Actor, director and producer Alice Gilby returns to inspire Sixth Form students over Learning Lunch

St Mary's alumna, Alice Gilby, kicked off our programme of Learning Lunches this year. These lunches provide an opportunity for Sixth Form students to benefit from the wisdom of different speakers and alumnae in a casual setting. Having attended Drama school, and now working as an actor director, producer, including as part of a local team producing a new citywide arts festival (Cambridge International Arts Festival), Alice shared her insights into the creative industry.

She discussed the differences between a Drama degree and Drama School, and the various options available to our students. Alice shared her experiences and highlighted the importance of being a kind and reliable person to ensure success in the business — useful advice for any future profession. She attributes a large part of her success to positive networking and described how best to achieve this.

Alice said,

'It was lovely to return to the school and see some familiar faces.'

We'd like to say a huge thanks to Alice for taking time away from her busy schedule to talk to our students and look forward to the next Learning Lunch.