or hosting workshops, I seek out ways to propel those around me toward success. 

No challenge has been too daunting for me. I thrive on moving forward within complex situations, even if it involves extensive travel plans and the establishment of new networks. With my passion for collaboration, I have been able to accomplish many feats during my time as an actor thus far. Yet, I know there is still so much more to learn. 

The prospect of studying in a distinguished program like yours puts a sparkle of joy in my eye. A place where excellence and innovation intersects is what I hope to find in the pursuit of knowledge and advancement of my career goals. The theater is ever-evolving, and I feel strongly that investing in my education will give me the tools needed to stay competitive. 

I have a long-standing passion for the performing arts and have had the opportunity to explore many facets of this field. My experience has taught me that theater is an amalgamation of ideas, music, movement, and, most importantly, emotion. It is a way of connecting with others through creative expression. I am eager to pursue a degree in drama at the university to improve my understanding of the craft while broadening my theatrical knowledge. 

This desire has been further stoked by my involvement in various community-based organizations that focus on creating art out of everyday experiences. I have come to think of these activities as channels for self-discovery. They have allowed me to identify and explore novel ways of interpreting life’s tribulations. Through this exposure, I have learned how to project feelings and convey emotions more effectively. 

I am confident that acquiring a formal education will enable me to hone my skills and become well-versed in all elements of theater. For instance, I plan to take classes in costume design, musical performance, scriptwriting, improvisation techniques and stage direction. Each of these could help shape my thinking around the nuances involved in becoming a professional performer. In turn, I believe such courses would empower me with the confidence needed to think critically about any artistic challenge that comes my way. 

My ultimate ambition is to demonstrate my growth as an individual while making meaningful contributions to the theater community. With this goal in mind, I’m certain that furthering my studies at your esteemed institution would help me reach new heights in my career.

A personal statement is an essential statement of intent and is, thus, something that must be written with care. No matter what school you are applying to, students must write strong, bold, and catchy applications if they want to stand out. If you can follow the tips in this article, you can easily write a personal statement that stands out.

For those that want to write their personal statements faster, you should consider using the new Hey INK tool . This tool can write different types of content for you in a split second. You only need to enter your instructions or prompts for the tool to create amazing outputs like the examples above.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

• Ask a question Ask
• go advanced Search
• Please enter a title
• Please enter a message
• Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
• post anonymously
• All study help
• Uni applications
• University and HE colleges
• University help and courses
• University student life

Postgraduate

• Careers and jobs
• Teacher training
• Finance and accountancy
• Relationships
• Sexual health
• Give feedback or report a problem
• University and university courses
• Universities and HE colleges
• Life and style
• Entertainment
• Debate and current affairs
• Careers and Jobs
• Scottish qualifications
• Foreign languages
• GCSE articles
• A-level articles
• Exam and revision articles
• What to do after GCSEs
• What to do after A-levels
• When is A-level results day 2024?
• When is GCSE results day 2024?
• Studying, revision and exam support
• Grow your Grades

Exam results articles and chat

• Exam results homepage
• A guide to GCSE and A-level grade boundaries
• Year 13 chat
• Year 12 chat
• Year 11 chat

A-level results

• Guide to A-level results day
• Get help preparing for results day
• A-level retakes and resits
• Exam reviews and remarks
• Here’s what to expect on A-level results day
• Six ways to help results day nerves
• Understanding your A-level results slip

GCSE results

• Guide to GCSE results day
• How GCSE combined science grades work
• Stressed about GCSE results day?
• Understanding your GCSE results slip

Finding a uni in Clearing

• Clearing articles and chat
• UK university contact details
• Guide to Clearing
• Seven things people get wrong about Clearing
• How to make a great Clearing call
• Finding accommodation after Clearing
• How Clearing can help you prepare for results day
• All universities
• Applying through Ucas
• Student finance
• Personal statement
• Postgraduate study
• Uni accommodation
• University life
• All uni courses
• Apprenticeships
• Arts and humanities courses
• Stem courses
• Social science courses

Universities by region

• North of England
• South of England
• Greater London
• Distance learning
• International study

University guides and articles

• All university articles
• Applying to uni articles
• Personal statements
• Personal statement examples
• University open days
• Studying law at university
• Student life at university
• Careers and jobs discussion
• Apprenticeships discussion
• Part-time and temp jobs
• Career forums by sector
• Armed forces careers
• Consultancy careers
• Finance careers
• Legal careers
• Marketing careers
• Medicine and healthcare careers
• Public sector careers
• Stem careers
• Teaching careers
• General chat
• Relationships chat
• Friends, family and colleagues
• Advice on everyday issues
• General health
• Mental health
• UK and world politics
• Educational debate

Undergraduate

• Postgraduate Master’s Loan
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

• Parents and partners
• Advanced Learner Loan

Personal statement examples by subject: complete list

Take a look at how other students have written their personal statements

When you're writing your university personal statement, a little inspiration can be handy.

