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Writing the Perfect Drama School Statement

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Crafting an impactful personal statement for drama school can be quite a daunting task. It is disheartening to observe that many applicants often receive inadequate guidance, leading to the creation of lackluster personal biographies rather than compelling statements. In the pursuit of gaining admission, applicants frequently resort to the “pick me, pick me, pick me!” approach, which fails to make a lasting impression. What most schools fail to realize is that they often lack the expertise to guide students on how to write an effective personal statement. Thus, many candidates end up with a subpar submission that does not effectively showcase their true potential and passion for drama. Aspiring students need to recognize the tremendous impact a well-crafted personal statement can have on the admissions panel, and they must strive to make their submission stand out as a powerful testament to their abilities.

THE WEIGHT OF YOUR DRAMA SCHOOL STATEMENT

Undoubtedly, one of the most common misconceptions among auditionees is that the personal statement’s significance pales in comparison to their acting abilities. While it is true that acting prowess holds substantial weight in the evaluation process, discounting the influence of a compelling personal statement would be a grave mistake. The moment an applicant places that sheet of paper before the admissions panel, they essentially offer a glimpse into their personality, aspirations, and potential. Given that this piece of writing can significantly influence the panel’s decision, it is crucial to ensure that the personal statement is nothing short of remarkable. By infusing the statement with authenticity, passion, and confidence, candidates can increase their chances of leaving a lasting impression on the evaluators.

OPPORTUNITY

The task of writing a personal statement is not to be underestimated; it presents an unparalleled opportunity for an applicant to speak for themselves. However, this opportunity comes with great responsibility. As a prospective drama student, one must ponder over the message they wish to convey through their personal statement. The first step in this process is to ask oneself, “What do I want the reader to know, think, feel, and do after reading my statement?” By employing a thoughtful approach that aligns with the know/think/feel/do framework, candidates can strategically plan the content and structure of their personal statement. Articulating specific objectives for the reader’s takeaway ensures that the writing remains focused and impactful.

CREATE A NARRATIVE

Aspiring drama students should also consider a few essential questions to answer in their personal statements to create a well-rounded and compelling narrative. Firstly, why are they applying for a particular acting course at a specific school? If possible, candidates should conduct thorough research on the course and offer specific evidence to support their choice. A vague response such as, “It’s a practical course,” lacks depth and conviction, as every drama school typically offers practical training. Therefore, candidates must delve into the unique aspects of their chosen program and articulate their reasons for pursuing it.

Another critical question to address in the personal statement is the reason behind the applicant’s profound interest in acting and their aspirations for a future career in this field. While it is understandable that many have nurtured dreams of becoming an actor from an early age, it is essential to elucidate what aspects of acting and the profession particularly intrigue them. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the profession and the journey ahead is a powerful way to showcase one’s commitment and passion.

SHED SOME LIGHT

Furthermore, the personal statement should shed light on the candidate’s suitability for the chosen course. This goes beyond simply recounting high school experiences in a musical or theater production. Instead, applicants should focus on identifying and highlighting the specific qualities, skills, and background experiences that make them uniquely suited for the course. Admissions panels are interested in candidates who possess the qualities that align with the demands of a rigorous drama program.

PAST EXPERIENCE

In addition to discussing past experiences, the personal statement should provide insights into how the candidate’s current or past education relates to studying acting. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the decision to pursue acting is not a spur-of-the-moment one. By illustrating the progression and commitment to acting thus far, applicants can provide a compelling narrative of their journey and showcase their genuine interest in the craft.

SHOW YOUR PASSION

A candidate’s passion and dedication to acting should be evident throughout the personal statement. To emphasize this commitment, applicants can detail the various steps they have taken to demonstrate their interest and devotion to a future in acting. Whether it involves reading plays for pleasure, attending theatre performances, delving into books on acting, or immersing themselves in documentaries related to the performing arts, showcasing their active engagement with the craft can strengthen the statement’s impact.

