Student Spotlight - Mya Gray
“From the start, the theatre department has been such a great place for creativity and companionship – everyone works so well together, and not one thing could happen without everyone involved.”
At UHI Perth you will have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the current theatre industry and develop the skills you need to work in a variety of theatre and performing arts areas. Having progressed from HNC level, Mya is now immersed in a range of theatre-based disciplines to gain knowledge and confidence that she can take out to the world to enjoy a sustainable and rewarding career in the vibrant and creative world of theatre.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Mya Gray and I’m from Auchendinny, near Edinburgh.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
Currently, I am in my third year of further education, studying the BA Theatre Industry Practice course. Prior to this, I studied both HNC and HND Musical Theatre at UHI Perth.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about UHI Perth whilst researching potential courses/universities for myself in my final year of high school. Having looked further into it and seeking further information at one of UHI Perth’s open days, I was able to make the firm decision of wanting to study here.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before I applied, and accepted my offer for UHI Perth, I was in sixth year of high school. Upon finishing higher education there, I came straight to study here!
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I had always had a deep-routed love for theatre and all things performance and the spectacular, but I hadn’t considered this as a potential career or educational route for myself until my high school was able to offer Drama as a class in my fifth year with my wonderful teacher (Miss Cumberland!) She was who supported and encouraged me from the beginning, and all through sixth year.
I felt that Perth had the best options and interested me the most out of any other choice, as it was Musical Theatre I was really passionate about. The natural progression onto my current course of Theatre Industry Practice, made the most sense as my interests and passions shifted slightly to cater for a new-found love and interest in directing. The details of my current course and its modules aligned perfectly with what I wanted to achieve in my professional life.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
While there are such a wide range of things I love about this course, one of my top favourites has to be the collaborative nature of the whole theatre department we have here at UHI. Getting to work even closer with the technical theatre students I have come through first and second year with has been such a wonderful experience, and I have been able to learn so much more about all areas of theatre through this! From the start, the theatre department has been such a great place for creativity and companionship – everyone works so well together, and not one thing could happen without everyone involved.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
A stand-out moment for me on this course has to be my role as assistant director on our production of Little Women. I got to experience being a part of the creative team for the show and this was so eye-opening! Not to mention, getting to direct a scene of my own in the show was truly special and an opportunity I won’t ever forget.
Can you tell us about the productions you have performed in during your studies?
In HNC, I performed in our production of ‘The Little Mermaid’, as the character Grimsby (Prince Eric’s guardian). This production was one of my first proper roles in a show and taught me so much about the importance of understanding characters and bringing them to life. This production was also a massive confidence booster, as I began to feel more at home here!
In HND, I performed in ‘Into the Woods’ as both the Prince’s steward, and one of the narrators. This was such a fun, action-packed show that brought our whole class super close together. I enjoyed this process so much, especially working incredibly closely with another cast member, Rheanna Robertson, as a duo. Rheanna and I had so much fun and an experience like this was so vital in my development.
My final HND show, was the production of ‘Pippin’, where I portrayed the role of the leading player. It goes without saying that this role was a totally different experience, not only from my other roles but my time as a performer. This show is so important to me, as not only was it my first principal role but absolutely my favourite production. The entire premise of this production is a massive trust-exercise – with circus skills and incredible dance to match. This is where I felt our class came together so well for our final show together. Getting to work so closely with several cast member was wonderful, and I had the best time working on this production.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
My course has developed me so much as a learner and an aspiring director, not only with confidence and anxiety but with genuine experience and industry skills. Theatre Industry Practice has a repertoire of modules that encourages its students to gain real industry experience. This was an invaluable opportunity in which I developed and learnt so much about my dream career path. My applied practice class, in particular, has helped me to achieve the strongest development in my pathway. Being a student rep this year, has also allowed me to develop leadership skills and nurture a stronger connection with my class.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
Yes, one of my modules this year required me to complete a work experience placement. I completed mine at Perth Theatre, with their youth theatre and their production of ‘Into the Woods’, as a shadow director.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
My lecturers have been and continue to be a massive support. I could not have achieved the things I did or strived to push further without the constant encouragement and support from my lecturers, and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me. The lecturers throughout the entire theatre department are wonderful and constantly communicate and reach out to the students. Specifically, our course leader Victoria, constantly goes above and beyond for every single one of her students and does everything in her power to support and help students to grow. Over my three years at UHI Perth, she has been such an inspirational figure to me and has helped in my progression into directing so much.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I think primarily, the work and progression I have achieved in my studies in one of my most notable achievements. Going from being anxiety stricken in the beginning to being able to audition for a lead role in my second year was pretty monumental for me as a person.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The campus is a pretty great student space. In a totally biased opinion, I love our theatre and production space! I also love all of the study nooks and crannies around campus.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have really enjoyed studying here! It’s been a great experience so far, and I look forward to continuing onto my fourth and final year. As said, my highlights of course include all of my productions I have been a part of, especially with Little Women. Furthermore, an important highlight was the performance opportunities created outside of the university. Performing at the concert hall for the graduation ceremony was fantastic, and the two cabarets we got to do as part of our modules with Rosemary Stanford, were also so fun! And of course, I can’t miss all of the Secret Santa fun, and all of our dance classes with Robyn Goodfellow!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
Mainly, I read a lot of books and have taken to exploring creative writing too! I recently have also developed a love for the gym.
What are your future career plans?
My dream career is to work as a theatre director, more specifically focusing on activist theatre. I also plan to work towards going into teaching theatre/drama, as I really enjoyed working with the young people during my work experience placement.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Walk into every opportunity with your mind and heart open – you never know what will come your way! Just know that through classmates and lecturers alike, there is a massive support system to help you all the way! Live life to the fullest and enjoy every single moment.
Created by industry professionals in response to local student demand, join this tailor-made course and build your experience with hands-on training, culminating in live theatre productions and performance opportunities such as traditional theatre production, community theatre, educational workshops, technical installation, and design.
