Good enough for drama school??
I'm thinking about applying to drama school, do you think it would be worth it as i dont have much experience and i'm still in full time education, i heard many schools don't take pupils straight from school. i know there is a high chance i might be rejected so do i still apply?
One of my best friends has just started Italia Conti and she's just gone straight from school after doing her gcses, eventhough shes been doing it for years.
I think you should go for it. The worst that's gonna happen is you get rejected but you can apply again next year, and you'll be in the same boat as a lot of people if you do. Can I ask where you're thinking of applying to?
I think you should go for it. The worst that's gonna happen is you get rejected but you can apply again next year, and you'll be in the same boat as a lot of people if you do. Can I ask where you're thinking of applying to?
Whoever applies to drama school, regardless of experience and age... the odds are against you but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
My concern lies in what you deem 'little experience'. If you'd had little experience, how do you know drama school is the place for you? Also, a wealth of experience proves your interest in the field. I applied to Drama School straight after school after what I thought was plenty of experience to confirm its what I wanted to do (had performed and directed plenty of plays at various venues, taught and performed internationally). Even though I got offered a place, after doing a two week residential course in London two weeks before starting drama school I realised it wasn't the right thing for me and so withdrew.
If its absolutely something you want, be prepared to work HARD for it. Yes, people do get into drama school straight after school but many don't - and it can take years to be accepted. A guy I taught over the summer got a place at LAMDA straight from school but it doesn't mean everyone does.
My concern lies in what you deem 'little experience'. If you'd had little experience, how do you know drama school is the place for you? Also, a wealth of experience proves your interest in the field. I applied to Drama School straight after school after what I thought was plenty of experience to confirm its what I wanted to do (had performed and directed plenty of plays at various venues, taught and performed internationally). Even though I got offered a place, after doing a two week residential course in London two weeks before starting drama school I realised it wasn't the right thing for me and so withdrew.
If its absolutely something you want, be prepared to work HARD for it. Yes, people do get into drama school straight after school but many don't - and it can take years to be accepted. A guy I taught over the summer got a place at LAMDA straight from school but it doesn't mean everyone does.
From an education perspective, it's definitely better to get your A-Levels first as a back up plan.
As far as drama schools themselves are concerned, it's all down to talent.
I see you're from Upper Norwood... look at the Brit School!
Straight acting... off the top of my head for places like Central, Mountview, Rose Bruford etc you need A-Levels because most of those courses are either BA degrees or post 18 courses.
If you're looking at musical theatre, you need to be a strong triple threat performer, places like Laine Theatre Arts, Italia Conti, Arts Educational etc do post 16 BTEC courses.
Also, places like The Centre and Italia Conti appear to be less fussy about triple threats these days and therefor if you're strong in one area but not in others, they do try to cater to your needs.
These places all require you to pay ridiculous fees, except maybe the BA courses where I assume you can get funding.
Scholarships are known as DaDas and you really have to knock it out of the ballpark at your scholarship audition - the competition for those is outstanding.
The BRIT School is a free performing arts school, it teaches Years 10-13 with intakes in Year 10 and Year 12. I also believe they have a straight acting strand.
As far as drama schools themselves are concerned, it's all down to talent.
I see you're from Upper Norwood... look at the Brit School!
Straight acting... off the top of my head for places like Central, Mountview, Rose Bruford etc you need A-Levels because most of those courses are either BA degrees or post 18 courses.
If you're looking at musical theatre, you need to be a strong triple threat performer, places like Laine Theatre Arts, Italia Conti, Arts Educational etc do post 16 BTEC courses.
Also, places like The Centre and Italia Conti appear to be less fussy about triple threats these days and therefor if you're strong in one area but not in others, they do try to cater to your needs.
These places all require you to pay ridiculous fees, except maybe the BA courses where I assume you can get funding.
Scholarships are known as DaDas and you really have to knock it out of the ballpark at your scholarship audition - the competition for those is outstanding.
The BRIT School is a free performing arts school, it teaches Years 10-13 with intakes in Year 10 and Year 12. I also believe they have a straight acting strand.
