Millie Sale
What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?
I love how intensive the course is. You really learn and improve so much by having classes four or five days a week. The department regularly hosts lectures, seminars and workshops so there’s always an opportunity to further your practice by taking part in these opportunities. PHD and Doctorate students are often looking for collaborators, so there’s always chances to work with those who are the leaders of new fields of research.
Some of the students we are profiling have in addition to their degree been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
I was awarded a Dean’s Commendation and a Discipline Commendation to the Life of the Department. The Dean’s Commendation made it feel like all my hard work over the last year had been recognised and that I had made the right choice to pursue my passion of academic study by choosing to study for a Masters’ degree after finishing my Undergraduate degree. Being awarded a Discipline Commendation to the Life of the Department made me feel like a valued member of the Department community and was a reflection of how at home I felt in the Department’s spaces.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs:
I was a member of Yoga Society from the second year of my Undergraduate degree. Its classes were a space to practice the principles of physical practices I had studied in class, as well as an opportunity to release some of the stresses of busy university life. I am still a member of the society now with an associate guild membership so that I can attend affordable, yet quality yoga classes!
What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?
The highlight of my time at Exeter has been encountering different ideas and practices from tutors and fellow students from all around the world. I was introduced to Phillip Zarrilli’s Psychophysical Practice, a training method that incorporates yoga, tai chi and kalaripayattu to cultivate an actor’s presence onstage. I was able to train using this approach between 2-3 times a week in addition to my course load in the beautiful studios of the department under the instruction of a fellow of the University.
What will you miss the most about University?
I’ll miss everything! I loved being at the department everyday, whether it was to take class or to just to make use the department study spaces. I relished being a part of such an inspiring postgraduate community, to make relationships with them and to share ideas.
What advice would you give to current and future students?
If you have even the slightest inkling that this might be for you – do it! The course is about so much more than acting. By working psychophysically, which is the practice of working with the mind and the body in tandem that underpins the course, you become better acquainted with yourself and how your mind works making you not just a better performer and artist, but an all round person for dealing with whatever life may throw at you.
What are your plans now that you have graduated?
I’m continuing to work for the non-profit drama organisation Anthos Arts (https://www.anthosarts.com) where I have been a facilitator for the last two years, which has been so much fun and is work I find really rewarding. I’m taking the year to network and make connections with existing companies and organisations in Exeter. I’ve just finished collaborating on and performing in Kelvin Wong’s ‘Unsilent Mode’, the first iteration of his intercultural and intermedial PHD project. I also assisted Dr Giorgia Ciampi with her piece ‘The Spiral’ at the Northcott Theatre’s Reclaim Festival. I’m keen to continue learning and experiencing new things, whether that be pursuing further physical training or applying for a PHD.
