Kate-Elizabeth Carey

I was originally planning to become an army officer. I’d been a sergeant major in the army cadets, so at sixth form I’d been guided down a science route. I realised it just wasn’t for me so I asked to change courses. Drama was the only subject left so I took it – and I loved it. It became the only subject I wanted to study at university.

It’s a drama course, not an acting course. I was really excited to learn the theory behind drama as well as the techniques. You also get to study a wide range of areas like stage management and directing – I didn’t really know anything about these roles before I came to Edge Hill. And the best thing is you get to learn about them hands-on in the theatre, as much as in the classroom.

I’ve performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and at a conference in New York. Being part of Mrs Pankhurst’s Players, a feminist theatre collective made up of staff and students, has been an amazing experience and I don’t think anything will ever top it.

I developed a drag king act. I didn’t even know drag kings existed. I’ve now performed as ‘Jude Ass’ in an Edge Hill Drag Race, and I want to carry on doing it. I love it so much.

I’ve collaborated with other students to set up a theatre company, Tenderfoot Theatre. We raise awareness of environmental issues and create sustainable theatre. I didn’t think I’d be making props out of recycled materials or dyeing costumes with onions. Sustainable theatre was something I’d never had the chance to explore before.

You get to develop skills beyond acting on the course. In my first show with Mrs Pankhurst’s Players I was offered the role of costume designer. I was a bit out of my comfort zone but ended up absolutely loving it.

I’m now looking at pursuing a Masters in Costume Design (with a bit of drag king on the side). I wouldn’t have considered it if I hadn’t come here.