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Former Student Shares Life at LIPA

Some students, when they return to pay us a visit after years out in the big wide world, are instantly recognisable – Peter Cliff is one of those students.

Peter joined the college in 2005 from Endon High School and left in 2007 after securing a much sought-after place at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) on their Acting Degree course.

Last week, Peter returned to his Theatre Studies class at Stoke Sixth Form College to share his experiences since leaving the college 4 years ago, and to run an improvisation session with the group.

Peter graduated with a 2.1 in his degree and Sir Paul McCartney presented his certificate to him during his graduation ceremony. Since finishing university, Peter has been extremely busy with a school and theatre tour of the country, setting up his own improvisation company, working for ITV on infomercials and hosting the 011 Dance Show at the Regent Theatre, back in his home town of Stoke on Trent. Whilst back on home turf, Peter wanted to spare the time to share his experiences and offer advice to current AS and A2 students who are busy considering their future options.

Peter gave a very frank account of life as a student at LIPA and as an actor trying to find work. He spoke of his own audition at LIPA and other Performing Arts Schools and gave tips on what they are looking for in an applicant.

“As a third year student at LIPA we were given the opportunity to sit in on auditions and form part of the deciding panel. It was interesting to see this side of the university. Anyone who is planning to apply for a course which involves an audition should really PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!”

The students listened intently to the tales Peter told them and asked questions to help them in their own career choices. Richard Keay, current AS student who is keen to pursue a career in acting, asked Peter how he managed to get work after leaving university. Peter explained that all LIPA students, when they graduate, take part in a Showcase in Liverpool and London and invite agents along to watch and sign up graduates to their agency, the agent then finds them work.

Jayme Edwards, Teacher of Theatre Studies said:

“The students enjoyed meeting Pete and all got involved in the improvisation session he ran. It was a good opportunity for them to hear about university life and what the world is like once you graduate. They could all ask Pete the questions they really want answering about finances, auditions, living away from home and general student life.”

As part of the improvisation session the students had to quickly make up a game that they could teach the other students.

application/pdf Former Student Life at LIPA 040211