"The staff here have shown me how to get better and improve my work – and I’ve already started seeing a difference, even after only 2 months. We also get amazing professional work placements – like the Plague Event at the National Maritime Museum."
"I have travelled 2615 km from my home country to London. I have left my family, my friends and a life I have been building for 22 years. Do I regret it? No, that’s how passionate I am about theatre. Today I am a proud student at Lewisham Southwark College studying in the first year of a HND in Performing Arts course. I am in love with theatre, I love every aspect of it, from creating to performing in it. I love the freedom it gives me to express myself, I love the challenges that come with it, but most of all I love how it makes me feel."
Elena Cebotari is a first-year student, studying a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts at Lewisham Southwark College.
Originally from Moldova, Elena said "I chose the HND as I wanted to learn a trade with less pressure than a traditional degree. And the staff at Lewisham Southwark College are really friendly and helpful.
"I have a two-year-old son, so juggle him with my studies. It’s full-on, but rewarding. I really enjoy the hands-on nature of the course and you learn a lot about all the different areas of performing arts – from acting, voice, dance, text analysis and technical theatre. We’re developing our CVs and understanding about the professional world of the creative industries.
"I think these areas of knowledge and skills will make me attractive to an employer market, and I intend to go on to complete my degree with a top-up at a London university. The staff here have shown me how to get better and improve my work – and I’ve already started seeing a difference, even after only 2 months. We also get amazing professional work placements – like the Plague Event at the National Maritime Museum.
"My top tip to students who want to join this course? I’d say be prepared – it’s fun, but also intense. They will make you work hard."
