Class of 2022: Tyra Hartman

Applying to East 15 Acting School was a no brainer for Tyra Hartman because it was the only place in the UK that offered the theatre and film course they wanted.

“I wanted to learn more about the behind the scenes of film and theatre, and Essex was the place to do it,” Tyra said.

Based at East 15 Acting School on our Southend Campus, the three-year BA Creative Producing (Theatre and Short Film) offers industry-focused training aimed at entrepreneurial artists with an interest in creating, producing, administrating and promoting theatre and film.

The course, extra-curricular activities and studying at East 15 helped Tyra to “find my spark”.

“I’m really proud of all of my work outside of my studies. I livestreamed all of the Southend’s Campus shows and fell in love with the craft,” they said. “I developed my skill in my spare time and then brought it into my studies, including my dissertation.”

Tyra said the COVID-19 pandemic was a particular challenge for those working in the creative industries but it’s given them valuable skills in resilience and adaptability.

“Lockdown was a massive challenge for a lot of creatives, but we learned about COVID-19 safety and how to adapt to these unseen circumstances.”

Tyra now plans to freelance as a creative producer specialising in digital theatre.