Meet our students: Laurène Gernez

It took a while for me to know what I wanted to do with my career. Before joining the MA Text and Performance, I did a BA at the Sorbonne in Art History and Cinema while, at the same time, being in drama school. During this time in France I dabbled in co-directing short films and, in my third year of drama school, I finally directed my first play… which ended up not being the most pleasant experience. Indeed, I was confronted with the fact that I had never learnt how to run a rehearsal and actually work with actors as a director. I knew I needed training.

After a few months away from making theatre, a friend mentioned RADA and Birkbeck’s MA Text and Performance. As soon as I started reading the description I knew this was the perfect step for me to take. I was really excited to be given the opportunity to make theatre under the supervision of great teachers, while also thinking about it theoretically.

Text and Performance is challenging. You are expected to read plays and produce practical work almost every week. However, being immersed in a constant creative environment, especially at RADA, is incredibly motivating. The best aspect of the MA is how you are encouraged to expand your skill set. Indeed, I started the year considering myself only interested in directing but I am now writing my second play! Teachers across both institutions really push you toward making work that is rigorous and that you care about.

I feel like throughout the year I have discovered myself creatively and I now feel way more supported and confident in the work I make. The MA Text and Performance has enabled me to start building a toolbox that I know I will carry for the rest of my career. How exciting!