Graduate Story | Lucy S: 13 Years at Harrow Beijing, Chasing Dreams at New York’s Theatre Hall of Fame

Under the dazzling stage lights, every role carries an actor’s dreams and perseverance, serving as both an avenue for self-expression and a means of exploring the world.

This fall, Lucy S, a 2025 graduate of Harrow Beijing, will embark on her theatrical journey at one of the world’s most prestigious art schools—NYU Tisch School of the Arts. From Year 1 in Harrow Beijing Early Years to New York’s theatrical stage, her 13 years at Harrow Beijing have been not only an academic journey but also a testament to her unwavering passion and exploration of the arts. How has this journey shaped an aspiring theatre artist who is about to step onto the international stage?

Lucy S
2025 Graduate of Harrow Beijing

As one of the most renowned drama schools in the world, NYU Tisch School of the Arts ranked second globally (first in the U.S.) in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 rankings of the world’s top drama schools. Tisch has nurtured numerous filmmakers and performing artists, including Oscar-winning directors Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese, as well as global music icon Lady Gaga.

Lucy chose NYU Tisch not only for its globally acclaimed theatre education but also because it perfectly aligns with her understanding of performance. Growing up in an artistic environment, she was deeply involved behind the scenes of musicals, concerts, and film productions, where she experienced the true essence of art—immersion. 

To her, acting is not merely playing a role; it is a way to understand the world and explore human nature. During the time she studied in Harrow beijing,  by portraying different characters, she has gained insight into diverse life stories, broadened her horizons, and learned to navigate real-world challenges. Thus, when she decided to apply for her subject for bachelor degree, NYU Tisch became her top choice. There, she will not only receive world-class drama training but also collaborate with talented theatre students from around the globe, growing through artistic exchanges.

For Lucy, her journey in drama began the moment she first stepped onto the stage at Harrow Beijing. Her performance as the lead role of Dorothy in the school production of The Wizard of Oz, where she truly felt the magic of acting. From that moment on, Lucy went on to star in major school productions over the years, including Annie, Guys and Dolls, and West Side Story. The opportunities provided by Harrow Beijing allowed her to grow in a vibrant artistic environment and gain valuable experience along the way.

LAMDA
Paving the Path to Her Dream

LAMDA, the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, is one of the oldest drama schools in the UK and worldwide. LAMDA examinations are globally recognized in the fields of speech, drama, communication, and performance. Harrow Beijing has been a LAMDA Learning Centre and examination venue for 11 years. LAMDA courses and instruction have long been a distinctive feature of our education. Many of our outstanding graduates who have been admitted to top universities in the UK and the US have expressed that their LAMDA experience has been incredibly beneficial to them.

Harrow Beijing offers a variety of LAMDA courses, including Public Speaking, Poetry and Prose, Acting, Musical Theatre, Shakespeare Qualification, and Performance Studies. These courses provide students with an authentic British educational experience, fostering their overall development and equipping them with essential skills for their future paths. Lucy also stated that the LAMDA training she received at Harrow Beijing played a crucial role in helping her successfully pass the rigorous interview and audition process at New York University.

“The audition was extremely demanding, requiring me to perform two monologues and undergo an interview. I had completed multiple LAMDA exams, including musical theatre, drama, and Shakespeare certifications, and I had also worked as a LAMDA drama tutor. These experiences provided me with a repertoire of performances spanning different characters, genders, historical periods, and age groups. This made selecting audition pieces much easier—I could directly use monologues I had previously prepared for LAMDA exams.”

“LAMDA training helped me delve deeper into character development. For instance, when obtaining my Level 3 LAMDA Shakespeare Certificate, I had to adapt a Shakespearean scene to a modern dystopian setting. This was a significant challenge, requiring me to thoroughly study the original script and character, research modern socio-political contexts, and integrate these elements into classical texts. Additionally, I had to engage in an improvised in-character dialogue during the exam, blending Shakespearean characterization with a contemporary setting. This experience pushed my acting abilities to new heights and expanded my theatrical boundaries.” 

Harrow Beijing’s Academic Environment & Support

If Lucy had to describe Harrow Beijing in three words, she would choose Vibrant, Rigorous, and Holistic. Beyond theatre, Harrow’s holistic education philosophy has profoundly shaped her growth. She has not only excelled academically but has also actively participated in leadership programs, serving as Head Girl and House Captain, which significantly enhanced her skills in team management, public speaking, and decision-making.

“At Harrow Beijing, learning extends beyond the classroom. I learned to think independently, collaborate within a team, and express my voice through theatre. In Sixth Form, my teachers granted me great freedom while providing strong support, allowing me to balance my artistic and academic pursuits.”

During her university application process, Harrow Beijing’s University and Careers Guidance Counsellor team provided Lucy with invaluable guidance. As a student applying to U.S. universities, she had to complete the Common App personal statement along with multiple supplemental essays for different institutions. Ms. Yvette Huang, her university counselor, arranged frequent meetings to discuss essay ideas, refine her writing, and ensure her application materials were polished.

“As a theatre applicant, I had to prepare not only essays but also a portfolio, acting résumé, interviews, and audition materials. My counselor helped me select the right monologues, provided valuable theatre resources, and gave comprehensive feedback. Additionally, in Year 12, I attended the Cherubs Program at Northwestern University’s National High School Institute for Theatre Arts. My counselor supported me throughout the application process, from essay revisions to program selection. Through this program, I had the opportunity to study with professional actors, take an absurdist theatre course taught by an NYU professor, and even learn voice and movement techniques from a Broadway Les Misérables cast member. These experiences gave me a broader understanding of theatre and the performing arts.”

Stay committed to your passion

When speaking about her passion for the arts, Lucy shared that her studies and stage performances at Harrow Beijing were not only the foundation of her artistic journey but also the accumulation of invaluable theatrical experience. More importantly, they became the strongest support in helping her gain admission to NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Lucy firmly believes that as long as she stays committed to her passion, even greater stages await her.

When asked what advice she would give to students aspiring to study performing arts, Lucy said: “During my 13 years at Harrow Beijing, I have come to realize that acting is not just about performing on stage—it is about developing a profound understanding of the world. For me, every role in the school productions was a brand-new challenge and a journey of self-exploration. If you are passionate about acting, stay dedicated. Take every opportunity to refine your craft through school activities and continuously strive for improvement. I hope every Harrow student follows their heart, finds their passion, perseveres, and ultimately turns their dreams into reality.”

Lucy’s story is more than just an impressive college application success—it is a tale of passion, perseverance, and courage. Her 13 years at Harrow Beijing have shaped her into a theatre artist with a global perspective and a powerful artistic voice. May all Harrow students bravely pursue their dreams and shine on their own stages!