Mountview – Alumni Thoughts – Caitlin-Anne Sullivan

My audition was great fun, I had the head of voice at the time, one of the acting tutors and a movement tutor. Honestly, I was terrified but I walked into the school and loved the environment, the tutors and the audition itself.

I was convinced I was going to have to take another year out (I had already had a gap year) so I walked into the audition room and gave it my all. I knew there was no more I could do at that point except make the most of the opportunity I had.

I also went into that audition knowing I had suffered for 4 years with vocal problems, having being diagnosed with soft nodules when I was 16. This should not stop you EVER from trying to audition. I went to 6 or 7 auditions and was turned away for my vocal health but Mountview saw what I could do and they helped me, through the love and care of the voice tutors at the time, overcome my problems and turn those negative feelings towards my voice and my ability into a positive attitude and belief in myself.

Honestly, the facilities at Mountview while I was there were not the most modern, I will say however do not let the building itself dictate your view of the training.

They are moving to beautiful new premises in 2013 (I think) that will reflect the standard of training and the level of love, care and belief in all their students.

My top 3 items that were essential through training were:

Decent blacks – You have no idea how embarrassing a movement lesson is when you have your favourite undies on and everyone can see them because your leggings are see through!!

Honey and lemon in hot water – Anytime you are sick, unless you are on your death bed or get sent home from college, go in. Take honey and lemon (often with your cold remedy of choice) and man up – you will miss at least one important lesson, its not worth staying in bed, you’ll miss out and trust me you’ll kick yourself later for it!

Positive thinking and belief – I know its not an item as such but I swear if they could bottle this and you could take it you will need it at some point in drama school. There will be one time during your training where you go “Why am I here, I’m not good enough”. As a wonderful tutor once told me – shoot that bird, he’s talking rubbish. You are good enough, you belong here, otherwise you wouldn’t have got a place.

I learnt a lot about myself, the craft and the industry during all lessons.

Every single one is valuable, even if they feel like a slog at the time. I never thought that I would be able to understand a character by walking or concentrating solely on my ankles (Ibsen was totally re-invented through the exploration of Mrs. Alving’s ankles thanks to Meredith Dufton, our head of movement).

Similarly, as I had struggled vocally for so many years, I learnt how to go to those vocal extremes that cause problems such as nodules, polyps and worse! Honestly I don’t think I could have lived without any of them.

Lots… I have to say though that as they got lots of different people in to talk to you about the industry there were many conflicting opinions and pieces of advice.

I’m not saying that this is a bad thing, it provided me with a rounded view of the industry and solidified the fact that we are in a subjective career, that just because one person thinks something it does not mean that they hold the golden answer, yours is just as valid an opinion provided you have your reasons for it.

Yes I do, I have a very strong friendship group with people from my year, I was able to expand my circle of friends out of my year group and frequently socialise with students from the year below and above too.

Mountview is like a little family, you all know what each other is going through, therefore you support one another through the highs and lows and party together when the year is over!

There are so many.

I have to go back to the “shoot the bird” idea though. I came into Mountview with a really low self-esteem, I felt I was inadequate and just the crap one of the year. That was just my “bird” – trust me he still pops up and tells me the same things but to be honest he’s easier to manage now. A few shots and he soon shuts up!!!

I also worked on this through movement tutorials. When you are physically throwing off a negative feeling you can’t help but feel better about yourself.

I have to say our individual tutorial sessions were some of the best, and worst, times at Mountview. I faced problems head on, there was no way of avoiding them, even when it got to 3rd year I was still in need of individual tuition to guide me.

The tutors deserve all the credit for this, without them I know my time at Mountview wouldn’t have been half as incredible, inspiring and challenging as it was.

I will always remember and be grateful to every single tutor as they turned me into the performer I am.

I have way too many to repeat!

Everyone gets them. Its a part of drama school, you all have the yoga pose you can’t do, the trips, the singing blips, the lines lost, the list goes on and on. The one thing you have is that you are all in it together (as high school musical and cliche as that sounds), and you will all fall at some point. You laugh it off and move on with the rest of your year!

Its a rite of drama school, enjoy the embarrassing moments… even that first movement class where you get all up close and personal with someone you’ve never met!!! (I had a guy shove his hand down the back of my trousers when I didn’t even know his name… I nearly died of embarrassment… talk about a weird first term!!)

Our showcase was great! It was really well attended by agencies and so many people came out of it with interest from agents, co-ops and casting directors. We all did a duologue/trio for about 5 mins per couple/group. So much fun!!

The Duke of Edinburgh AKA The Duke.

What an amazing place! Its a turkish pub on the corner of the road that Mountview lives on. Everyone goes there, its got a great outside bit and they will always do student events, birthdays, kareoke.

Great food, Great beer, Great pub!!!

MV has been some of the best and worst times of my life. Hard work and hard play. I wouldn’t change it for the world. #challengeaccepted

Listen, Caitlin, its gonna be hard, you’re gonna cry, you’re gonna experience every emotion at every level, you’re going to be the drama school stereotype, you’re going to be a tree, you’re going to make amazing friends, you are going to have an incredible time…

Good luck, you’ll need it, but you’ll love it.

Enjoy, live and breathe it, 3 years goes fast and you’ll miss it when it’s gone.