Alumni Conversation: An interview with Isabella Cebrian
Alumni Conversation: An interview with Isabella Cebrian
Isabella tells Spotlight! about her studies in Performing Arts
Could you briefly describe who you are?
My name is Isabella Cebrian. I was born in the US and am half American, half German. I graduated from St. George´s in 2020. I was in the school in Year 8 and 9, spent Year 10 and 11 in England, and came back for Year 12 and 13.
I was a Higher-Level Drama student at St. George´s and I now study Theatre Science (Performing Arts) at the LMU (Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich).
Was it clear for you, from a young age, that you wanted to study Performing Arts?
I have been dancing and acting since I was very young. So yes, it was always clear to me that I would love to study Performing Arts or be part of that field. I really enjoyed the fact that the British education system considers Acting and Drama as a key topic. I really loved Drama when I was studying in England, and was happily surprised that a Drama Department had grown when I joined St. George´s again for my last years of studies.
How did St. George´s prepare you for your University studies?
Performing Arts is a serious area of study at St. George´s and there is an emphasis and respect for the field. Pupils can discover what the performing and acting job options are. Skills such as being on stage, feeling comfortable in front of an audience, speaking loudly and clearly are practiced. But we also had exposure to related jobs such as sound and lighting, and other backstage responsibilities.
When I compare the experience of my classmates at university, I realise how lucky I was at St. George´s. The resource allocation for Drama tends to be smaller at other schools. But you can work on and implement super scenery at St. George’s.
Being part of different performances confirmed to me that this is where I belong and what I was meant to do. When it came to gaining recognition of my IB diploma as equivalent to the German Abitur, this was a smooth process. People easily understand that the IB is like an ´English Abitur´, and it was no problem at all.
Did you get specific support from St. George´s teachers to refine your subjects and make your final decision?
Yes, definitely. I am still in close contact with Mrs Walker, who´s been a key person in the decision I made to study Performing Arts.
Of course, when choosing this topic, one can wonder if this will really bring job opportunities. There is so much competition in the Performing Arts. But she made me realise that there are many jobs in the field. And choosing this topic at University gives me an even better understanding of all opportunities in front of me.
At University, we study Theatre Science, meaning the history of theatres, how to build theatres, and the different roles within these institutions. Some graduates have gone on to become playwriters.
I have written two musicals. I was thrilled that Mrs Walker came to see these performances and she also gives me regular opportunities to come and help on productions at St. George´s. For example, I recently choregraphed FAME and had the great chance to work with current St. George´s students.
How do you see the future?
I decided to study in Germany as it´s where my life is for the moment. But I am lucky to be fully bilingual. This can open lots of opportunities for me here and everywhere in the world!
Do you still have contacts with the students from your Class of 2020?
Studying in such an international environment means that St. George´s graduates go on to study all over the world. Some of my friends are in Norway, Canada, the Netherlands, to name a few. But we organise students reunions once in a while. Even if it´s sad to see people leave, it also means we have friends everywhere in the word. These connections allow us to travel, to be inspired to study further and even give us a window into job opportunities abroad.