Finally, an exceptional personal statement should delve into the candidate’s unique personality traits that make them especially suitable for the chosen course. Whether it is maturity, creativity, imagination, resilience, or any other attributes, providing specific examples and anecdotes that highlight these qualities adds depth and authenticity to the statement. By showcasing these personal attributes, applicants can illustrate how they align with the requirements and expectations of a rigorous drama school program.

SELF-MARKETING

As applicants navigate the process of composing their personal statement, they must keep in mind that this piece of writing is, in essence, a marketing tool for themselves. Therefore, honesty, directness, and authenticity are paramount. While it may be tempting to craft a statement that caters to perceived expectations, such an approach often results in generic, wishy-washy content. Instead, the personal statement should reflect the applicant’s true self and provide the admissions panel with an intimate and genuine insight into their character and passion for acting.

In conclusion, crafting an exceptional personal statement for drama school is a multifaceted task that requires careful thought, introspection, and honesty. Aspiring students must seize this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions panel by showcasing their passion, commitment, and suitability for the chosen course. By addressing critical questions, highlighting relevant experiences, and infusing the statement with authenticity, candidates can create a compelling narrative that sets them apart from other applicants. As they embark on their journey into the world of acting, a well-crafted personal statement can be the key to unlocking the doors to their dreams. For those seeking guidance or coaching throughout the audition process, reaching out for assistance from professionals, such as those at [email protected], can prove invaluable in refining their personal statement and enhancing their chances of success.

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Mark Westbrook

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Drama Personal Statement Advice

A Drama personal statement makes up the final and arguably the most important part of your overall UCAS application. A Drama personal statement is a chance for students to demonstrate their passion, knowledge and interest in Drama in a meaningful way that also allows them to speak about themselves in a way that shows off their passions, interests and their reasons for studying the course. Before you start writing your Drama personal statement, you should take a look at some previous Drama personal statement examples and gain a bit of inspiration. These examples are a great way to learn more about what to include and what to avoid as well as the general structure. We advise that you don’t try to be too clever or flashy with your statement. Make sure that you're only including the essentials and keep a well-trained eye on the length. There’s always a draw to writing as much as possible about yourself and your love of theatre and generally, Drama is a subject that is very easy to get lost in writing about. But there are a few things that should be essentials before anything else, such as: Work experience in this area Any extracurricular activities that you have undertaken that are related to Drama Why you like the subject as much as you do What you feel you can bring to the university These are the most important elements of a Drama personal statement and these are the things that course admissions tutors will be looking out for.

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Creative Drama School Personal Statements to Consider

Table of Contents

Crafting a creative and captivating personal statement for drama school applications doesn’t have to be a difficult task.

It requires thought-provoking language that captures the reader’s attention and conveys your passion for theater. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By considering examples of previous outstanding submissions, you can draw inspiration from those who’ve come before while also exercising your creativity. We have some helpful tips on using dramatic flair to craft original and engaging personal statements for your drama school application.

In addition, we have drama school personal statement examples for you to read through for inspiration.

Simple Tips for Writing an Effective Drama School Personal Statement

Here are some simple tips that can help anyone to write a great drama school personal statement.

Keep It Concise

Writing a great personal statement for drama school does not require lengthy dissertations. Rather, it requires carefully worded paragraphs that convey your passion for the craft and demonstrate your unique talents. Aim to be succinct to grab the reader’s attention quickly and avoid excessive fluff or unrelated information. 

Be Original

Looking at drama school personal statement examples from past applicants can be helpful. However, remember that you must create a unique statement if you want to stand out. Use creative language to paint a vivid picture of yourself and your capabilities. You should do this while still being true to who you are as a person and an artist. 

Showcase Your Best Self

Dramatic flair is important, but don’t use overly-dramatic words or phrases. Stick to showcasing your genuine abilities in a way that will captivate the admissions committee. Highlight any training experiences or awards that you have and emphasize how they have shaped you into the actor you are today. 

Demonstrate Passion

Your statement should display your enthusiasm for theater and explain why this particular program stands out to you above all others. Explain what drew you toward this specific institution. In addition, express why their classes or professors would help hone your skills in ways other schools couldn’t. 

