Post by Poppy Harvey Wood

Delighted to have graduated from Durham University with First Class Honours in BA Visual Arts and Film!   A huge thank you to Simon Ward for helping me switch courses in my first term at Durham, and for his continued support throughout my degree and dissertation. I am so grateful to have been able to study such a culturally rich and creative course, whilst taking optional modules in History, English Literature, Theology and Music.   I am particularly proud of my Extended Research Essay for my final year Special Subject module: 'Photography and Modernity between the Wars,' receiving a mark of 77. This explored how interwar advertising constructed representations of women through consumer culture, examining how femininity was shaped by commodity fetishism, gendered visual culture and modernity.    Following a successful audition season for MA Musical Theatre courses, I am delighted to have received offers from several leading institutions, including LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art), Trinity Laban and London Studio Centre. I am incredibly excited to be accepting my offer to join Seedtime Musical Theatre Company at London Studio Centre this September and am very much looking forward to working with Artistic Director Clare Bloomer; huge thanks to her and Sarah Tudor for their support throughout the admissions process.   Student Theatre has been at the heart of my time at Durham; I have performed and choreographed across many plays, musicals, concerts, student-written works and showcases. A real highlight was Dance Captaining DULOG's 75th Anniversary Show 'Crazy For You' at the Gala Theatre, which I was lucky enough to return to for my final DULOG show 'Grease', playing Patty Simcox.     I have also been a committed member of Team Durham Dance across my 3 years of study, competing in the Advanced Tap, Street and Jazz categories, and choreographing for the Wildcard category. I have loved teaching weekly dance classes for INSTEP, improving my leadership and communication skills. I also sang Soprano in Durham University Choral Society, touring around Slovenia and singing in many fantastic venues, and St Chads College Chapel Choir (serving as Social Secretary), which involved multiple weekly services.   Outside of performing, I have written for The Palatinate, produced and starred in a short film, modelled for Walk On Charity Fashion Show in Durham Cathedral, and directed video design for TDTC's 'Dear Evan Hansen'.   I am so grateful for the opportunities Durham has afforded me, and to everyone who has supported and challenged me along the way. As I prepare to begin professional training this September, I would also like to thank all my teachers and mentors from National Youth Music Theatre, British Youth Music Theatre, Sylvia Young Theatre School, West End Kids, Spirit Young Performers Company, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, CFYT, Highgate Ballet School and Brighton College for their encouragement and guidance throughout my journey thus far.