"I chose to study at Lewisham Southwark College because it was the only College nearby that specialised in Performing Arts. The course included Drama, dancing and singing, all of which I was keen to pursue."
Caldeen has been aiming for a career on the stage ever since going to see ‘The Lion King’ at the age of five and now – with a 2:1 degree in Drama from the University of Greenwich under his belt – he’s set to achieve his long-held dream.
Caldeen attributes his success in winning a place at University down to the year he spent at Lewisham Southwark College on the Level 3 Performing Arts course. He explains: “I had applied to University the previous year but was unsuccessful. Studying at the College not only helped me to gain the UCAS points I needed, but also helped me in so many other ways. I developed an ability to work in a team and was able to maintain a professional attitude and can-do mentality."
Progressing on to University was an exciting challenge for Caldeen.
“My degree was brilliant, I loved it – in fact if I could do it all again, I would! Coming from the inner city and learning how to connect with people from very different backgrounds was probably the most challenging thing.”
As well as focusing on his studies, Caldeen has taken every opportunity to gain practical experience as a performer. Over the years he has performed with companies including: Centre Stage, Catford Broadway Theatre, the Albany Theatre’s ‘Spoken Word’ and ‘acting’ programme, IRIE (a major African/Caribbean dance company), StreetVibes, Greenwich & Lewisham Young People’s Theatre, and East London Dance.
Having completed his degree, Caldeen is now considering his next move. “I’m looking for roles to audition for, but at the same time I’m attracted by the idea of freelancing in Music Technology,” he says. “Thanks to my training and degree, I have lots of options.”