Embrace Adversity

In some cases, sharing stories about moments of difficulty or failure can help bolster your application. These types of stories can demonstrate resilience and growth. Discussing challenges faced in pursuit of success gives insight into the obstacles you have overcome. It allows readers to see the deeper human side of your story. 

Proofread and Edit

Don’t be in a hurry to submit the statement. Proofread and edit the statement to make sure there are no errors. Sometimes, you can ask another person to read through and offer suggestions. The ultimate aim is to make sure the statement is as perfect as possible.

Drama School Personal Statement Examples

If you need drama school personal statement examples , you’ll find a couple of them in this section.

I am excited to apply for admission into your prestigious drama school. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the art of performing and playing with a subject that’s always been close to my heart. My enthusiasm for this craft has grown since childhood, leading me on an enriching path filled with unyielding ambition and resilience. 

I possess a diverse range of skills in acting, having honed them through countless workshops and courses. From musicals to plays, comedy to tragedy, I am always eager to learn more and expand my repertoire of techniques. Every performance is an opportunity to test myself and refine my strategies. 

My appreciation for theater extends beyond the stage, however. In recent years, I have discovered a burgeoning passion for writing and directing. I find immense fulfillment in constructing stories and characters from scratch, manipulating words and movements like pieces of a puzzle until everything fits together. This interdisciplinary approach provides a unique insight into the creative process, which I’m sure will serve me well at your esteemed institution. 

I pride myself on being able to collaborate effectively with others, evidenced by my work experience both onstage and off. As such, I am confident that I can make meaningful contributions within any production team or setting. Above all else, I am dedicated to making an impact in the world of dramatic arts. It would be an honor to do so in your drama school!

As I have come to understand over the course of my lifetime, theater is a craft that requires dedication and time for mastery. Through my career experience and natural affinity for this art form, I can say that I have amassed considerable skill in performance and production. During my recent decade-long foray into various theatrical roles, I’ve found myself immersed in various avant-garde performances. My experiences have only furthered my enthusiasm for this multifaceted profession. And now, it is time to hone these honed capabilities by furthering my studies at your esteemed drama school. 

I am an experienced veteran in the arena of theater, yet never content with complacency. As such, I embrace a journey of perpetual learning while cultivating an atmosphere of creativity and good faith among cast mates and peers. In addition to demonstrating strong organizational skills, I bring leadership abilities to projects in need. Whether writing scripts or hosting workshops, I seek out ways to propel those around me toward success. 

No challenge has been too daunting for me. I thrive on moving forward within complex situations, even if it involves extensive travel plans and the establishment of new networks. With my passion for collaboration, I have been able to accomplish many feats during my time as an actor thus far. Yet, I know there is still so much more to learn. 

The prospect of studying in a distinguished program like yours puts a sparkle of joy in my eye. A place where excellence and innovation intersects is what I hope to find in the pursuit of knowledge and advancement of my career goals. The theater is ever-evolving, and I feel strongly that investing in my education will give me the tools needed to stay competitive. 

I have a long-standing passion for the performing arts and have had the opportunity to explore many facets of this field. My experience has taught me that theater is an amalgamation of ideas, music, movement, and, most importantly, emotion. It is a way of connecting with others through creative expression. I am eager to pursue a degree in drama at the university to improve my understanding of the craft while broadening my theatrical knowledge. 

This desire has been further stoked by my involvement in various community-based organizations that focus on creating art out of everyday experiences. I have come to think of these activities as channels for self-discovery. They have allowed me to identify and explore novel ways of interpreting life’s tribulations. Through this exposure, I have learned how to project feelings and convey emotions more effectively. 

I am confident that acquiring a formal education will enable me to hone my skills and become well-versed in all elements of theater. For instance, I plan to take classes in costume design, musical performance, scriptwriting, improvisation techniques and stage direction. Each of these could help shape my thinking around the nuances involved in becoming a professional performer. In turn, I believe such courses would empower me with the confidence needed to think critically about any artistic challenge that comes my way. 

My ultimate ambition is to demonstrate my growth as an individual while making meaningful contributions to the theater community. With this goal in mind, I’m certain that furthering my studies at your esteemed institution would help me reach new heights in my career.

