Alex
Hopkin-Spratt

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Growing up in the Nottinghamshire area, NTU representatives gave support and talks in my sixth form about the university application journey. Initially planning to go elsewhere and apply as a 'backup', I was blown away by an amazing open day, and changed my mind.

What’s your favourite thing about your course?

The ability to open so many doors that seem closed, in small understandable sections, and beat the stigma that the arts don’t have a future.

How have you found the course facilities?

The Nottingham School of Art has the best facilities that I have ever seen for students from all backgrounds doing any courses, from 2D work to 3D realisation and digital software.

Have you worked on any live briefs or competitions?

Yes, I worked with the Xtreme Scream Park at Twinlakes in the September of 2021, generally helping and specialising in murals in their newest mazes “Ashes to Earth” and the “Unfair Funfair”. We also worked with Newstead Abbey on the term one “Christmas Boxes” brief.

Has your course included any guest speakers or industry trips? What have you enjoyed about this?

Guest speakers are featured on our industry Friday’s lecture every fortnight for all in the design for stage and screen courses. I enjoy these as they give a positive outlook on the future of the arts in the UK and the viability of a career as many speakers are graduates of our same courses!

When I’m not studying…

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Home, vibrant, welcoming

What do you think of the creative and cultural scene in Nottingham? Is Nottingham a good city for an Art & Design student?

Yes! From Hockley to the Contemporary Gallery and the Nottingham Playhouse, the city covers every corner of the arts creating a wonderful sense of community. A diverse city, there are so many influences everywhere you look.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

Rescue Rooms – especially on a Tuesday night when most of the songs are from the self-professed “indie anthems” everyone screams the words and is laughing. Plus, drinks are two for one, which you can never go wrong with.

If you could give new students some advice, what would it be?

There is no “wrong” way to approach a task, only the wrong attitude or level of effort. As long as you’re putting the energy in, and receiving an outcome, everyone progresses differently.

What do you think of the course staff?

The staff have a wide breadth of experience, from pantos to the west-end, from independent to one of a large team, and they use this experience exceptionally. They constantly want your work, attitudes, and thought process to develop, making a successful designer.

Have you used any of the student support services or NTU’s Employability team? How have you found this experience?

Yes, I applied for the event ambassador role in November through Unitemps, which was easy to navigate and a great opportunity to get paid to tell people about the university and my course – something I’d been doing happily to friends and family for free.

About the future...

What’s next for you after NTU?

I want to continue to develop in my field and receive further work within the industry, currently, I want to focus on either immersive theatre or non-traditional staging.