The Arc Award for Best Solo Show Award is presented annually to a student that has been selected by a panel of industry professionals organised through our education partner ARC, Stockton Arts Centre.

Student Kaitlyn Maxfield has been presented with the award because: “The panel felt this student’s work was a really important piece of work. Looking at a story that has been told in a moving and dynamic style. This student will now be supported by ARC in developing this into a full piece.”

This prestigious award offers students and opportunity to develop their work further with Arc after graduation. We caught up with Kaitlyn, from Preston, to find out more about her award and practice, read on to find out more:  

• Why did you choose to study at The Northern School of Art?

It offered the best acting training in the North with the benefit of affordability compared to the south and a more collaborative opportunities with different courses that drama schools often don’t offer.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time at the School (academically as well as socially!)

My favourite memory was watching my play Welcome To The Village- a surreal moment hearing so many people in a room laughing and enjoying something you created in your brain! 

• What are you doing next and what are your plans/ambitions for the future?

Currently I am working with Menstrual Rage in their production of (The Taming Of) The Shrew which will be performed at Hartlepool Town Hall and Durham Fringe and is now being shown at Newcastle Fringe Festival, and also A Moving Still by Connor Dorrian which will be performed in Newcastle’s John Marley Centre. After graduation I’m going to study the MA Directing course at NSOA, as well as developing a relationship with the ARC and begin writing my next theatre project. I hope to be a successful playwright and want to focus on becoming an intimacy director. I’m also in talks with different agents, and my ambition is to become a successful actor for screen. 

• Any advice for future students applying for the same course as you?

My advice would be to throw yourself in, have fun (it’s important to enjoy yourself and allow yourself to play- otherwise what’s the point) and be kind, to others but also yourself, it’s a hard industry but it’s so worth it. This art school is filled with so many people who want to see you do well so use it to your advantage!

• Anything else you want to add?

A big thank you to everyone’s support! 

You can browse Kaitlyn’s CV on our Graduate Actors page. If you are interested in studying Acting at degree level, we offer a successful and dynamic degree programme at our Hartlepool campus. Click here to find out more.