A personal statement is an essential statement of intent and is, thus, something that must be written with care. No matter what school you are applying to, students must write strong, bold, and catchy applications if they want to stand out. If you can follow the tips in this article, you can easily write a personal statement that stands out.

For those that want to write their personal statements faster, you should consider using the new Hey INK tool . This tool can write different types of content for you in a split second. You only need to enter your instructions or prompts for the tool to create amazing outputs like the examples above.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Musical theatre, backstage & technical, obituaries & archive, training & drama schools, broadway & international, edinburgh fringe, jobs & auditions, acting & performance, shakespeare, careers clinic: how do i write a personal statement for a drama school application.

I did a summer performing arts course last year, then started auditioning for small shows, independent films and any other kind of acting job I could find. I surprised myself by getting several auditions, two of which turned into actual jobs.

That boost has made me want to up my game, both in terms of my skills and the level of work I can get, so I have decided to go to drama school full-time. I’m confident that I’ll do okay at the auditions, but the stage of the process I’m really struggling with is the initial application forms, particularly the personal statement.

If I was already in the room with the audition panel, I know I wouldn’t have a problem grabbing their attention and communicating how passionate I am. Instead, I’m staring at my laptop screen, having deleted my fifteenth killer opening line and wondering if I’ll ever get to the second paragraph, let alone get a decent statement finished before the deadline.

John Byrne’s advice

Based on my own, completely unscientific, survey of people I have met in the arts since I started out, it seems the number of people in our industry who are more comfortable communicating via visuals, sounds and movement, rather than via the written word is quite high.

This being the case, it has always struck me as ironic that so many gateways to moving an arts career forward, whether by connecting with agents and casting directors, or producing funding proposals or a personal statement like the one you are currently wrestling with, are based on writing ability.

If you have ever seen an inexperienced actor at work, you will know that they are often either too tentative to have any stage presence, or too loud to create any sense of intimacy. It can take all of us a while to realise that focus, modulation and a ‘less is more’ approach are usually better ways to engage with our audience.

The same applies to writing. Personal statements can be one of the most important elements of an application, but don’t let that sense of importance either block you to the point where your writing becomes stilted and unreflective of you as a person, or, alternatively, overly focused on gimmicks in an attempt to stand out. Just be sincere. Striving for that mythical ‘attention-grabbing first paragraph’ can often send us so far down the rabbit hole of writing and rewriting that it can be better to make it the last part of the statement we work on.

Instead, get going on the part of your statement which sets out why you want to study the course in the first place. Once you get into the flow of writing and tap into what your actual motivations are, you will often find that ideas for how to open your statement in a way that sounds like you rather than a self-help guru will come more easily.

Quotations from classic plays and successful actors are all well and good, but it is you who is applying for the course, so what motivates you is of more interest to the admissions team than whether Shakespeare viewed the world as a stage. That said, if you really are more comfortable improvising on stage than on paper, there is no reason why you can’t create your personal statement that way.

If you have dyslexia or another condition that makes writing challenging, don’t be afraid to get in contact with the admissions department to see if they will accept the statement in some other form. But, even if your finished product is conveyed as written words, they may flow more freely if you speak them out on camera or tape and then transcribe them afterwards.

Contact careers adviser John Byrne at [email protected] or @dearjohnbyrne

John Byrne is also a writer, cartoonist, performer and broadcaster. Read his advice columns every Wednesday at thestage.co.uk/author/john-byrne

Drama school – how to apply and audition

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• May 25, 2019

Tips for Essays | Personal Statement for Drama School Auditions and Applications

Your audition pieces should be the focus of your preparation, but you must write a good personal statement to support the work you bring in..

Your essay on your college application can greatly dictate how schools view you, whether you like it or not.

A boring essay for exciting work can do a great disservice to the artist.

It’s worth your time to write a good one! You can use it in the future for scholarship applications, grants for projects, and even press mentions.

I remember using part of my personal statement from college auditions on a grant application for an Off-Off Broadway play I wanted to produce and we received $2,500!

Below are tips to make your drama school application essay a home run!