On The Student Room, we have hundreds of real personal statements written by students when they applied for university in previous years.

You'll find all of these listed below, in order of subject. 

For more help with writing your personal statement, our personal statement section  is a good place to go. You can also find tips and discussion in the personal statement advice forum .

If you've already been to university, you can  add your own personal statement to the library  to help others.

And don't forget our sister site The Uni Guide , which has expert advice on getting your personal statement sorted.

• Accounting personal statements
• Actuarial science personal statements
• Anthropology personal statements
• Archaeology personal statements
• Architecture personal statements
• Art and design personal statements
• Biology personal statements
• Biomedical sciences personal statements
• Business, marketing and management personal statements
• Chemistry personal statements
• Classics personal statements
• Computer science, computing and IT personal statements
• Cultural studies personal statements
• Dentistry personal statements
• Economics personal statements
• Education and teaching personal statements
• Engineering personal statements
• English personal statements
• Event management personal statements
• Fashion personal statements
• Finance personal statements
• Forensic science personal statements
• Geography personal statements
• Geology personal statements
• Healthcare personal statements
• History personal statements
• International relations personal statements
• Languages personal statements
• Law personal statements
• Linguistics personal statements
• Literature personal statements
• Mathematics personal statements
• Media and communication personal statements
• Medicine personal statements
• Midwifery personal statements
• Music personal statements
• Natural sciences personal statements
• Nursing personal statements
• Performing arts personal statements
• Pharmacy personal statements
• Philosophy personal statements
• Philosophy politics and economics (PPE) personal statements
• Physics personal statements
• Politics personal statements
• Postgraduate personal statements
• Psychology personal statements
• Religious studies personal statements
• Social sciences personal statements
• Social work personal statements
• Sociology personal statements
• Sports science personal statements
• Travel and tourism personal statements
• Urban and regional planning personal statements
• Veterinary science personal statements
• Share this story :
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on Pinterest
• Latest Latest
• Trending Trending
• create my feed
• Edit my feed
• 0 new posts
• Started by: perpetual-rub
• Forum: Durham University
• Replies: 26
• Last post: 3 minutes ago
• Started by: Ruuski
• Forum: Veterinary Medicine
• Last post: 7 minutes ago
• Started by: iliveinacake
• Forum: Student accommodation
• Replies: 42
• Last post: 12 minutes ago
• Started by: ahriana
• Forum: Laptops, netbooks and tablets
• Last post: 16 minutes ago
• Started by: Lauren 28119
• Forum: University of Edinburgh
• Last post: 19 minutes ago
• Started by: Talkative Toad
• Forum: Forum games
• Replies: 5405
• Started by: Al3x235
• Forum: Career sectors and graduate employment
• Last post: 21 minutes ago
• Started by: benjipc124
• Last post: 23 minutes ago
• Forum: Mature Students
• Last post: 26 minutes ago
• Started by: mray.say
• Forum: Educational debate
• Last post: 28 minutes ago
• Started by: EVMD17
• Forum: Music
• Last post: 35 minutes ago
• Started by: Anonymous_369
• Forum: GCSEs
• Last post: 41 minutes ago
• Started by: Anonymous
• Forum: University of Portsmouth
• Last post: 1 hour ago
• Started by: m3ri3m
• Forum: Economics study help
• Started by: SBKN
• Forum: Pharmacy
• Started by: Dayaveer
• Forum: Mathematics
• Started by: deceptacon
• Forum: Scottish Qualifications
• Started by: youyearslater
• Started by: badasu_o
• Forum: Royal Holloway, University of London
• Forum: Friends, family and colleagues
• Started by: Scotland Yard
• Forum: Medicine
• Replies: 262
• Last post: 2 hours ago
• Started by: KA_P
• Replies: 151
• Last post: 3 hours ago
• Started by: PQ
• Forum: A-levels
• Replies: 274
• Started by: Miss.fcxxx
• Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
• Replies: 269
• Last post: 4 hours ago
• Started by: Adam Woodbridge
• Forum: Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Replies: 769
• Started by: aishaslm
• Forum: Legal careers and training
• Replies: 161
• Last post: 6 hours ago
• Started by: Fiyero
• Forum: Graduate Schemes
• Replies: 181
• Last post: 10 hours ago
• Started by: Sandtrooper
• Forum: Cambridge Postgraduate
• Replies: 8194
• Last post: 12 hours ago
• Started by: Lc627183
• Replies: 258
• Last post: 13 hours ago
• Started by: MOZSH
• Forum: Medical Schools
• Replies: 481
• Last post: 16 hours ago
• Started by: miss_nia
• Replies: 81
• Last post: 1 day ago
• Started by: Oatmilklattepls
• Forum: Performing arts and music
• Replies: 2885
• Started by: crimsonrose3205
• Replies: 98
• Last post: 2 days ago
• Started by: Lazlay
• Replies: 615
• Last post: 3 days ago
• Started by: asdfjkmel
• Replies: 2698
• Forum: University College London
• Replies: 94
• Started by: maiarhysdavies
• Forum: King's College London
• Replies: 574
• Last post: 4 days ago
• Started by: jambarnzi
• Replies: 70
• Last post: 5 days ago
• Started by: ———————-
• Replies: 504
• Started by: reubenn05
• Replies: 959
• Last post: 1 week ago
• To find a different course that I'd prefer
• To find a different university that I'd prefer
• To find a different course because I expect to exceed my grades
• To find a different course because I expect to not meet my grades
• I haven't applied yet but I want to through Clearing
• Tell us more about your answer in the thread!

