My school is a little different than others, and yes you have read that correctly... School. The International School of Screen Acting is a full time drama school specialising in intense training for screen. I have had the privilege in not only being in the company of industry professionals, but also being taught by them. Expressing their own personal take on the industry and their 'What I would have done differently and what I wish I had known back then'. If you would like to know more about the school, I'v attached the link for you!
With all of that in mind, you can probably imagine how different my graduation was compared to others. Sadly, there were no gowns and graduation hats flying around in the air, and there was no shiny degree certificate waiting for me... On the plus side, there wasn't a 10,000 word dissertation to hand in either! But more importantly, it was held at BAFTA Piccadilly!
Now a little bit of information that you might want to know about this school, you have two graduations. Yes two! A graduation day to welcome other industry professionals such as agents and casting directors, and a graduation for friends and family. If finding an outfit for your graduation wasn't hard enough already, finding two was certainly 8x the stress!
I am kicking myself at the moment as I was so caught up in the moment that my photos are very limited, and the ones that I do have are very rushed and blurry. For the first graduation, I wore this cute little black unitard jumpsuit from the Sarah Ashcroft collection at In the Style. It's very sophisticated and very simple, which is the look I was going for when meeting agents and casting directors. The last thing that I wanted was to look too forceful, it has enough detail with the sleeve like wrap, but it was neutral enough for the industry professionals to picture me as other characters. A blank book! I paired this with a white cape blazer from Boohoo.
The whole day was actually very relaxed. I arrived at BAFTA in Piccadilly for 12.30 where I was greeted with a nice fresh glass of OJ and seeing my photo plastered everywhere. It's something that I don't think I will ever be able to get used to! We then entered the screening where we were able to watch our showreels for the first time ever. I was ridiculously nervous, squeezing hands with anyone that I could get hold off. The not knowing if it was going to an absolute disaster or if the hard work paid off whilst watching it with professionals was so daunting and terrifying. BUT I managed to get through the whole thing with out crying! The rosé afterwards was definitely welcomed with open hands though. We were then able to chat to everyone who attended and afterwards, I just couldn't resist a good Chinese buffet in China Town.
The friends and family screening was much more relaxed and the atmosphere of all of the proud parents was breathtaking. My parents and my boyfriends parents come up from Exeter and we spent the day in this cute little bar in The Good Hotel, Royal Victoria Docks. We went for some food at a restaurant near my flat before heading to The Picture House, Stratford for my second screening. This time I wore something a little more adventurous and daring. This Silky Plunge Shift Dress was super comfortable and effortless. I wore a long necklace with this and paired with nude shoes.
I honestly couldn't thank my family and class mates enough. It was truly the best end to what has been the most incredible 2 years of my life. All there is from now is an upward incline and I am so proud and happy to announce that I am now officially a trained ACTOR!
How was your graduation? Are you excited to begin your future?
Love,
Chloe Danielle-Taylor