Double award-winning Charlene unearths creative mojo on production arts course

: Created: 15 July 2019

Amongst them, mother of four, Charlene Francis, 37, from Greenwich has completely reinvigorated her career over the past year by studying the Production Arts Level 3 Diploma. She is now destined to study for a related degree course at Rose Bruford College in September.

Three of Charlene’s children have encountered a number of health conditions since their early years requiring her to leave her job as a professional childcare practitioner to care for them full-time. Soon after, she was faced with the consequence of being dependant on benefits and decided to set up and run her own business from home. Exploring her creative instincts, and using her experience in the childcare profession, Charlene began producing bundles containing nappy cakes, baby socks, flannels, dummies, blankets and toiletries for expectant mothers.

The business became very successful but she soon found it to be too demanding. Because of her family commitments she didn’t feel in the right position to expand and take it further and soon found it very hard to cope. Subsequently, she stopped trading and made the decision to explore returning to education and training - doing something that would enable her to extend her creative skillset and lead her into higher education.

Returning to the College for this month’s London South East Colleges Student Awards 2019 Ceremony in Orpington, Charlene collected her award for Best Adult Student of the Year. She said: “I’m truly honoured to have won this award - my course allowed me to express my individual creativity and learn many new skills as well as gain knowledge of the production arts sector and the kind of careers open to me. I can’t wait to start again at Rose Bruford College and continue my journey towards a whole new career.

“I would recommend this course and this college to anybody who feels like they need a change of direction or wanting to advance their knowledge. I had fantastic tutors and fellow students who have encouraged and inspired me - particularly during the times I have felt under pressure and in need of support. Altogether, this is a great place and brings out the best in everyone. I sincerely hope to pass on all the benefits of further and higher education to others - my own children especially and I want to give something back to the community in the future. It will be my creative footprint.”

Charlene was also the winner of a prestigious CoSLP (Committee of South London Principals) Award in May. She picked up her award at a ceremony in the House of Lords for being a shining example of how it is possible to start new a career as an adult and advance way beyond even your own expectations.

If you think you have what it takes to become a professional actor, set designer, dancer or make-up artist and build a successful career in the theatre or film and TV industries, we’d like to hear from you. We have a great range of courses to get you started. Apply now for September.