We loved this film piece written, performed and directed by UAL Diploma in TV & Film production student Gracie Flynn! A dedicated and creative student that is leaving college with a range of options and aspirations for a career in drama therapy.

We caught up with Gracie to find out more about what it’s like studying UAL TV & Film Production at our Middlesbrough campus. Read on to watch her original work Welcome to The Metaverse and find out more about her projects and what it’s like to study TV and Film Production at our Middlesbrough campus!

Tell us a bit about your film monologue?

My film monologue was created for my LIPA audition with the stimulus being ‘social change’. As a young person, I spend a lot of time on my phone and technology in general. Admittedly, more than I probably should. I wanted to create a piece which taught young people and adults about the internet and malicious intentions. The piece was primarily inspired by Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse and it’s seemingly endless possibilities. I was eager to create a character which was both comedic and threatening. A character which showed the unpredictable nature of the internet. I really enjoyed writing and performing this piece!

Tell us about any projects you have been involved in and working on!

As a part of the professional theatre group, Enter CIC. I have been involved in an array of national and international performances:

The Wind Road Boys – Original musical by Enter CIC

• –  2012 – Sunderland Empire,
• –  2013 – Durham Gala Theatre,
• –  2014 – Edinburgh Fringe Festival,
• –  2016 – Regional Tour,
• –  2018 – Spennymoor Town HallScrooge – Original musical by Enter CIC
• – 2015 – Sunderland Empire

An Evening with Sir Tim Rice and Friend – 2016, Sage Gateshead
Home Fires – Original Musical by Enter CIC – 2017, Hartlepool Borough Hall Home Fires – International Tour, 2018 – Belgium.

Fun and Food Projects –

• –  EASTER – 2021 – Peter Rabbit,
• –  SUMMER – 2021 – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• –  CHRISTMAS – 2021 – Elves and the ShoemakerIndividual Projects:2015 – Theatre in Education – ‘Time Flies’ – Original Education piece devised based on dementia

2017 – Theatre in Education – ‘Fine Lines’ – Original Education piece devised based on mental health and teenage suicide.

2022 – Theatre in Education- ‘Hairdressers’ – Original Education piece based on 1950’s hairdressers for the opening of Beamish’s 1950’s town.

2022 – Theatre in Education & Audition – Interview for the Metaverse.

You recently received an offer to study at LIPA, congratulations tell us about your future plans in acting and higher education?

Thank you very much! In terms of higher education, I have received offers from a multitude of conservatoires and universities including:

Lancaster University and LIPA
However, I have chosen to firm my offer at Lancaster University to study theatre and English Literature and insure my offer at LIPA. Both degrees will allow me to progress further into my studies. After completing my degree, I aim to progress onto an MA in Dramatherapy.

As a young person, I have always been eager to understand how theatre can help change social perceptions and break boundaries. I have been involved in TIE (Theatre in Education) and various other forms of theatre from a young age.

As a result of my training, I am eager to further develop my skills and understanding of how arts and theatre work hand in hand to rehabilitate and help those in need.

How is The Northern School of Art special for you?

The Northern School of Art has allowed me to express myself, my inspiration and develop techniques in my craft. Before coming to college, I was homeschooled from the age of 13. This way of learning was perfect for me as it allowed me to focus on enjoying education and learning in ways that suited me, as an individual. Homeschooling also allowed me to take examinations early. However, after passing my GCSE’s, I was eager to join The Northern School of Art to marry my passion and love for film-making and acting. The Northern School of Art has been the ideal place for me to let my creativity bloom.

What do you like about the course?

I absolutely love the inclusivity of the course. The teachers encouraged me to use my passion to my advantage, they helped me to look at film in new and interesting ways. However, one of the most important things I liked about the course was its focus on creating future industry professionals. On the course, I have been encouraged to meet and network with film production houses, freelance artists and many more industry professionals. The invited lecturer workshops have really helped me to hone my craft.

Any advice for future film students?

Have fun! It might be a bit cliche, but it’s the absolute best thing you could ever do. If you really love what you do, you’ll find ways to have fun. Be open-minded, if you really enjoy one element of the course or the industry, that’s brilliant! But make sure, you experiment with other elements and techniques, you’ll become even more confident in your own abilities and ready to take on the industry!