Hollie-Anne's UWTSD Experience
Name: Hollie-Anne Clark
Course: MA Advanced Vocal Studies
Previous Studies: Advanced Diploma Musical Theatre (Associated Studios), MA Music (Vocal) Performance (RWCMD)
Hometown: Chelmsford, Essex
Hollie-Anne's MA Advanced Vocal Studies Experience
What was your favourite thing about Cardiff campus?
I really enjoyed the personal feel to the college, creating a lovely space to grow and develop your skills. There was a lot of focus on your individual craft, similar to an artist development programme and that really was a benefit.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I knew of alumni and current students who had a good experience. I also was drawn to the smaller numbers on the course which allowed for more individual time.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
I am a multi-faceted performer; as well as opera, I perform musical theatre, sing other styles in cabaret and act professionally. I also enjoy recording music, making music videos, and dancing in various styles!
What are you doing now, how did you get to where you are and how has your course helped you in your career?
I have just performed and developed two vocal shows for guest entertaining on cruise lines, so that’s really exciting!
One is focused on musical theatre/classical crossover and the other opera, so getting to showcase both is really great! I am also taking on the role of the Contessa in Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro this Summer, for Grimeborn Opera Festival at the Arcola Theatre. I love this role, as I performed her before, and I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to perform this professionally in London for a run. I have a few festivals this summer I’m performing at too!
I released my new EP Enchanted on Spotify and other platforms in February this year, and I have some new music coming soon, including writing an original too!
Aside from my own performing, I also coach and teach singers, and lead a collective of performers in children’s entertainment! I’ve been lucky enough to write, direct and produce various professional shows and events including as Artistic Director of my own opera company and three pantomimes for theatre.
See more of what I’ve been up to on my website www.hollieanneclark.com
What was your favourite thing about your course?
The personal and friendly atmosphere, and individual focus and time. And the international mix – as many students were from other countries.
I would say I am where I am, because of being proactive, consistent, and persistent. But there is no destination, only the journey of seeing where my performing and skills take me, which is the adventure! It’s important to keep focused on what you want to achieve, as I believe everyone can be successful in anything they put their energy into.
Doing the course at WIAV (now WAVDA), really helped me tone my skills in opera and develop vocally in a positive and encouraging environment – Dennis O’Neill was a wonderful teacher! It also gave me the tools and confidence I needed to learn roles quickly which has led to some recent successes!
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
Yes – even though some of my course experience was through the pandemic, so teaching halted for a time, I found I developed a lot as an artist and met and became friends with some really great people from all over the world and made connections, so I would definitely recommend it!
