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In the third our Alumni interviews, meet Sophie Lockhart-Smith, studying Business at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland:
When were you a student at Simply Theatre, and which locations?
From 2006 to 2016, in Tannay and Versoix.
What did Simply Theatre mean to you?
Simply Theatre was a huge part of my life throughout most of my childhood. It made me the person I am today and I am forever grateful for everything I learnt and experienced. It enabled me to pursue my love for theatre and it gave me many opportunities that would never have been possible otherwise. Either weekly courses or rehearsals for shows, Simply Theatre was a place where I felt happy and at ease and where I had the chance to do something I love. At times, I would be spending more time at the academy than at home and I still wouldn't want to leave at the end of the day. The teachers were so committed and passionate and I have made friends for life that I continue to see regularly. It was so lovely to be surrounded by those type of people and I truly felt part of a family.
How did you benefit from your time at Simply Theatre?
Not only did my years at Simply Theatre teach me everything I needed to know about musical theatre and pushed me to my limits, I equally acquired skills that I apply in everyday life. It contributed in building my confidence, taught me how to act in all types of situations, especially ones you aren't expecting, and taught me how to deal with stress. Furthermore, I have recently applied the techniques that were taught for preparing for and performing at auditions, at interviews I have had throughout this past year.
What is a particular moment or memory that you will never forget?
The most amazing memory I have that I will cherish for the rest of my life was my participation in Bugsy Malone in 2006. I was only 8 at the time and performed the part of Fizzy. Tom Grafton, the director of the show, believed in me and it gave me the confidence and courage to face everything life had to offer in the future. It confirmed my passion for theatre and was the start of an incredible journey.
10 years later, in 2016, I was lucky enough to perform the part of Tallulah in the second Bugsy Malone and it was amazing to see how far I had come. It was touching to be part of the older group and act as a role model to the younger ones, as I remember how important those people were to me when I was the youngest.
What have you been doing since you left Simply Theatre?
I left Simply theatre in 2016 and since then I have been studying Business at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. I am now in my second year and am really enjoying it. Unfortunately, the university doesn't offer any musical theatre facilities and I do miss it a lot. However, I continue to sing, take dance classes and attend the Simply Theatre Shows to refresh the amazing memories.
What are your future plans?
I intend to finish my Bachelor studies in St. Gallen and then do a Masters in England. For the moment, I am thoroughly enjoying studying Business and can see myself pursuing a career in this.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to students of Simply Theatre about their time here?
Make the most of everything Simply theatre has to offer and try to learn as much as possible, even if you don't want to pursue a career in musical theatre.