Student earns place at drama school

Congratulations to Year 13 student Rafe Collier who is celebrating winning a place at drama school.

Rafe has secured a foundation place at The Oxford School of Drama and is now determined to make the most of this opportunity by carving out a successful career as an actor.

It has been a whirlwind few months for Rafe, who was not initially looking at going to drama school. However, after impressing in the Senior School production of Sister Act last December, he decided to apply and, having secured help and encouragement from the Drama department, was eventually offered this place after various auditions.

He said: “I am really excited about this opportunity to develop. Even at the start of this year it wasn’t in my mind to apply for drama school. Then Mr Wellman (Assistant Director of Drama) and I started to practise my monologues. Then we decided to apply and we recorded two monologues.

“I wonder every day where my life would be if Mrs Lynch (Director of Drama) hadn’t been my teacher. I didn’t do Drama GCSE initially, I was taking Geography and decided to switch. I had fun thanks to Mrs Lynch and decided to do A Level. From April onwards in Year 12 I wrote in my personal statement about Blue Stockings, which really inspired me. Then Sister Act was really fun to do.

“While I was doing Sister Act I thought that this could be something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I would not have achieved this without Mrs Lynch and Mr Wellman and all the help they have given me.”

Asked what the dream is, Rafe said: “There are thousands of actors out there and you never know what is going to happen in life, but I would like to make an impact on people’s lives. Winning that Oscar is the dream! It could be unrealistic but I will work hard every day.

“I have been doing singing lessons with Mr Goodgame (Worth singing teacher). It is so good to learn from people who have been in the industry, worked in the West End. These people have the experience and knowledge to guide you.

“My advice to anyone is to get involved with drama. You could be backstage, in the ensemble, whatever you want. It is so much fun and such a community. For me it has changed my life and given me a hobby and a career path. It would encourage anyone to get involved.”

Rafe is pictured with Mr Wellman.

We wish Rafe the best for the future.

Watch our film about Drama at Worth.