CATRIONA GAULD
Musical Theatre | BA Musical Theatre
How did you find out about Transitions?
Someone within my youth theatre was a part of the programme and suggested it to me.
When did you get involved with Transitions?
2016
What was the most useful thing you learned about your artform and yourself?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing, as there are so many things I didn’t understand about musical theatre and the industry before joining transitions. All I knew is that I had a passion for it.
I think the most useful tool provided was audition prep. This has allowed me to get to this point and it was great to understand the etiquette for auditions, so I felt better prepared and less intimidated. It also prepared me for how I would feel in an actual audition, getting nerves under control and using them to my advantage.
Transitions also helped me greatly in coming out of my shell as a creative mind. I initially limited myself to my discipline’s title, convincing myself ‘I’m only a musical theatre performer’. However, having the opportunity to see other mediums of theatre and talk critically with students and specialists in other disciplines has enabled me to expand my thinking and self-perception with newfound interests. For example, writing or costuming and whatever you can imagine; now I have a new perspective to elevate myself as a musical theatre performer.
Why should someone think about joining Transitions?
The opportunities you’re given to better yourself within your craft as well as widening your horizons are reason enough to think about joining! I met one of my best friends through Transitions. You too will meet people your own age from different environments and backgrounds, creating friendships and forging personal connections that could last years. You’ll hear opinions you’d never have considered otherwise, and you’ll challenge yourself in a healthy, safe environment.
One of the best things about Transitions is it allows you to begin taking accountability for yourself and prospective career if you would like to; all whilst having fun exploring your passions and meeting new and interesting people.
What is one piece of advice would you give to any current student on Transitions?
Something I have been told over and over which (if you’ve not already heard from someone on the team) I’d like to pass on is “don’t ask, don’t receive.” If there’s something you would like – whether it be access to equipment or to opportunities – always ask. The worst that could happen is you’re told no. Transitions are always asking how to better their programmes so even an initial “no”, won’t always mean never! Asking for these things obviously comes with trying to be the best student you can through attending feedback sessions, so your voice is heard. I wasn’t always the most reliable student but making these mistakes and being supported fully has allowed me to learn and continue bettering myself as I continue my studies.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently within your time with Transitions?
I would take more opportunities; I would ask more questions and I’d be a more active student within Transitions. I obviously cannot change these things now but the reason I shied away from doing all these things was because I didn’t think my opinions were important or intelligent enough to be heard.
Now, through mentoring and exposure to more group discussion, I know that everyone’s voice is important. So, if I could do it all over again, I’d throw myself into the experience as much as I could so I could come to respect my own opinions much sooner and stop criticizing and belittling and focus on learning and expanding.
If you’d like to find out more about how to apply for Transitions, visit our pages on ‘How to Apply’ here.
