In Conversation with Design Realisation student, Christina Angus
In Conversation with Design Realisation student, Christina Angus
We caught up with Design Realisation student, Christina Angus, to talk first year project, DRP. A fast-paced project that allows training across scenic art, prop making and construction, resulting in a life-size film inspired set. This year our first year students took on the film franchise Indiana Jones.
Why did you choose to study at Guildhall School? And why did you pick your degree pathway?
I chose Guildhall (specifically Design Realisation) because after just one read of the pathway description I knew I needed to be there. The practical nature of the course sounded right up my street. If I was going to spend the next three years studying, I wanted it to be as fun as possible whilst gaining new valuable skills and that’s exactly what Guildhall offered.
Can you tell us what it is like studying in London? What are some highlights and benefits of living in the City? Do you have any tips for students thinking about moving here?
Personally, I love studying in London. There is always somewhere to go and something to see. My favourite is being so close to the Barbican that you can pop over to visit the free exhibitions during your lunch breaks. I don't currently live in London, so commute to Guildhall everyday but with both Barbican and Moorgate (our two closest stations) having such good connections, it is so easy for me to make that journey.
You have recently worked on the Indiana Jones Design Realisation Project, can you tell us more?
Every year, halfway through our first term, the first year Design Realisation students get given a project called DRP and this year our project was Indiana Jones. The tutors presented us with a model box inspired by the first two Indiana Jones movies and gave us the timeline of four weeks from model box to final product. From then we were let loose to construct, make and paint everything needed for the project. All Design Realisation first year students split their time across the three disciplines (Scenic Art, Prop Making and Construction) and worked either individually or in groups to create all aspects of the project. The outcome was a fully interactive and immersive set and we invited all staff and students to come view it on 4 December 2024. The reactions we received on the day and days after have been amazing! Staff and students alike seemed to really enjoy the experience and I can’t wait to see what the next year of first years produce!
What have you learnt from this experience so far?
This project really taught me a lot. Before starting at Guildhall I had no prior experience with prop making or construction but now I feel confident in my abilities in both disciplines. It showed me what myself and the rest of the first year Design Realisation students are really capable of. I would have never believed that we could have achieved what we did and that goes to show how valuable this experience was.
What are you looking forward to next on your course?
The next project for the first years is something called the Model Box Project. Unlike the project we’ve just completed, it is completely individual and we work from a text and turn it into a 1:25 theatre model. I’m really excited to keep expanding my skills and to learn new ones whilst doing the project.