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

• Main topics
• GCSE and A-level
• Exam results
• Life and relationships

Get Started

• Today's posts
• Unanswered posts
• Community guidelines
• TSR help centre
• Cookies & online safety
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance
• Personal Statements
• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities
• University Interviews
• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising
• Studying Abroad
• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Postgraduate drama therapy personal statement example.

I have sat in audiences at the theatre and felt a sense of freedom. At times of stress I played my flute until day turned to night.

Painting offers me a window into my imagination and opens a door to escapism. Knowing the catharsis that emotional expression through the arts has offered me, I wonder, can I help others to attain well-being in the same way?

I have always been drawn to the creative arts and involved myself in some way throughout my life; from playing in school orchestras, acting in school plays, singing in bands for charity and completing murals and art displays.

Throughout my working life I have carved out an informal niche role as the ‘creative go-to’ person. Realising my talent and passion for the creative arts, I have been striving to find a role where I can marry my love of artistic expression with psychological explorations.

It is my view that the MA in Dramatherapy might offer me this balance. Whilst I am committed to every job role, I have always felt that something was missing.

When I learned about this course, it felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders as it seemed like a perfect opportunity to combine my creative and therapeutic skills.

I hope to be able to fuse my musical and artistic abilities to form a complimentary approach which could inform future Dramatherapy practice.

In 2001, I completed a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Criminology at Roehampton University, achieving a 2:1. The course requirements led to two dissertations being compiled and submitted and during this time I was focused on a career in forensic psychology.

I started on my path to gain the experience needed to become a forensic psychologist, all the while gaining priceless life experience and an assortment of transferable strengths and skills. Throughout my academic experiences, there were times when personal circumstances were not ideal, however, I felt I worked well under the pressure, always remaining focused and driven.

I am aware that a requirement of this course is to undertake personal therapy. This is something I have experience of and would welcome further exploration into, in order to learn more about myself, my journey and my emerging identity as a therapist.

I value researching and learning about working environments, often by undertaking voluntary or seconded positions before committing to full-time contracts. This prevents me from jumping into situations unaware and unprepared. From 2006 - 2009, on a relief basis, I worked at HMP Wandsworth, a category B prison for males. My position was as a ‘link worker and the experience was invaluable.

My role led me to interactions with inmates whose offences covered a broad spectrum. I encountered many individuals who had been diagnosed with a mental illness and others with more than one presenting diagnosis; this allowed me to explore and deepen my psychological understanding in a practical sense, rather than just the knowledge I had gained from my degree.

My role allowed me to deal with sensitive issues, such as someone expressing suicidal ideation or presenting with self harm. Although art painted by inmates was presented on the high walls, I always felt the prison could have done more to enhance and encourage creative expression.