Start With What Makes You Special

Instead of a boring introductory paragraph, use your first words to engage the reader with something special about yourself and how it relates to theatre.

Maybe you got started in theatre because of a dare that led to someone casting you in a local show.

Maybe you have a big family and you were always performing for them and decided to try out for your first show because of your drunk aunt.

Maybe you overcame some massive adversity recently and found enlightenment in your theatre work.

What makes you special? Tell a story.

Painting the one-dimensional picture of "everything that's great about you" is not going to be exciting to read. Why not start with something that allows your character to shine through?

This leads to the next tip...

You always want to be authentically YOU, in the audition and in the application materials.

In the essay, that means:

Speak like you sound

Speak about your feelings truthfully

Be specific and concise

I always find it helpful to interview myself then record myself speaking the answers aloud. This helps get the ideas flowing.

You can transcribe what you say onto paper and you’re already on your way to shaping a powerful and authentic personal statement.

It provides a conversational and authentic tone to your writing. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

What has primarily shaped me as an artist?

Why does an acting career interest me so much?

What actions demonstrate my dedication to the craft and career of acting?

Why don't I skip school and go straight into the industry?

You can create your own questions too, like "What about me as a person do I bring to my art?"

You want to sound like yourself. Avoid “fancy” language just to embellish and sound good. It often has the opposite effect.

Use the most specific language you can in the most efficient way possible. In other words, really talk to someone!

For example, if reading the works of Satre helped you find new levels of absurdity in working on a Waiting for Godot monologue, definitely say that. But don’t say...

“As a significant reference point to my process-based approach I have been absorbing the astute work of Satre in order to find my way into this legendary Beckett masterpiece.”

Instead try...

“Reading Satre opened my eyes to new and complex levels in Waiting for Godot.”

See, wasn’t that a relief!

If you're going to spend the next chapter of your life with a school, you want to be 100% YOU!

Use literature you love to help tell your story.

A well-read student is a valuable student.

What are you reading right now? Which plays, poems, novels, passages have inspired you the most over time?

Can you incorporate those?

Yes. And you should! 'Nuff said.

Use editors/proofreaders!

You need distance and feedback on your personal statement. Let it breathe, have multiple people look it over for punctuation errors and speed bumps in flow of thought.

You’ll feel when it’s ready.

Choose people who have different skills. Pick someone who knows your work as an artist, someone who is a grammar nerd, and a family member who’s known you since before you studied acting.

The goal is for all of them to feel the power of your statement without knowing all the references and terms in it.

Tell real stories and show real emotion. Speak to someone. They’re reading it.

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Undergraduate Personal Statement Example: Drama and Theatre Studies

Reading examples of personal statements can be valuable when applying to a university or college course. 

After all, personal statement examples can teach you how to write and structure your application, and you can quickly learn how to write a personal statement by examining others.

But with so many university personal statement examples available, how do you know if you’re reading a good one?

Undergraduate personal statements should highlight relevant academic and practical experience, academic skills, ambitions and suitability for the degree field. This undergraduate personal statement example for Drama and Theatre Studies clearly illustrates these three critical elements.

Undergraduate degree personal statement examples are sometimes referred to as personal mission statements or statements of purpose , so if you’re tasked with writing a personal mission statement, the following example will work for you.

I’ve broken down this personal statement example section by section, with a commentary on each element. 

That way, you’ll see its strengths and weaknesses and get some inspiration for your own personal statement .

Once you’ve read the personal statement example and analysis, you can download a pdf of the whole document to use as inspiration for your own!

Personal Statement Example: Introduction

“Performance holds a mirror up to the world and asks questions that we may be too scared to ask individually. It will always be integral to society, and part of that power comes from the force of the ensemble. Studying drama has made me observe life through a different lens and harness the vital tool of the imagination. My secondary school had a theatre in the round with lighting rigs and the opportunity to create varied set designs with a devoted staff team. It was here that I learnt so much of what I know and where my inspired appreciation for performing arts became something I never wanted to stop doing.”

