LIPA – Alumni Thoughts – Erica Ann Deakin

Long time ago, but fairly intense, asked for monologue, two contrasting songs to prepare, and a movement class

Beautiful. Brand new building with state of the art studios, recording studios and stage.

Good mates to keep you going, and to relate to.

Mom & Dad

Lucozade for early morning classes!

Should have lived without crisps! Put on a lot of weight due to homesickness!

I learnt that you always have to strive for what you want. It wasn’t an easy experience, thinking I was going to be the lead in certain productions didn’t always come to fruition. It helped me come to terms with that reality in certain auditions over the last 15 years of my career.

I could have definitely done without the most dreadful, dangerous talks on nutrition and health. Certain advice was shocking, and although me and friends look back and laugh about it now, it really was not the right things to say to young girls.

To be grounded and thick skinned in the business.

Be passionate about whatever your heart desires.

You won’t always be successful. But when you fall, get back up.

A handful on Facebook. Godmother to ones daughter!

Make sure everything comes from a truthful place.

Hundreds!

Having to wear a leotard and tights and being rotund!

Doing improvisation with a group of community artists called ‘crotchless panties’! Hope their still going!

Having to give a critic of an ‘out there’ choreographer who stood on one leg in the middle of the room and was about 85!

Asking a tutor if he had enjoyed watching Marie Antoinette (a play in the 2nd year where I played a lead) to which he replied ‘yes, did you enjoy watching it too’? To which I replied. ‘Yes, I was in it!'

I could go on!

The showcase was well organised. At the Criterion Theatre in London. Lots of agents, casting directors and producers because of the first ever graduating year of 98 from lipa, a big turn out.

A good 50% plus got an agent, however I was unsuccessful. I didn’t feel I did anything to warrant any interest.

There were a lot of favourites that were pushed to the front, so many did suffer in it not being fairly shared. This sounds like bitterness, but it was unfairly done now looking back.

Loads!

We were lucky that we had a bar at LIPA! I was always getting behind there when no one was around and serving drinks! And crisps for myself of course!

If it wasn’t LIPA, it was the pilgrim pub in Liverpool.

A life changing experience, finding out the person you really are, and what you want to become, not just as a performer but your place in the world. A bit mixed up at times, but worth it.

Be much more confident, network and get to know the right people, ask for advise and feedback even if you don’t want to hear it.

Be truthful to yourself, and hold onto your soul.