Georgie Buckland

I would never have gotten to this point in my career without Kendal College and the wonderful teachers who guided me to where I am now. I am living my dream of being a professional actor and I am forever grateful I made the decision to study at Kendal College. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Why did you choose to study at Kendal College?

Choosing to join Kendal College was a very easy decision for me at the time. Throughout secondary school, I knew I wanted to pursue performing arts as a full-time career and that Kendal College would build upon the skills I needed to do so. Seeing the facilities and amazing trips and opportunities I would be getting to take part in was a huge factor in my decision.

What did you like most about studying with us?

The course is excellently planned so that over the two years you will be studying, you will explore so many different styles of theatre, dance and music, as well as be able to combine the three to form a full-scale musical at the end of the year. I have so many wonderful memories from my two years of studying, in particular, the tutors I was able to work with and the amazing friends I made, whom I still see to this day! The college has such a community feel to it. Everybody knows everybody; it is a safe place to learn and create. You get to meet people from a whole range of different courses and backgrounds, and often, we will be working and creating with other people studying within the building, not just your class. The yearly London trip brings back so many great memories for me. Seeing West End shows, visiting places like the V&A, and participating in professional workshops with industry actors was a great experience! Plus, having a sleepover with all your pals in a Premier Inn will always be a hoot! I also loved the different bootleggers gigs the music students held. We got to listen to the music they were rehearsing and writing in a professional format - everyone just used to have the best nights!

Do you feel that college helped you decide on your next steps?

I have always known that I wanted to be a musical theatre performer. I think College just made me even more keen to do so! In particular, Hilary (course leader) was invaluable when choosing which drama schools to apply to in my second year. She knew a lot about the schools and what they had to offer, which ultimately led me to choose RCS. I see a lot of people from my course went on to study things that incorporated acting and theatre, which is something they were able to discover while studying!

Do you have any favourite shows you performed in while studying at college?

My favourite show I performed at college is definitely "Spring Awakening". It was our first show in our first yea,r and I was so excited to be playing the lead, "Wendla". It has been my favorite musical for years - and still is - I think I remember crying when I found out we were doing it, very dramatic of me really!

However, my main highlight would have to be our two big musicals at the Brewery Arts Centre. I was fortunate enough to be a part of two brilliant and unique shows - 'Made in Dagenham' and 'Urinetown'. Both pushed my skill set to the maximum and gave me a taste of what it's like to perform a musical professionally. Having everything together- lights, costumes, band - was an amazing feeling. The closing night of our last show 'Urinetown' was a special memory for me and my class. We all felt very emotional that it was all over. I still, to this day, say the 2 years at college were some of the best years of my life. We just had so much fun, I don't think I have ever laughed as much as I did there - it was pure joy everyday.

What have you done, so far, since completing your studies at college?

After completing college, I studied Musical theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (something I wouldn't have been prepared for without this course!) I had a wonderful three years of training, which was hard but very rewarding. In February 2020, we performed our showcase at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End. From that, I was signed to my amazing agency and started auditioning right away. It all happened very quickly, but it was extremely exciting! I was lucky enough to be asked to join the original cast of Disney's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks the Musical", which embarked on a tour across 29 venues in the UK and Ireland! I was part of the ensemble and covered 12 tracks in total throughout the year. I still have no idea how I remembered it all! It was a huge moment for me and my career. Getting to try on all of my wigs and costumes was surreal. I learnt so much from that job, working with actors who had been in the business for 20+ years and could tell me all of their secrets! I finished the job in May 2022 and miss it immensely. It was a real full circle moment for me to perform with the show at "The Lowry" in Salford. This was the theatre where I had seen all of the touring musicals growing up, and I was onstage myself there. I was also fortunate enough to join the World Premier cast of "Claus" the musical at the same theatre.

Of course, the most exciting role I've been lucky enough to have is my role as Andy Sachs in Elton John’s musical, based on the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada!

Do you have any advice for potential students considering coming to Kendal College?

My advice would simply be ‘go for it’. If you have a passion for the arts, whether acting, painting, editing, music, sound and lighting, etc., this is the place to study. Go to the open days, ask lots of questions, speak to past students and present students, don't be shy! Reach out for the information and see what happens in this wonderful college. You will gain much knowledge and experience and be surrounded by the most supportive, passionate, professional tutors and peers.