My Commentary and Analysis 

There are lots of different elements present in the first couple of sentences of this undergraduate personal statement example. The writer quite succinctly offers their own definition of drama and links this to an element of the subject inherent in most degree courses.

They go on to give a sense of their personal connection with the subject and then reference some quite generalised experiences. This allows them to sow the seeds of their long-term engagement and reiterate their commitment to the subject.

However, I would suggest that this is a relatively vague opening. There are very few specifics of terminology or experience, and this would have been an excellent opportunity to connect their views with an artist or practitioner they admired. This would have shown a bit more depth of knowledge and engagement.

The term ‘much of what I know’ is also quite vague. The writer could have identified some practical skills or techniques and discussed the value of what they’ve learned.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Drama and Theatre Studies is largely a practical and experiential subject. Any personal statement should make some reference to the writer’s acting skills, as this is a key indicator of suitability for most courses.

If you’re struggling with your personal statement introduction, check out my article on how to write perfect opening paragraphs here .

Personal Statement Example: Section 2

“I learnt how to balance a full schedule through participating in extracurricular opportunities. Directing a play at fourteen exposed the complexities of preproduction roles and how an impact is achieved through different mediums. Around the same age, I began duo Vanguard acting lessons, where I was first introduced to the idea of exploring characters and how to portray them. I later progressed onto solo LAMDA examinations, achieving grade 8 with honours. I was beginning to learn the practice of ensemble work, and joining the local theatre youth group allowed me to expand my horizons beyond the curriculum. This bought to light the uniting force of theatre, a safe space for everybody which nurtures growth in creative spirit and confidence.

In year two of BTEC performing arts, with a cast of five, I curated an immersive Oedipus adaptation that propelled the audience into ancient Greece. This was a tumultuous project, where a new challenge seemed to arise after the last was solved. I poured an abundance of energy and care into the process, and it’s my proudest performance. This collaborative process was special to be part of, and I harnessed the skills I learnt for film projects on Art and Design Foundation. Acting in seven student films in spring familiarised me with on-set practices, and I often offered direction or design ideas. Used to working with a variety of people, I quickly improvised and built dynamics with cast members on the day of production. I have since been asked back to act in more recent projects.”

My Commentary and Analysis

The writer has done a good job of summarising their experience within the subject. Showing a range of experiences within directing, acting and studying show a breadth of engagement over time, which is another strong indicator of their suitability.

It would have been even more effective if the writer had outlined the value of these experiences in relation to their ambitions for a degree. They could also have used these elements to outline how suitable they were for a degree course by making links between their skills and typical course demands.

Referring to their BTEC course makes it clear that the candidate has a good range of experience at a higher level. Again, however, there is no real indication of the skills the writer used. Devising, editing, improvisation, directing, design? Which practitioners were used as inspiration? What academic research was carried out in the project, and why is this useful in relation to a degree?

The reader won’t really be very interested in whether it’s the writer’s proudest performance, and in an undergraduate personal statement, which is limited to a low number of characters, this is a bit of a waste of space. They want to know how it has inspired the writer or given them skills that will allow them to be successful in relation to the courses they’re applying for. 

A good way for the writer to communicate this is to write about how they overcame the challenges they mentioned.

If you’d like to learn more about how to structure your personal statement or statement of purpose , check out my awesome Personal Statement Template eBook here . It’s full of detailed examples of what to include!

Personal Statement Example: Section 3

“I explored the breadth of my creativity on the foundation but focused on photography, film, and textiles. In film classes, I learned more about production by trying out directing, scriptwriting, and cinematography. I frequently discussed TV and film analysis with an interest in the symbolism of cinematography. The creative environment changed my perception of artistry. I now use art as personal documentation, amongst other things, such as the sketchbook I took interrailing in summer, and beginning to create my own clothes. Another form of self-care I indulge in is yoga, where diligence and consistency in practice are vital.”

It’s always sensible to reference related aspects of your previous courses of study, but only if they are relevant. Here, the courses taken are largely relevant to a Drama and Theatre Studies degree, but the outcomes don’t particularly develop the reader’s understanding of the writer’s suitability for the course.

