Rebecca Beldam
When did I graduate from the University of Chichester? 24th October 2016 (Also happened to my birthday, hence remembering the date!)
What course did I do? BA (Hons) Performing Arts (Theatre Performance)
What am I doing now?
I currently work as an Arts Development Intern for the Cambridgeshire Music Service. The music service is part of Cambridgeshire County Council and provides instrument tuition, classroom teaching, projects etc. Half of my week consists of working in the office - doing general administration but mostly working on projects. I help to co-ordinate events such as Piano Duet Days, concerts with the Cambridge Corn Exchange and the rehearsal for the King's College Carol Service for the Cambridgeshire Schools. The rest of the week, they let me loose teaching in schools. I work with groups such as a Secondary School Choir, whole class Woodwind in Primary Schools and our MX programme with Years 3+4.
What do I love about my job/artistic practice/lifestyle?
It's certainly never dull! I love the fact that it allows me to get back to my roots and play music! Through this job, I'm now learning three new instruments (alongside the ones I already play) and I can honestly say that every day I learn something I didn't know before. I also love working with children - seeing the enjoyment they get out of playing music and the satisfaction they get when they've learnt to do something new is amazing.
How did doing Performing Arts/Theatre at Chichester help me to do what I do now?
P.A. gave me the confidence to interact with people I don't necessarily know. I'm constantly talking to parents, schools, visitors, clients, children and without having that confidence built over the time I was at Chichester, I wouldn't be able to do it. Learning to work independently has also been a massive help! But, when I need to work as a group, I also know how to and feel confident to do it. Skills such as voice projection also helps to speak over the top of an unruly class of 30 children!
What was my favourite moment/class/project when at Chi?
Definitely Workshop Project - which I think has probably been the most useful to me outside of University. Researching a topic, building upon that and creating something interactive and creative that was completely my own ideas was great. Again, working independently proves really useful now in work and when I'm planning and creating projects now for the children to take part in, I know how to go about it.
What do I most miss about Chi?
The people! It's so lovely to see the same people every day, work with them, socialise with them and they end up becoming your extended family.
My advice for anyone starting in the Theatre Department this coming year....
Try everything. Throw yourself into as much as you can. Go and see as much theatre as you can - it honestly will help you. Don't be afraid of things that are outside of your comfort zone. It will get easier and if you're not happy, or you don't understand something just ask instead of fretting about it! Worrying about things won't make your life any easier... go and speak to someone! And just try and have fun! ...
