Elicia's UWTSD Experience
Name: Elicia Axon
Course: BA Acting
Previous Studies: Queen Elizabeth High School – GCSEs and A-Levels: Performing Arts, Sociology, Welsh Baccalaureate
Hometown: Carmarthen
Elicia's BA Acting Experience
What was your favourite thing about Carmarthen campus?
My favourite thing about campus was the size of it. It’s not an overwhelmingly large campus – everything is quite contained in one area, so it’s super easy to navigate and move from class to class. It is like a little community and you’re able to easily interact with students on other courses. The facilities are great: I spent a lot of time studying in the library and the common areas and it was always so easy to book individual spaces for rehearsals, meetings, or study sessions. I never found myself wishing for anything the campus didn’t have. It really met my needs as a student.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I chose to study at UWTSD because during my audition I felt at ease the entire time. I felt extremely safe and comfortable because the campus was well laid out and signposted. The staff were so knowledgeable and passionate about the course – they were really welcoming and friendly. I knew that I would get the kind of support that I was looking for with my education. Also being able to talk to students already studying across all three years was super beneficial – they all talked really highly of the course and of UWTSD, so I knew I was in safe hands.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
Outside of my studies I really enjoyed spending time outdoors. Carmarthen has a lot of lovely nature walks and two big parks. It’s also only a short drive from Llansteffan Beach, where groups of us would often spend the evening hanging out and exploring.
I was also a member of the dance society on campus and that was always so much fun. It was a chance to socialise with people outside of your course, learn new skills and improve your fitness.
What are you doing now, how did you get to where you are and how has your course helped you in your career?
I am now working as a freelance actor and facilitator. I’m very lucky to have had some amazing opportunities within the industry since graduating. The BA Acting course taught me the importance of creating my own work, how to start from scratch and build/create something from nothing. The course had a huge influence on who I am now as a creative.
I’m not just an actor, I’m a director, producer, and a theatre maker and that’s super important. I’ve filmed commercials, toured England with new writing, performed a one-woman show in Cardiff, built an installation, run workshops with students. I teach young children drama. I have an incredibly versatile career and that is due to my training at UWTSD. We focused on the industry as a whole and developed multiple different skills, building a little toolbox of all the things needed to thrive in the arts.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my course was the staff. My tutors were just incredible. The head of learning had a wealth of experience and knowledge relating to acting and the industry and we were able to meet and be taught by some really awesome people. I loved that our modules were taught by outside facilitators because, even though we were still studying, we were making connections and relationships with people in the industry, some of whom I have worked with since graduating.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
I am a huge advocate for UWTSD and the BA Acting course. I could not recommend it enough. I absolutely adored my time studying, so much so that after two years I’m going back to study for a Master’s. It is such a welcoming campus and the staff really do care about your wellbeing. Everyone was always so helpful and attentive.
