Sarah Allen

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Performing Arts

Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?
I’m 20 years old and from Galway. I’ve always loved performing, dancing, singing, and, of course, acting. Throughout my childhood, I could only ever imagine myself becoming an actress, so when it came to applying for courses, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

I chose ATU because it gave me the opportunity to explore all aspects of the industry while also strengthening my acting skills.

What are your favourite modules on the course?
My favourite modules so far are Film Studies, Acting for Heightened Texts, and Improvisation.

In Film Studies, we learned about the history of film, from the 1890s through to the 1990s, exploring how the craft has developed over the decades. We also studied pivotal films and directors that defined each era.

Acting for Heightened Texts is one of our acting classes, where we explore works from the Shakespearean and Restoration periods. In Improvisation, we learn the games and techniques used to create a strong improvised performance.

Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial? e.g. work placements, practical projects, etc.
This course is very hands-on, with a strong focus on practical projects such as shows, short films, presentations, costumes, and set design.

In first year, you also get the opportunity to go to London for a week, where you can tour the National Theatre and the Globe Theatre, as well as see multiple West End shows.

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?
One of the best things about this course is that it allows you to explore all sides of the industry, including writing, directing, acting, and design. This helps you figure out which area you’d like to pursue.

In first year, you take classes in both acting and design before choosing your specialisation in second year. This gives you valuable experience in both areas before making a decision.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?
This course is really what you make of it. There are no exams, so attendance and effort in class are essential, and lectures are rare.

Collaboration and group work are also a big part of the course. It requires a lot of energy and commitment, but it’s incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

If you are involved in sport, volunteering, working, or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?
I’ve been involved in the ATU Respect project, which focuses on creating short films to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. I helped workshop ideas and scripts and acted in all three short films.

This was an incredibly rewarding experience, both in terms of contributing to an important cause and developing my acting skills.

What are your plans after ATU and any long-term goals you are aiming for?
After ATU, I hope to move to Dublin or London and continue working as an actress. It’s a challenging industry, but my passion for acting motivates me to pursue it fully and make the most of every opportunity.