Re: purpleberry
im thinking of applying to lamda,rada and central, i would apply to guildhall aswell but i cnt afford it
re: karamel rose
i know that i want to become a professional actress, and even with little experience i know that drama school is the way to go if i want to achieve this. i will be taking private tuition -from october 2nd- with an acting tutor who graduated from rada, but its only an hour a week
re:jd1411
i thought about going to brit school but im in year 13 so its too late
im thinking of applying to lamda,rada and central, i would apply to guildhall aswell but i cnt afford it
re: karamel rose
i know that i want to become a professional actress, and even with little experience i know that drama school is the way to go if i want to achieve this. i will be taking private tuition -from october 2nd- with an acting tutor who graduated from rada, but its only an hour a week
re:jd1411
i thought about going to brit school but im in year 13 so its too late
(edited 14 years ago)
You'll never know unless you try! Realistically, most people that make it into drama school have tried at least once before and been rejected, so what I would say is don't take the decision lightly and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Another important point is that it's ridiculously expensive to audition (it varies between £30 - £50 per institution) so you want to make sure you've got your money's worth by knowing that you've done your best and havent gone into it unprepared.
You need to have a thick skin, as the process is pretty harsh; at Central last year there were easily 150 of us and only 14 were kept back for the 2nd round!
Another important point is that it's ridiculously expensive to audition (it varies between £30 - £50 per institution) so you want to make sure you've got your money's worth by knowing that you've done your best and havent gone into it unprepared.
You need to have a thick skin, as the process is pretty harsh; at Central last year there were easily 150 of us and only 14 were kept back for the 2nd round!
Chulabomb
You'll never know unless you try! Realistically, most people that make it into drama school have tried at least once before and been rejected, so what I would say is don't take the decision lightly and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Another important point is that it's ridiculously expensive to audition (it varies between £30 - £50 per institution) so you want to make sure you've got your money's worth by knowing that you've done your best and havent gone into it unprepared.
You need to have a thick skin, as the process is pretty harsh; at Central last year there were easily 150 of us and only 14 were kept back for the 2nd round!
Another important point is that it's ridiculously expensive to audition (it varies between £30 - £50 per institution) so you want to make sure you've got your money's worth by knowing that you've done your best and havent gone into it unprepared.
You need to have a thick skin, as the process is pretty harsh; at Central last year there were easily 150 of us and only 14 were kept back for the 2nd round!
thnx
You seem pretty determined, and even if you are rejected you're just getting oodles of audition experience, which in the grand scheme of things is a skill which just can't be replicated in a classroom and can be many people's stumbling block. So sure, go for it, but speak to people around you as to just how many to apply for.
I have A-Levels and a BTEC, along with extra-curricular experience and really I see drama school as my way to 'make it' successfully, but I've been advised to only apply to 2 drama schools, and then 3 uni courses with UCAS. I think it's important to stay realistic, but even that can be a little naive, like people have said it's competitive and at times brutal, you don't want your application process to put you off acting completely. But good luck
I have A-Levels and a BTEC, along with extra-curricular experience and really I see drama school as my way to 'make it' successfully, but I've been advised to only apply to 2 drama schools, and then 3 uni courses with UCAS. I think it's important to stay realistic, but even that can be a little naive, like people have said it's competitive and at times brutal, you don't want your application process to put you off acting completely. But good luck
Firstly I commend you for looking to pursue a more vocational training and if it's your belief and passion that drives you then GO FOR IT!
To concede with everyone else though, it is neither the easiest process to go through nor the most profitable career choice. If you're willing to bear the slings of constant criticism and long periods of unemployment then you're making the right choice.
I personally know how difficult it is to secure a place at a drama college. it was only in my 3rd yr of attempting that I was offered a place at ‘Mountview Academy’ for BA Musical Theatre. As I’m sure you know though this training is also a costly one and without a ‘DADA’ award near impossible for those of unprivileged backgrounds to attend.
I am one of those people and therefore had to defer my entry in a bid to raise the fee’s. After 3 yrs of hard work it was a massive punch in the stomach to finally achieve my goal and have it taken away again. This however is not the case for all drama schools and the more acting led courses i.e RADA, LAMDA, Central are all student loan funded.
When it comes to the drama school audition circuit It is expensive but I’d say audition as many places as possible so you get a real feel for what institute would suit you best and gaining experience. It's all a game and knowing how to pander to the panels needs is how you get in. You really have to do your research into every school because they will each be looking for different qualities which you need to bring to your audition pieces.