Many of the elements referenced are valuable components of an actor’s preparation, but I don’t see significant justifications made between these and how they make the writer a suitable candidate.

There is little tangible sense of what’s been learned or its value.

References to self-care are welcomed, and certainly, the yoga practice speaks to the writer’s level of physical fitness and stamina, but it is all quite vague and undeveloped.

This is beginning to drift from a personal statement about Drama to a general description of accomplishments, preferences and experiences. Given the highly competitive field, it’s unlikely that the content so far would result in an offer being made, although the practical audition process is critical in this discipline.

Check out lots more examples of personal statements here , and see how they can inspire your application!

Personal Statement Example: Section 4

“Now taking a year out, I am a full-time waitress and planning my route for solo travelling around Asia. Taking three essay subjects at A-level developed my critical analysis skills and written voice. In English Language, I thoroughly enjoyed cross-examining articles from different decades for an independent research project. Amongst other topics in Classics, I studied the origins of theatre from religious practice to the earliest examples of tragedy in the late 5 th century. I am an avid reader and have continued to learn through books such as Stanislavksy’s An Actor Prepares , Stephen Fry’s Mythos and Bill Bryson’s Mother Tongue.”

My Commentary and Analysis: 

There is some reference here to the value of related studies, as mention is made of transferable skills. In that sense, the content has a degree of merit. Gap year plans are only worth including if they have a direct and positive bearing on the courses being applied for. 

What the reader really wants to understand about a gap year is how that time will be spent building skills, knowledge or contacts that will increase the applicant’s chances of successfully completing the degree courses (and hopefully adding value to the experiences of their peers).

There’s mention here of undertaking a research project, but no clarity on which skills or techniques were used, which lessens the impact. 

Published works are referenced, which is positive, but no arguments are made, and there’s no discussion of the contents. Nothing here is developed, and there’s no evidence that the writer has actually read the books. 

If you mention having read books, don’t just write a list. Pick a couple and explain their impact on you, how your thinking has been altered or how valuable you find the knowledge they contain. 

The one thing that all successful personal statements have in common is that they are concise, engaging and accurate in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Consequently, I always recommend Grammarly to my students and clients. 

It’s an outstanding tool for ensuring your personal statement is rich with detail whilst hitting those all-important word limits. Check out the free version of Grammarly here , or hit the banner for more information.

Personal Statement Example: Conclusion

“Through academic learning and practical development, I have built a strong foundation of knowledge about the Performing Arts industry. In this industry, one never stops learning. Every individual you meet or place you go to is an opportunity for a fresh perspective. Immersion in performance studies would help me realise how I can bring my varied skills into what I offer as an artist. The next stepping stone towards my career is a multidisciplinary course allowing me to explore pathways whilst sharpening my academic and performance skills.”

The writer uses some relevant vocabulary here, summarising the importance of the course to their ambitions. This is a sound idea, but quite limited in detail.

What are the writer’s actual ambitions beyond the course? How will the course be ideal for bridging the gap to a creative career? What kind of areas might the writer want to work in, and how might some of the general modules of the courses be of value?

In summary, I feel there needs to be a far stronger focus on the writer’s acting work, the precise skills developed and exactly how these will be of value on the course. For a Drama application, there’s not much actual evidence of engagement or an understanding of the industry or the creative sector as a whole.

For more great advice, check out my article on writing an excellent final personal statement paragraph here .

Click here or on the banner below to get your free download of this complete personal statement example . 

Whether you’re looking for personal mission statement examples or an example of personal purpose statement, I hope this personal statement example has been helpful. Above all, I wish you every success in your academic career. 

If you’d like to work with me to develop your personal statement 1:1 and write a powerful mission statement, I’d be delighted to hear from you. 

Find out about my personal statement support services by clicking here or on the image below.

Research and content verified by Personal Statement Planet .

David Hallen

I've worked in the Further Education and University Admissions sector for nearly 20 years as a teacher, department head, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS Admissions Advisor, UK Centre Lead and freelance personal statement advisor, editor and writer. And now I'm here for you...

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Central School of Speech and Drama Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to Central School of Speech and Drama. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

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