Francessca Rusling

How has Solent prepared you for your career?

Solent’s performance degree immersed me into a varied and exciting course of study. I explored a variety of performance techniques including body and voice skills, musical theatre, and approaches to stage and screen acting.

I was given the opportunity to gain a vast amount of experience through various recorded and live performance projects, as well as industry work experience teaching at a variety of local infant and primary schools and working professionally on the feature film The Pugilist.

What’s your favourite Solent memory?

During second year when I was cast as Sally Durant-Plummer in the musical Follies. It was my first time being cast as a lead in a musical and from the casting, throughout the rehearsal stages and finally the performance week, Follies for me was one of the most educational and rewarding experiences I have taken part in throughout my training.

What’s next for you?

I am about to start working in an administrative role for a local college, while studying for my PTLLS (preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector) with the end goal to become a lecturer of performance for the college.

I am also attending casting workshops, applying for a variety of stage and screen roles and auditioning for local pantomimes. I am also working on setting up my own performance academy that will offer a variety of classes to children and adults.

What tips would you give to other students wanting a career in your area?

• Believe in yourself. If you don’t, you can’t expect industry professionals to either.
• Keep training – never stop learning. Get as much experience as you can, whether it be attending local workshops, appearing in performances at local events or theatres, or being cast in student films, the more people you know in the industry, the more opportunities open up to you.
• Sign up to casting websites.
• Do what you love but don’t be afraid to try new things.