What I’ve found is that courses aren’t looking for a perfect performance or a finished product but potential. Also that if you don’t get in on your first attempt it’s more often to do with your face than it is your talent. I know plenty of not so talented individuals on drama schools courses but what they lack in talent they more than make up for in attractive and versatile facial or body features.
Why? Because this is a looks driven industry whereby an agent or director will judge you on your headshot before you are even given the chance to show what you can do. In this vein try and find someone like a director who will give you honest feedback on how he thinks your ‘look’ would be perceived for acting jobs so that you can pick appropriate audition pieces that would show you’re not one of the hundred other disillusioned auditionee’s dreaming of playing the lead.
I however have no comprehension of your physical features so if indeed someone deems you as leading female quality then your employability rate has just gone up! Perhaps they already have someone with similar features, build or hair colour? Reasons as fickle as these as well as what time of the year you apply to how a judge is feeling on a particular day can all effect your potential entry onto the course.
In contrast to the perceived notion that life experience is a pre-requisite of an offer, there are a stream of school leavers with inexperience who get offered places because to a panel they are less 'affected' and therefore easily mouldable. You have to go in and sell YOU. Don’t try and recreate anyone else’s performance of a piece you may have seen or be someone you're not. You have to reveal who you are as a person and how YOU approach text because in the eyes of a panel if you’re not unique then you’re easily replaceable.
Finally, if you are certain that a purely practical training is what you desire and you’re unsuccessful in your first year then don’t be dissuaded. There are a range of foundation courses now offered by most accredited drama schools with high success rates. These courses are designed specifically for individuals looking to gain entry onto a full time BA course and a great way of diversifying your skills whilst showing a commitment to your craft. So perhaps look into applying for one or two of these as a backup?
Sorry this is so epic, I just know the strain involved with the whole horror of auditioning but it seriously is worth it when you get that acceptance letter.
If you have any more specific questions let me know and good luck
To concede with everyone else though, it is neither the easiest process to go through nor the most profitable career choice. If you're willing to bear the slings of constant criticism and long periods of unemployment then you're making the right choice.
I personally know how difficult it is to secure a place at a drama college. it was only in my 3rd yr of attempting that I was offered a place at ‘Mountview Academy’ for BA Musical Theatre. As I’m sure you know though this training is also a costly one and without a ‘DADA’ award near impossible for those of unprivileged backgrounds to attend.
I am one of those people and therefore had to defer my entry in a bid to raise the fee’s. After 3 yrs of hard work it was a massive punch in the stomach to finally achieve my goal and have it taken away again. This however is not the case for all drama schools and the more acting led courses i.e RADA, LAMDA, Central are all student loan funded.
When it comes to the drama school audition circuit It is expensive but I’d say audition as many places as possible so you get a real feel for what institute would suit you best and gaining experience. It's all a game and knowing how to pander to the panels needs is how you get in. You really have to do your research into every school because they will each be looking for different qualities which you need to bring to your audition pieces.
What I’ve found is that courses aren’t looking for a perfect performance or a finished product but potential. Also that if you don’t get in on your first attempt it’s more often to do with your face than it is your talent. I know plenty of not so talented individuals on drama schools courses but what they lack in talent they more than make up for in attractive and versatile facial or body features.
Why? Because this is a looks driven industry whereby an agent or director will judge you on your headshot before you are even given the chance to show what you can do. In this vein try and find someone like a director who will give you honest feedback on how he thinks your ‘look’ would be perceived for acting jobs so that you can pick appropriate audition pieces that would show you’re not one of the hundred other disillusioned auditionee’s dreaming of playing the lead.
I however have no comprehension of your physical features so if indeed someone deems you as leading female quality then your employability rate has just gone up! Perhaps they already have someone with similar features, build or hair colour? Reasons as fickle as these as well as what time of the year you apply to how a judge is feeling on a particular day can all effect your potential entry onto the course.
In contrast to the perceived notion that life experience is a pre-requisite of an offer, there are a stream of school leavers with inexperience who get offered places because to a panel they are less 'affected' and therefore easily mouldable. You have to go in and sell YOU. Don’t try and recreate anyone else’s performance of a piece you may have seen or be someone you're not. You have to reveal who you are as a person and how YOU approach text because in the eyes of a panel if you’re not unique then you’re easily replaceable.
