Interview with Alumnae Catriona Reid

After leaving Pipers in 2022, we have been so pleased to welcome back Catriona Reid who has joined our Drama Department until the Easter Holidays. Cat has worked in the Film/TV industry since leaving Pipers and will very soon be starting her new job as a Set Production Assistant on a Detective series.

In our interview below, Cat tells us about her time at Pipers, her current work experience and what advice she would offer to students who are unsure of where they want to go after they leave School.

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What was your experience of Pipers while you were in School?

Myself and my twin sister Lizzie joined in Year 6. I remember it feeling easy to transition from Year 6 to Year 7 as I already felt used to the School by that point, and it felt like less of a jump. I remember the excitement of seeing the Arts Centre being built which was a big inspiration for me. A happy place for both of us.

What did you study for A Levels and were you involved in many clubs?

I studied English Literature, Drama and Dance and was heavily involved with Pipers Radio during Sixth Form. I also did LAMDA and took part in Dance Clubs.

Did you know during your A Levels what you wanted to do after leaving Pipers?

I was quite indecisive while I was doing my A Levels. I loved English and creative writing, I also loved the idea of being a Dance teacher, but I also knew I wanted to be in Film/TV. What I was sure of was that University wasn’t the right option for me, and it felt like comfortable decision to make.

What have you done since leaving Pipers?

After leaving, I decided writing was something I wanted to continue in my own time, so I started writing a book! I pursued working in Film/TV and tried to reach out to make contacts in the industry. I am grateful to have been able to get my foot in the door quite quickly. I have since been a Production Assistant (PA) working on productions for Disney, (such as the second season of Star Wars: Andor and a little bit on the upcoming Snow White), a couple of Netflix series and the BBC. I have been so fortunate to have got the exposure this early in my career.

With the industry being very fast-paced, I needed to adapt and learn quickly, most of the time on my own. I had to be ready to work long days, have flexible working hours (including working nights) and be available at the drop of a hat. I gained a lot of maturity at Pipers and was used to the hard work associated with our School Productions, so I was ready for this, and I learned so much. I even had my 19^th birthday on set! It’s rushed and frantic, I love it.

What drew you to returning to Pipers?

A lot of filming in the industry happens during the Summer as the Winter months aren't a popular time of year. I’ve always been very fond of the Drama department here and not forgotten my great relationship with the Director of Drama Ms Spencer. It felt easy to come back and I feel very lucky. It still throws me that I can call her by her first name but I’m loving being back as a member of staff and being around the Arts Centre again, it’s my happy place. I’d love to come back again if they’ll have me!

Do you have any advice for students who are unsure of their next steps after A Level?

It comes down to who you are as a person and what your passions are. If you know you want to be a Doctor for instance, the University route is the way you need to go down. People may want the extra three or four years of University experience to gain more independence and live on their own before finding full time work, and that’s fine!

In my experience, I knew that there were a lot of aspects of University life that wouldn’t click for me, so I needed to look at other options available such as Apprenticeships. I was lucky to find a job that I was passionate about, where I could learn by doing and I didn’t need a University degree.

Don’t be afraid to look at these options and you will get full support for it at Pipers.

What will be the next step for you?

I plan on progressing up the Assistant Director chain. I’m unsure about whether or not I want to be a Director yet or a first AD, but I’m really enjoying the process and I won’t know until I try it! I’m excited about the multiple opportunities available to me for smaller and even larger scale productions.