Evangeline Grace Cooper, 23 from Stoke-on-Trent, has had a passion for theatre ever since joining a drama club at the New Vic Theatre when she was nine.
Now, she has fulfilled a lifelong dream of graduating with a degree in BA (Hons) Acting and Theatre Arts from Staffordshire University.
“I’ve always wanted to come to university - since I was little girl I always knew that it was something I wanted to do. My mum and dad have high qualifications and that was always something that I wanted to follow.” explained Evangeline on her graduation day.
“The course has been a fantastic experience and I’m very pleased to have achieved a degree. I feel very emotional today, I’m so excited to see what the future holds for me within theatre and the arts.”
Before coming to university, Evangeline dipped her toe into formal education at HE level by attending the Bristol Old Vic Modern Acting Course in 2014 and Central School of Speech and Drama’s Improvisation workshop in 2015. She also won the Best Performer’s Award from the Bertarelli Foundation Creative Minds Festival at the Regent Theatre in 2013.
While at University, Evangeline immersed herself in the wider curriculum by involving herself as a director on student productions and alongside this undertook the Regional Theatre Young Director’s Scheme Short Course.
Evangeline was chosen from seven students shortlisted to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award, an annual prize which recognises a graduate who shows outstanding commitment, personal learning, and an exceptional contribution to university life.
She said: “It was such a shock – all the other nominees were amazing. To win feels incredible and I couldn’t believe you picked me!”
Evangeline now plans to take a year out to explore other projects before returning to Staffordshire University to complete a Master’s degree.
Her advice to others considering going to university is: “Follow your dreams and go for it! I think it’s the greatest experience – just go for it and enjoy it. The best thing I can say is make the most of it while you’re here.”
Find out if you are eligible for an offer through Clearing by using our offer calculator, have a ‘live chat’ with Clearing experts at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing/ or call our Clearing hotline on 0800 590 830.