Class of 2024: James Little

The on-campus Lakeside Theatre has played a leading role in James Little’s Essex experience and provided the opportunities to help him pursue his aim of becoming a dramatherapist.

James, who applied to Essex whilst travelling in New Zealand, chose his course, BA Drama, because it had always been his passion and because, as a broad discipline, it allowed him to explore lots of academic interests.

He first joined Essex as a student in Essex Pathways, a route which allowed him to enter higher education despite not having the required A Levels.

Speaking about taking the Pathways route, James said: “It gave me the academic tools to be able to enter my first year with confidence. I also learnt so much through modules and independent research which has altered my worldview and influenced my academic journey throughout my degree.”

He chose Essex because of his interest in playwrighting and it was the Lakeside Theatre and Theatre Arts Society that have been transformational for him.

Inspired by his own experiences as a child at youth theatre groups, James jumped at the chance to join the Lakeside Theatre’s Youth Theatre programme, which saw him working with young people aged seven to 18 helping develop their creative skills.

“I learnt so much about the necessity of staying present and adaptable when working with children, plans would often change in the moment but that was always for the best,” he said.

“It was so fulfilling to be able to facilitate and nurture the growth of others through theatre,” he added.

As an enthusiastic and active member of the Theatre Arts Society, James has led workshops and been instrumental in bringing in external practitioners to work on skills development, particularly in confidence, voice and movement.

“Having a theatre on Campus is not only invaluable for drama students in being able to see their work come to full fruition on a professional stage as well as preparing them as industry-leading theatre makers, but there is a cultural significance to having a dedicated space for people to come together and share a collective live experience in the arts,” he said.

James cites several current and former lecturers from the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies for helping to make his Essex experience memorable and valuable. He praised Professor Jonathan Lichtenstein and Dr Liam Jarvis for being “consistent sources of inspiration and incredible sounding boards for figuring out what my career will look like.”

But it’s Natasha Richards-Crisp who he says deserves a special mention: “Her applied theatre seminars during my first year, as well as her generous advice and feedback ignited a passion for the healing potential of theatre for me.

“Meeting her and attending her workshops led me to discovering dramatherapy, and now I will be going on to study MA Drama and Movement Therapy at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.”

Once he becomes a registered dramatherapist, James hopes to work with theatre companies, the NHS, and community arts projects.