Class of 2024: Angelina Harvey

Angelina Harvey almost studied history at university but was won over by Essex’s drama course and, thanks to invaluable opportunities to work in the Lakeside Theatre, is now on track to develop a career in play and scriptwriting.

“I wanted to make sure I was choosing a degree I would enjoy for three years,” said Angelina, who is graduating with a BA Drama.

“I was attracted to Essex due to the variety of drama modules that were available and was excited at being able to pick optional modules across the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies.”

As Secretary and then President of the Theatre Arts Society, Angelina has certainly made her mark on cultural life on the Colchester Campus.

She was inspired to take on the role of President by the work of previous presidents: “I wanted to build upon what they had done, whilst also working towards areas that I felt needed improvement, for example, volunteering.”

She spent the summer before her final year immersed in writing the Society’s Christmas panto. Drawing on the work of previous Society Presidents who had started to move away from adult-themed pantos, she worked hard to make her panto a family-friendly show that everyone could enjoy.

With support from her Production Manager and the Students’ Union’s VTeam, scenes from her play were workshopped with local school children to ensure they hit the right note.

The project didn’t come without challenges though as Angelina sort to find time to write multiple drafts of the full-length show, something she had never done before.

The challenge proved well worth it: “My most memorable experience of writing the panto was seeing it for the first time on stage, with all the actors in costume, and sound, lighting and set all ready. It was especially memorable as I was able to share the experience with my mum and nan,” she said.

Thanks to her family-friendly approach, Angelina’s panto was able to reach much wider audiences.

Being part of the Theatre Arts Society has been Angelina’s most memorable thing about her time at Essex.

“It’s where I made most of my friends, and it offered lots of opportunities within theatre, such as acting, writing, directing and technical theatre,” she said.

Angelina, who wants to explore opportunities in publishing, playwrighting and scriptwriting after she graduates, credits two well-known University theatre people for her success.

“Dr Jonathan Lichtenstein, who has taught me a few modules has been inspirational. He was patient, always listened and was always supportive, no matter what the topic was, and through his teachings I gained confidence in my writing and acting ability,” she said.

“Harry Harris, the Lakeside Theatre Technical Manager, has encouraged me to explore different avenues within theatre beyond acting or writing that I would never have thought I had the capability to do,” she added.

Speaking about the importance of the Lakeside Theatre and its Homegrown programme, she said: “It helped me gain an understanding of how a theatre works and what needs to happen in order for a show to be put on in a hands-on, practical way, and from this I have gained invaluable experience that I can use when I leave university.”