It may only be January but already final year drama and theatre, film, and media students in the School of Arts and Architecture are looking forward to the forthcoming WHAT NEXT? event in March.
WHAT NEXT? is an annual event in which students set the agenda for a series of discussion panels, helping them to think about getting a job, further study, and their future in general. Also taking part are Kent Arts graduates working in the creative industries, people from local arts organisations, and representatives from the University’s Careers and Employability Service.
Alumni who have shared their insights and advice so far include Drama graduate Kat Kumar, who is currently starring in The Lost Women Spies, a new Sky History series based on the story of real women who worked undercover behind enemy lines in World War II. Kat also recently appeared in the Charlie Brooker-penned hit BBC show Cunk On Life, starring Diane Morgan.
Kyrah Gray, a stand-up comedian and creator/anchor of the Comedy Central show Dating Horror Stories, also spoke to undergraduates about her career journey and experiences to date.
Oliver Double, Reader in Comic and Popular Performance and co-creator of WHAT NEXT? said: ‘Our students often spend time thinking about what they’re going to do next, including how to break into and pursue their ambitions in the creative industries. So what could be better than to bring back our graduates who have done just that? Our students set the agenda on the day and by talking to our graduates they’re able to see more clearly how they can find their own career paths.’
Our Arts graduates have become theatre producers, literary managers, community theatre officers for local councils, theatre journalists, authors, scriptwriters for television, teachers, stand-up comedians, directors, event managers, drama teachers, performers and actors. They include the likes of singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding, screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, comedian Laura Lexx and screenwriter, actor and Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominee Tom Parry.
The line up for the 2025 event will be announced soon.