Nathan Seatter Messer

Why did you decide to apply to study at Urdang?

Urdang was always a dream school for me, but something that I believed was an unachievable goal. As one of the top and most impressive institutions specialising in musical theatre training, the idea of auditioning was quite daunting for a while.

After successes with auditioning elsewhere, I started to realise that my heart was set on Urdang, and I just needed to go for it. So, I did! I emailed to ask if there were any audition days left and was assigned the last audition of the year. As soon as I stepped foot in the building, I knew this was the place for me. I felt at ease; there was an immediate sense of home. I auditioned on the 4th June and was offered my place the very next day – it felt, and still feels, meant to be.

What is your favourite thing about studying at Urdang?

My favourite thing about Urdang is that everyone is seen as an individual. Teachers take the time to get to know who you are and what your individual aims are. I have felt so seen and encouraged to achieve my goals throughout my training here. No one is pigeon-holed into becoming a certain type of performer, and you are simply allowed to just explore who you are and who you want to be.

What kind of things are you involved in outside your course?

The course itself is intense, so firstly, a lot of rest is needed as there isn’t much time outside of the timetable! I also work front of house at a theatre, teach acting and singing, and I work at Urdang on their short courses and as a receptionist.

Outside of working and training, my friends and I enjoy going the pub, trips to see shows, and trips to the cinema. One of my friends in our year has started a weekend running club, which is a nice way to spend our Sundays together- going for a run and then having a coffee! Finding a balance on such an intense course can be hard, but when you find it, it is so enriching and fulfilling.

Tell us about your track?

All tracks at Urdang push you to become a triple threat performer, Track B specialises in a dance heavy timetable, and Track C specialise in a musical theatre heavy timetable.

I am on Track A, which means that my timetable is evenly split between Dance and Musical Theatre lessons, specialising in becoming a well-rounded triple threat performer. These tracks come into your training in second year, after everyone has an individual meeting with Rob and Lynsey to determine the trajectory of their training. Track A is quite similar to first year in the first term, but in our second term, we have additional classes in Partnerwork and Acro, equipping us with vital skills for ensemble and lead tracks within shows.

I have absolutely loved being on Track A, especially as someone who would’ve viewed themselves as a singer-actor prior to training. It is hard and intense and pushes you to your physical and mental limits but is so incredibly rewarding– particularly when you get time to look back at your progress and see how far you have come. This reflection is what spurs me on and excites me to keep growing and developing throughout my time at Urdang and beyond.

What are you most looking forward to during the rest of your time at Urdang?

Ahhhh! The next stages at Urdang are very exciting! We are about to have our second-year IP projects in April, which is where we do an hour-long version of a musical. We all get cast in different shows and go off timetable to create these performances. We then go into summer term, during which we train through sign-up classes while we rehearse for our summer show at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre.

Summer show term is a favourite of mine; it is just so exciting to have the opportunity to create incredible pieces and to remember what it is we are training for. After this, we are third years! Third year shows, professional auditions, and more are very nearby, which is slightly terrifying, but also so exciting! It is all happening quite quickly, so I’m just remembering to take in each day and focus on my development so I can enjoy these moments even more.

What would be your top tip for our applicants?

Firstly, breathe! Drama school audition season can be so stressful. Now that the first round for Urdang is a self-tape, it is even more important to show the panel YOU! Choose dance styles and performances that obviously showcase your talents, but also show your personality and give them reasons to want to work with you for three years. Have fun with it! (I know that’s easier said than done.)

Genuinely, if you’re having fun and giving it your all, it will translate in your tapes. Also, if you do not get a place here, keep your head held high and keep looking – I believe that what is meant for you won’t pass you by if you continue to work hard. You’ve got this! Believe in yourself!

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

After graduating, I have a bit of a bucket list. I don’t have a Plan B so I’m going to strive to make a career in performing work for me. Hopefully, I will be signed by an agent in my third year to take my first steps into the industry. I’m trying not to put pressure on myself to achieve anything straight away, mainly because the industry is so unpredictable.

I would love to go into musical theatre, plays and television throughout my career, but currently, the plan is to take each audition as it comes and continue to work hard. So, there is a plan, but also there isn’t a plan, which is scary, but also exciting!