From 2007 – 2010, on a full time basis, I started working at a residential unit for adolescents with emotional and behavioural difficulties. This allowed me to work intensely with individuals over a long period of time, gaining a wealth of experience. Whilst at the residential unit, I took on the additional role of Activity Co-ordinator.

This role involved making a series of programmes for activities that were diverse, taking into account, healthy living, physical and educational pursuits.

The programmes were engaging and promoted positive interactions between young people and staff. Compiling these programmes allowed me to flap my creative wings.

We held art sessions and encouraged the use of the on site music studio and organised trips to the theatre. The young people would engage with the arts as an escape from the turbulent and sometimes frightening environment of the residential unit.

Many of these children commented rarely feeling a sense of achievement, however creative activities often gave them the feeling of self-worth that the education system was unable to provide for them.

Since April 2010, I have been employed at Broadmoor Hospital, a high secure psychiatric hospital for mentally ill and personality disordered males. My role was as a ‘Therapy Assistant’. I fully involved myself in day to day ward life and again enjoyed the more creative activities such as singing with the patients in the music room and completing artistic projects.

A number of patients reflected that the informal creative groups were more beneficial than the formal talking therapies. With this in mind, I began to be interested in exploring the significance, importance and impact of non-verbal approaches to well-being.

In November 2010, still at Broadmoor Hospital, I began my secondment in an area known as Newbury Therapy Unit. My role is as a ‘Nurse Therapist Assistant’.

It was here that I surrendered to my creative voice and unearthed my passion for Dramatherapy. I was aware that this department worked closely with the Arts Therapies Department to enhance the experience of therapy delivered to the patients.

The innovative and progressive ideas and concepts were a breath of fresh air. I started co-facilitating a cognitive skills group, which lasted for three months.

During this time, the process gave me a lot of confidence and built skills in facilitating groupwork. I was disappointed to learn that a psychodynamic group for Art and Drama was no longer running.

As part of my post, I have been assigned a clinical supervisor who is a Dramatherapist. The only feeling I can describe following a supervision session is one of enlightenment. After much thought and discussion with family and peers, I decided to start researching Drama therapy trainings.

I am excited to be able to enter into a relatively unknown field where my interest only spurs my curiosity and passion. A passion I hope you will give me a chance to express on the course.

In terms of hobbies, I have always been a keen theatre goer and enjoy musicals the most. I sit envious in the stalls inspired by the people on the stage. I also enjoy singing, and was part of a small band that sang to raise over £2500 for various charities.

As a shy person when I was younger, I threw myself into experiences that would demand me to step out of the shadows and this has helped me become more confidant and able to present in front of others.

I often go on holiday with my watercolours or at the very least a pencil and pad, so I can sketch.

Travel is a big part of my life, and I hope to visit every continent at some point. I also enjoy varied socialising activities; cinema, photography, laughing with friends and family.

In my spare time I find monologues on the internet and read them trying to embody the feelings of the characters. I also enjoy festivals, gigs and fancy dress.

I am a highly motivated and self-driven person with the ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment.

I have a positive outlook on life and I am willing to invest time and effort into pursuing my long term goals. I always strive to encounter any problem with an open mind and seek to achieve well-being.

I embrace training, reflective practice and supervision, as I see them as avenues for personal growth that will enhance my strengths and skills.

I take direction well, but also use my initiative to complete a task. I will take on constructive criticism in the view that it will only be offered to better my abilities. I am not afraid to ask questions and I do tend to pick things up quickly.

Due to my life and work experience, tenacity and abilities to work with others, I believe I would be a benefit to the future cohort of trainees.

Undertaking the MA in Dramatherapy will, I hope, enable me to develop the knowledge and skills to fulfil my innate purpose - helping others to attain well-being through the arts.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Bernie-Fox for application in 2011.

Bernie-Fox's Comments

I window into my heart and soul!

Related Personal Statements

Very helpful.

Fri, 25/01/2013 - 01:24

This is the closest sample PS I can find for a Art Psychotherapy course i'm applying to at Roehampton University and others. You definately covered all basis when it comes to talking about your experiences and the many various qualities you have; which are suited to this course. Overall very well written, Puts me of a bit cos now I have to write one just as good. Did you get in to the course you applied to? I can see it was written in 2011 so you may be settled at your placement or even finished. I would like to have more info so I know what's to come.

Add new comment