Finally, if you are certain that a purely practical training is what you desire and you’re unsuccessful in your first year then don’t be dissuaded. There are a range of foundation courses now offered by most accredited drama schools with high success rates. These courses are designed specifically for individuals looking to gain entry onto a full time BA course and a great way of diversifying your skills whilst showing a commitment to your craft. So perhaps look into applying for one or two of these as a backup?
Sorry this is so epic, I just know the strain involved with the whole horror of auditioning but it seriously is worth it when you get that acceptance letter.
If you have any more specific questions let me know and good luck
(edited 14 years ago)
I auditioned for drama schools when I was in year 13 and was offered a place at several insitutions (all on the BA Acting course); Mounview, ALRA, ArtsEd, Oxford School of Drama, Italia Conti and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
I am living proof that you can enter drama school straight from school. I believe you just need a certain level of emotional maturity which leads to a mature handling of text.
Good luck!
I am living proof that you can enter drama school straight from school. I believe you just need a certain level of emotional maturity which leads to a mature handling of text.
Good luck!
hi.
i have sent my audition DVD about 2 weeks ago. SO should i just give up on the idea of getting there. And how many students do they exept?
i have sent my audition DVD about 2 weeks ago. SO should i just give up on the idea of getting there. And how many students do they exept?
Original post by Gsaker
I auditioned for drama schools when I was in year 13 and was offered a place at several insitutions (all on the BA Acting course); Mounview, ALRA, ArtsEd, Oxford School of Drama, Italia Conti and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
I am living proof that you can enter drama school straight from school. I believe you just need a certain level of emotional maturity which leads to a mature handling of text.
Good luck!
I am living proof that you can enter drama school straight from school. I believe you just need a certain level of emotional maturity which leads to a mature handling of text.
Good luck!
That is absolutely incredible!!! How did you manage that? How did you prepare and how long have you been performing for?
Original post by Human Cadenza
Firstly I commend you for looking to pursue a more vocational training and if it's your belief and passion that drives you then GO FOR IT!
To concede with everyone else though, it is neither the easiest process to go through nor the most profitable career choice. If you're willing to bear the slings of constant criticism and long periods of unemployment then you're making the right choice.
I personally know how difficult it is to secure a place at a drama college. it was only in my 3rd yr of attempting that I was offered a place at ‘Mountview Academy’ for BA Musical Theatre. As I’m sure you know though this training is also a costly one and without a ‘DADA’ award near impossible for those of unprivileged backgrounds to attend.
I am one of those people and therefore had to defer my entry in a bid to raise the fee’s. After 3 yrs of hard work it was a massive punch in the stomach to finally achieve my goal and have it taken away again. This however is not the case for all drama schools and the more acting led courses i.e RADA, LAMDA, Central are all student loan funded.
When it comes to the drama school audition circuit It is expensive but I’d say audition as many places as possible so you get a real feel for what institute would suit you best and gaining experience. It's all a game and knowing how to pander to the panels needs is how you get in. You really have to do your research into every school because they will each be looking for different qualities which you need to bring to your audition pieces.
What I’ve found is that courses aren’t looking for a perfect performance or a finished product but potential. Also that if you don’t get in on your first attempt it’s more often to do with your face than it is your talent. I know plenty of not so talented individuals on drama schools courses but what they lack in talent they more than make up for in attractive and versatile facial or body features.
Why? Because this is a looks driven industry whereby an agent or director will judge you on your headshot before you are even given the chance to show what you can do. In this vein try and find someone like a director who will give you honest feedback on how he thinks your ‘look’ would be perceived for acting jobs so that you can pick appropriate audition pieces that would show you’re not one of the hundred other disillusioned auditionee’s dreaming of playing the lead.
I however have no comprehension of your physical features so if indeed someone deems you as leading female quality then your employability rate has just gone up! Perhaps they already have someone with similar features, build or hair colour? Reasons as fickle as these as well as what time of the year you apply to how a judge is feeling on a particular day can all effect your potential entry onto the course.
In contrast to the perceived notion that life experience is a pre-requisite of an offer, there are a stream of school leavers with inexperience who get offered places because to a panel they are less 'affected' and therefore easily mouldable. You have to go in and sell YOU. Don’t try and recreate anyone else’s performance of a piece you may have seen or be someone you're not. You have to reveal who you are as a person and how YOU approach text because in the eyes of a panel if you’re not unique then you’re easily replaceable.
