UWTSD Graduate promotes and explores accessibility in the arts

Jake Sawyers is a graduate from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s BA Acting course. As a student with a sight impairment, Jake was hesitant to enter higher education, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go to university. He knew he wanted to act and work in the creative industry.

When Jake visited UWTSD’s campus in Carmarthen, he was impressed by the quality of the course, and the community feel of the campus.

Jake said: “The course seemed very practical with plenty of contact hours, something that was essential for me. Living on campus was also a huge plus, I could live independently with the added security of being close to my classes. After college friends and I had offers, I knew UWTSD was right for me.”

Jake met up with the lecturers to discuss his access requirements before he began and said: “They were very accommodating and were very receptive to my individual needs. I achieved things at UWTSD that I never thought I would, for example performing a choreographed sword fight while performing Shakespeare. I’ve always been able to advocate for my needs and having a supportive teaching staff really allowed me to succeed.”

Jake said the BA Acting lecturers helped the students build their acting skill set and succeed.

“I felt like I was close to the teaching staff and that they saw the students as people and not just numbers on a spreadsheet. We had contact hours five days a week and our course of study was extremely varied, from working with script to popular song and dance. The course was very nurturing and my confidence to perform definitely improved during my three years of study.”

As well as the practical performance skills Jake had learned on the course, he also learnt about the work ethic it takes to be a freelance performer. Jake graduated from UWTSD with first class honours and has been working in the creative industry ever since. As well as acting, he has been in regular employment as a workshop leader and an online content creator for BBC Wales.

He’s also made a name for himself as a drag performer – ‘Venetia Blind’ where he educates and entertains the crowds about his sight impairment, and what it’s like to live with the condition. Jake hopes that he can break barriers and stigmas around the ability of disabled people and show that anything is possible whilst performing.

Jake has recently written and starred in a TV comedy pilot for BBC Wales called The i-Word, a scripted comedy following two wannabe influencers, who have set out to become the online world’s favourite inter-abled couple, which is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

He is looking forward to his next exciting project to be held at Theatre Clwyd this spring.

Programme Director for the BA Acting course Lynne Seymour is proud of Jake’s achievements. She said:

“I was lucky enough to work with Jake twice on his BA Acting programme as a freelance director. On both occasions I was not only impressed with his talent and enthusiasm but also his approach to advocating for his own needs regarding his visual impairment. He was a hugely positive personality in the rehearsal rooms and led his cohort through many phases of rehearsal and performance.

“I have been so pleased to see his progress through the industry. He grasps every opportunity with his typical enthusiasm. He is quite a modest person, but I have to say that his achievements not only reflect on his own talent and hard work, but he is also paving a way for other young actors with accessibility needs.  He is not only giving young actors confidence to pursue a career in the creative industries but is also helping to educate companies and practitioners in their inclusivity processes. I can’t wait to follow and celebrate his ongoing journey! ”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07449 998476