LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) is a course (taught to us by Peter Ferris and Adam Armstrong) which includes a final exam performance of two or three monologues in front of an examiner.

I had been introduced to monologues before in Junior School and the idea of performing alone seemed like an impossible task. I would often rely on having others onstage, however performing a monologue made me feel vulnerable.

Therefore, LAMDA tested my ability to learn lines, and it tested my confidence significantly, as my prior experience to performing alone was not the best. I took it upon myself to pay attention in Peter's workshops and organise time several times each week to learn lines and go over my characters' movements and objectives.

Peter’s workshops are always entertaining, engaging, laid back and motivating, and it is an environment in which every pupil is supported and valued. Because of this, it was easy to build a great rapport with Peter and Adam, giving us the confidence to discuss ideas and interpretations without feeling under scrutiny or pressure. By participating in LAMDA, my confidence in performing has improved dramatically and I no longer feel as vulnerable as I did performing prior to Bronze and Silver Level LAMDA.

This also proved extremely beneficial in my A Level practicals. I would never have achieved this without the help of Peter and Adam and with the initial feelings of dread and terror from the first exam, I now feel ready and excited to give Gold Level my best