On Monday 9 February, our latest Masterclass Monday session welcomed acclaimed musical theatre performer Kate Leiper, who generously shared her time, expertise, and remarkable journey with Shiplake students.
Kate has enjoyed an extensive career on stage, performing in a wide variety of productions and progressing all the way to the iconic role of Elphaba in the West End production of 'Wicked'. Her visit offered scholars a unique opportunity to learn directly from someone who has reached the very top of the musical theatre profession.
Throughout the session, Kate discussed the many different routes into musical theatre, emphasising that there is no single pathway to success. She spoke candidly about the highs and lows of life as an actor and offered honest, thoughtful advice to our aspiring Drama Scholars—some of whom had only recently stepped off the stage after their outstanding performances in the most recent Full College Production of 'Our House'.
Students gained fascinating behind‑the‑scenes insights into the realities of staging a major production, from the teamwork involved to the essential roles carried out backstage. Kate also touched on the challenge of balancing a demanding performance schedule with everyday life, highlighting the resilience and dedication needed to thrive in the industry.
The session proved invaluable not only for our Drama Scholars but for all who attended. Kate’s messages about striving for excellence, maintaining meticulous standards, and developing determination resonated strongly across all disciplines. Her talk served as an inspiring reminder of the rewards—and challenges—that come with pursuing one’s passions at the highest level.
We extend our sincere thanks to Kate Leiper for delivering such an insightful and motivating Masterclass Monday.
