Beth Sissons

Another week, another student blog!
We've had another fab rehearsal this week, and can't quite believe its only 6 weeks away!
Tickets will be on sale too as well as audition announcements for September 2018.
This week's blog is from Beth Sissons.


BETH: 

" Hello! My name is Beth Sissons and this is my second year at ATS. Last year I played Rose in 'Nell Gwynn' and this year it has been great to have the chance to play two very different characters, Beryl Waters in 'Still Life' and Mabel Grace in 'Red Peppers'. 

Beryl is a young waitress working in the station café. She is a ditsy, lovable character with her head in the clouds. She enjoys flirting with Stanley far more than being on the receiving end of Mrs Bagot's orders! She is easily swept up in the moment and I have really enjoyed playing her sweet-natured, fun character. I love both the wit and poignancy of Noel Coward's writing, often found side by side in his plays, and particularly so in 'Still Life', where the storyline of the station workers provides a lighter, comedic contrast to the emotional love affair between Laura and Alec. 

Mabel Grace appears at the end of 'Red Peppers'. She is a faded ex-West End actress who nonetheless has very high opinions of herself! She is melodramatic both on and off the stage and feels she is above the likes of 'vulgar' acts such as the Red Peppers. It has been really fun to play such an over-the-top, theatrical character and I've enjoyed the challenge of trying to create two distinct characters with very different physicality and vocal qualities as well as finding the humour in both. It has been brilliant to explore the language, comedy and era of Noel Coward's writing and the three plays have tested us all with the level of technique they require, particularly needing to focus on diction, pace and comic timing.  

I love how music is incorporated into ATS shows and we have had the wonderful Trish Robertson teaching us singing and working with us every Saturday on a medley of Noel Coward songs to perform at the end of the show. These beautifully (or at least we hope they will be by July!) complement the themes of the three plays and showcase more of Noel Coward's vast talent. 

It is a privilege to work with everyone who comes in to teach at ATS as well as everyone behind the scenes who make the show come alive for the summer production. The professionalism and high standards expected of everyone at ATS make it a very exciting show to be part of, as well as excellent preparation for full-time training or entering the industry. As a part-time course it is also unique in offering both workshops with industry professionals in the first term as well as then rehearsing a play, directed by Amanda, to be performed in the final term. 

The passion Amanda pours into ATS is so inspiring and I have learnt so much from her direction and teaching, of which I know will carry on right until the last show night. She pushes us all to be the best we can be and demands the highest standards in order to deliver the best show possible. Her level of dedication to ATS and the detail in which she directs and creates a show is amazing and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her and all the teachers at ATS.

I have loved being part of ATS for the past two years. It is such an incredibly welcoming and supportive group of people and there is a real mutual respect and sense of camaraderie between everyone. There is always advice and encouragement on hand if anybody needs it. Over the past months, it has been wonderful to see my cast mates developing their roles, improving week on week and giving such strong performances which are a real pleasure to watch. I learn as much from watching them as I do being directed.

I would definitely recommend auditioning for ATS to anyone who wishes to pursue acting, either in their spare time or professionally. The passion and commitment at ATS is exactly what I was looking for in an acting course in London and I have learnt so much from being here. It is an amazing opportunity and a very special place to be a part of. If you are willing to put the work in and make the commitment then it will give you an incredible set of tools in which to deepen your craft as well as constant inspiration, advice and an invaluable insight into the industry. Good luck if you choose to audition and enjoy the show in July!! "

- Beth Sissons


ATS' production of 'Tonight at 8.30' directed by Amanda Redman will run from 19th - 21st July at Questors Theatre in Ealing. Tickets will be available soon.

Join us for our blog next week which will be written by Siana Cooper. 

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Twitter - @ATS_Ealing

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