Personal Statement
My name is Ivan, and I am originally from Ukraine. Since I was a child, I have dreamed of becoming an actor. For me, the stage has always been more than just a place to perform—it is a space where imagination comes alive, where emotions can be shared with others, and where stories gain power to touch people’s hearts. My journey in drama and art began at the age of seven, when I joined a children’s acting studio in Ukraine. Those early years of training shaped my confidence and taught me the importance of discipline, creativity, and teamwork.
In June 2022, I moved to London with my family. Although it was a challenging transition to a new country, I quickly discovered that theatre and art were ways for me to connect, belong, and express myself. Only a few months after arriving, I was fortunate to take part in a children’s performance, Seniors – Hampton Hill High School Musical. This experience gave me my first opportunity to perform on a stage in the UK, and it confirmed that my passion for acting could grow even stronger in this new environment.
To further develop my skills, I joined the youth acting groups at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond. Training and performing there gave me invaluable experience, especially when I was cast in productions such as Beyond the Fog and Without Regrets. These projects, performed between 2023 and 2025 at the Orange Tree Theatre and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, allowed me to explore different acting techniques, work with inspiring directors, and learn how to embody characters with authenticity and depth.
At the same time, I became actively involved in the drama club at Twickenham School, where I participated in a wide range of productions including Twelfth Night, The Addams Family, and Macbeth. Each play challenged me in unique ways—whether it was mastering Shakespeare’s language, experimenting with comedy, or discovering the darker emotions of tragedy. One of the highlights of my school experience was taking part in the Shakespeare Festival at Twickenham, where I performed in Macbeth. These performances taught me how to collaborate closely with peers, manage stage presence, and respond to the unpredictable energy of live audiences.
I consider myself an open and communicative person. I enjoy working with others, supporting my team, and sharing ideas. Improvisation is something I particularly love, as it pushes me to think quickly, trust my instincts, and stay fully present in the moment. I believe that acting is not only about playing a role but about connecting truthfully with an audience and leaving them with something to reflect on.
Alongside drama, I have a deep passion for visual arts. I spend much of my free time drawing, sculpting with clay, and experimenting with animation. These creative practices complement my acting because they help me develop imagination, attention to detail, and patience. For me, art and drama are two sides of the same coin: both are ways of telling stories, expressing emotions, and seeing the world from new perspectives.
Looking forward, my dream is to continue learning and to challenge myself as an actor and artist. I want to develop my technical skills, broaden my knowledge of theatre and visual arts, and contribute to inspiring productions. Most importantly, I want to grow as a creative person who can use talent and hard work to bring stories to life. I believe that studying Drama and Art in college will give me the foundation and opportunities I need to achieve this dream.
