Institute for Performing Arts Development

Kevado Warmington-Shiell

Graduating in Theatre Studies

Studying Theatre Studies at The University of East London is an exciting and adventurous self-excursion. The knowledge and experience that I have gained from this degree is amazingly diverse, and the dynamics of the modules are vast. They extend beyond the realm of theatre into spirituality, culture, philosophy and most interestingly exploring and investigating the other aspects of life that convene with and produce Theatre.

One of the most conducive and effective part of studying at UEL is that the tutors are always readily available to give support; which is great for the student -lecturer relationship.

This degree has also given me the opportunity to study abroad, at Columbia College, Chicago. This was a fantastic opening, as the college has a great theatre department, and the modules offered are based more around actor training and developing techniques for a career in the field. Columbia also offered a wide variety of auditions for productions their department. This creates a positive contrast of attributes attained from both organisations, where the academic aspect at UEL meets the practical at Columbia, and vice-versa. Besides, Chicago is an exciting place to be, with all the shops on my doorstep, and the fact that the college is a part of the community is interesting blend. Everything was with walking distance. However when I wanted to take a trip out of the city, I hopped on any bus or train with my free U-pass provided by the college.

The most exhilarating and creative aspect of the degree is the final semester, where I get the opportunity to devise my solo performance. This stretches and exhibits my experience of the academic and practical informed by my involvement throughout the course.

My ultimate goal is to do professional TV-acting, which this degree will contribute to, as well as the MA in Acting, which I will commence in September 09. My leisure interests are cooking, dancing, studying and facilitating students with special needs; which is why I work as a Learning Support Assistant. This means that I get paid for being at leisure. My theatre experiences have been educational based.

Krishauna Anderson

Exchange student from Columbia College

Krishuana is studying at UEL for one semester this year and is taking modules in Solo Performance. This year, she has performed at MayFest and in Solos at Stratford Circus.

Krishuana Michelle Anderson is a 20-year-old performing artist, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre at Columbia College Chicago and currently studying abroad at the University of East London. Here she is studying Solo Performance, Fiction, Film and Drama, and British and American Slavery.

She has enjoyed her experience at UEL. Obtaining the opportunity to study in Great Britain has been a very unique and fulfilling experience. A few of her past works include: “Ceremonies of Dark Old Men” where she played the lead role of Adele at Columbia College, Queen Mother and a village dancer in “Unwelcome Truths”, Pierce’s Wife and a chorus member in “43 Plays for 43 Presidents”, Woman and Operator 2 in “Snapshots”, and Kitty in “Terror by Gaslight” at Dekalb School of the Arts.

She is originally from Hattiesburg, MS in the United States of America where a lot of her extended family still resides. Throughout her childhood, she grew up poor in an already underdeveloped city with her mom; who struggled to support her child while trying to achieve a Bachelors degree at William Carey College in Mississippi. While growing up, Krishuana attended the Boys and Girls Club in her neighborhood, which she still feels played a major role in her positive attitude and the development of her dreams. At the age of 13 the organization( the Boys and Girls Club) was taken over by the Salvation Army and moved out of her neighborhood and consequently out of her reach.. She was both wounded and inspired by this cruel action. So her and her mom set out for Atlanta Georgia in hopes of grabbing hold of a better life and the chance to reunite with Krishuana’s father.

Krishuana loves the Arts and makes it her personal mission to participate in as many aspects of it as she can. She has been writing and performing poetry since she was 9, songwriting and singing Gospel and R&B tunes since she was 13, and Acting since she was 11. Krishuana applied and was accepted to the Dekalb county performing arts high school in Atlanta studying poetry, music, acting, and dance. She achieved several awards for her outstanding artistic ability and excellent leadership skills in such organizations as Thespians, Student Government, and her own organization: Deaf Poets Society. In her free time, she participated in a television Talk Show called Finding My Way, Teens Talking with Marcia.

Krishuana has traveled internationally with an ensemble group, gracing the stages of both London and Scotland receiving 4 out of 5 star ratings for their outstanding performances. Her life goals are to experience and create life changing theatrical performances on both stage and film; hoping to influence the way the media portrays the lives of African Americans and other underrepresented minorities in our country. Her creative platform as a Spoken Word artist is to be the “Voice of the Misunderstood.” She plans to pursue as high as a PhD in Arts Education. And upon years of researching the very best schools for artist, her ultimate dream is to build a New Boys and Girls Club and Performing Arts High School in her old community in Hattiesburg, MS. .

Hannah Nicholson

2nd Year Dance student

What drew me to the Dance: Urban Practice BA course was it's uniqueness. It is groundbreaking in the subject matter it covers, offering something that no other dance degree does. The courses' Urban content is something that I feel is particularly relevant across all creative disciplines today.

The course challenges our perceptions of what 'Urban' Dance is; exploring its definition, history and cultural significance. In addition to this, students are encouraged to explore their own creativity within a positive and nurturing environment. We are physically as well as academically challenged practising our technical, choreographic and performance skills.

Studying at the University of East London has really opened my eyes to the array of possible careers, working in the dance world. It has allowed me to meet a diverse network of industry professionals and artists, putting my studies into context. I think this is especially important given the current struggle recent graduates are facing to find work.

The highlights of my first year have been attending workshops with artists such as; Kimberlee Jay, Hype Dance Company, Robert Hylton and Boy Blue Entertainment. Also having the opportunity to work with organisations such as Stratford Circus, East London Dance and Dance UK. East London itself is such a diverse and exciting place to be; there are so many creative opportunities to be involved in and inspired by. It's the perfect environment for budding Urban Dance artists.

Throughout the year, tutors and students have been really supportive and I feel I've achieved a lot. I really enjoyed my first year and am looking forward to starting the second year in September. After graduating, I hope to continue onto the Dance MA programme at University of East London, with a view to starting my own dance company in a few years' time.