Meet Abi Rutter
As part of Central’s Sally Mackey Bursary Fund, we’re speaking to students and graduates who have received Scholarships and Bursaries whilst studying at Central, to showcase the impact that these have on them, and their future careers.
Abi Rutter is a recent graduate of Central’s BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education (DATE) course. She chose to study at Central because of her passion for using applied theatre to support young people’s well-being, and spoke with us about how her Scholarship enabled her to take part in transformative opportunities during her studies.
Why did you choose to study at Central?
I started at Central when I was 23, after having tried a few things out and realising what I loved most was working with young people within applied theatre settings. What I loved about the DATE course was that it was dedicated to applied theatre, rather than theatre practice in general. So as I was certain I wanted to go into this field, it seemed to be the perfect choice. I also knew a few people that did the course who are now doing amazing things within applied theatre, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
I’m from a small town where I only had experience in one strand of applied theatre, so I was really drawn to the wealth of experiences that Central had to offer. The projects that I was able to be a part of through Central are ones that I don’t think I would have been able to do if I hadn’t gone to uni. The practical side of this course is the perfect way to build up your skillset ready to go into a practical industry. Having 3 years to develop your practice, to get things wrong and try again has been extremely valuable. In this field you absolutely learn by doing and that’s what I enjoyed most about the course.
What impact did your Scholarship have on you and your studies?
My Scholarship made it possible to take up an opportunity for a placement in New York for 2 months, something I would not of been able to do otherwise. This placement was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I worked with Irondale Ensemble Project, in their education and community sector. It was so valuable to work with such an array of people, and learn how the applied theatre field works in the US. I have taken so much with me from my placement, most of which I’m already using in my practice.
I was able to work less hours and really focus on my final year at university. I am really proud of my final performance at Central, as well as my dissertation. I was able to put the time and effort into it that it deserved because I didn’t have to worry about other things.
You’ve recently started working at Chichester Festival Theatre. How did your time at Central help prepare you for this role?
During my time at Central, I felt out of my comfort zone a lot, which was great for me and what I needed. It made me realise that I can do things that intimidate me. Going into a work place as a fresh graduate can be daunting, but you have so much experience under your belt after leaving Central that you can apply straight away, and even if you don’t have experience in something, the attitude of jumping in and not being afraid of being out of your comfort zone is something that has been so impactful on me and something I’ve taken into my new role.
What aspirations do you have for the future?
In the future I hope to work my way up in this field, eventually in a management or director role, running various projects over West Sussex focusing on young people’s well-being. Ultimately, my aspirations and why I do this work is to have a positive impact on as many young people as I can.
What would you say to those donating funds for Scholarships or Bursaries for Central’s students?
The applied theatre industry and theatre in general can be quite difficult to get into if you’re from a low income background. It requires lots of volunteering, lots of time working your way up in lower paid, often freelance irregular jobs, which is something a lot of people cannot afford to do. Donating for Scholarships and Bursaries gives people the opportunity to get their foot in the door, and hopefully start a happy and successful career. It’s the getting started that is one of the most difficult parts, but by donating for scholarships and bursaries, you’re helping people from a variety of backgrounds have access to this career.
Central’s Sally Mackey Bursary Fund is raising funds to offers bursaries to those studying BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education or MA Applied Theatre at Central and was created in honour of Professor Sally Mackey on her retirement.