Finally, if you are certain that a purely practical training is what you desire and you’re unsuccessful in your first year then don’t be dissuaded. There are a range of foundation courses now offered by most accredited drama schools with high success rates. These courses are designed specifically for individuals looking to gain entry onto a full time BA course and a great way of diversifying your skills whilst showing a commitment to your craft. So perhaps look into applying for one or two of these as a backup?
Sorry this is so epic, I just know the strain involved with the whole horror of auditioning but it seriously is worth it when you get that acceptance letter.
If you have any more specific questions let me know and good luck
To concede with everyone else though, it is neither the easiest process to go through nor the most profitable career choice. If you're willing to bear the slings of constant criticism and long periods of unemployment then you're making the right choice.
I personally know how difficult it is to secure a place at a drama college. it was only in my 3rd yr of attempting that I was offered a place at ‘Mountview Academy’ for BA Musical Theatre. As I’m sure you know though this training is also a costly one and without a ‘DADA’ award near impossible for those of unprivileged backgrounds to attend.
I am one of those people and therefore had to defer my entry in a bid to raise the fee’s. After 3 yrs of hard work it was a massive punch in the stomach to finally achieve my goal and have it taken away again. This however is not the case for all drama schools and the more acting led courses i.e RADA, LAMDA, Central are all student loan funded.
When it comes to the drama school audition circuit It is expensive but I’d say audition as many places as possible so you get a real feel for what institute would suit you best and gaining experience. It's all a game and knowing how to pander to the panels needs is how you get in. You really have to do your research into every school because they will each be looking for different qualities which you need to bring to your audition pieces.
What I’ve found is that courses aren’t looking for a perfect performance or a finished product but potential. Also that if you don’t get in on your first attempt it’s more often to do with your face than it is your talent. I know plenty of not so talented individuals on drama schools courses but what they lack in talent they more than make up for in attractive and versatile facial or body features.
Why? Because this is a looks driven industry whereby an agent or director will judge you on your headshot before you are even given the chance to show what you can do. In this vein try and find someone like a director who will give you honest feedback on how he thinks your ‘look’ would be perceived for acting jobs so that you can pick appropriate audition pieces that would show you’re not one of the hundred other disillusioned auditionee’s dreaming of playing the lead.
I however have no comprehension of your physical features so if indeed someone deems you as leading female quality then your employability rate has just gone up! Perhaps they already have someone with similar features, build or hair colour? Reasons as fickle as these as well as what time of the year you apply to how a judge is feeling on a particular day can all effect your potential entry onto the course.
In contrast to the perceived notion that life experience is a pre-requisite of an offer, there are a stream of school leavers with inexperience who get offered places because to a panel they are less 'affected' and therefore easily mouldable. You have to go in and sell YOU. Don’t try and recreate anyone else’s performance of a piece you may have seen or be someone you're not. You have to reveal who you are as a person and how YOU approach text because in the eyes of a panel if you’re not unique then you’re easily replaceable.
Finally, if you are certain that a purely practical training is what you desire and you’re unsuccessful in your first year then don’t be dissuaded. There are a range of foundation courses now offered by most accredited drama schools with high success rates. These courses are designed specifically for individuals looking to gain entry onto a full time BA course and a great way of diversifying your skills whilst showing a commitment to your craft. So perhaps look into applying for one or two of these as a backup?
Sorry this is so epic, I just know the strain involved with the whole horror of auditioning but it seriously is worth it when you get that acceptance letter.
If you have any more specific questions let me know and good luck
this is definitely the most helpful piece of advice I could get about auditioning! Thanks a lot !!
Original post by Gsaker
I auditioned for drama schools when I was in year 13 and was offered a place at several insitutions (all on the BA Acting course); Mounview, ALRA, ArtsEd, Oxford School of Drama, Italia Conti and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
I am living proof that you can enter drama school straight from school. I believe you just need a certain level of emotional maturity which leads to a mature handling of text.
Good luck!
I am living proof that you can enter drama school straight from school. I believe you just need a certain level of emotional maturity which leads to a mature handling of text.
Good luck!
thats amazing! hearing other people’s success stories makes me feel lots more confident and motivated (:
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