Which drama schools have the best nightlife?

I know this question sounds stupid, but I do want to know. I'm going into year 13 soon and have been so stressed about uni recently. I've always planned to go to drama school, acting is one of the only things I've ever felt true passion for, but I am also somewhat upset that I know I won't be getting 'the university experience'.

To any drama school students; what's the nightlife like? is there any? i understand the busy schedule and exhaustion, but do people just straight up not go out? is there any drinking culture?

Any response appriciated! x

Reply 1

TheWord

Original post by Anonymous

I know this question sounds stupid, but I do want to know. I'm going into year 13 soon and have been so stressed about uni recently. I've always planned to go to drama school, acting is one of the only things I've ever felt true passion for, but I am also somewhat upset that I know I won't be getting 'the university experience'.
To any drama school students; what's the nightlife like? is there any? i understand the busy schedule and exhaustion, but do people just straight up not go out? is there any drinking culture?
Any response appriciated! x

Not stupid at all. My daughter is currently doing a foundation course at drama school and she is hanging by the end of the week! It's a much more intensive, full-on experience than university. But they still go out for a drink, especially on Friday, and clubbing at the weekend. I think in London - where there are no campuses and the drama students can easily have an hour's commute either end of the day - it might be different.

Have you thought about going to a university that has a strong drama society and having the best of both world's? Bristol, Durham, York, Manchester, Edinburgh etc I was reading that the actress in "One Day" read English at Durham, did loads of acting for the drama society, and got into the industry that way.

Good luck!

Reply 2

yep:)

Original post by Anonymous

I know this question sounds stupid, but I do want to know. I'm going into year 13 soon and have been so stressed about uni recently. I've always planned to go to drama school, acting is one of the only things I've ever felt true passion for, but I am also somewhat upset that I know I won't be getting 'the university experience'.
To any drama school students; what's the nightlife like? is there any? i understand the busy schedule and exhaustion, but do people just straight up not go out? is there any drinking culture?
Any response appriciated! x

Hey!!

I just finished an undergrad at RWCMD in Cardiff and I am about to do my MA at one of the London drama schools. I think that it depends on what you mean by a 'nightlife.' Whilst I was at RWCMD there was in someways a 'nightlife' but it was generally people hanging out in the SU Bar and listening to the live music that is played by some of the music students. I would say that from my experience at RWCMD and my knowledge of the London drama schools, having a 'nightlife' can be quite difficult especially if there are long commutes or long days of rehearsals.

I would also say that in my experience, people partied HARD in the first term before it settled into the rest of the year. It's quite common, in my opinion, not to see people in the final year (or two for some students) out partying as there is A LOT of practise and self-study time required to be in the performing arts.

I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, but if the lack of a 'nightlife' is worrying you...maybe drama school isn't the right place? It's hard to even have a social life and not get completely burnt out.

I think as far as having the 'university experience' goes, there is a lot more to it than a night-life. There's living with people, studying, learning to do your own laundry etc etc and I think there is still a lot of a 'university experience' that can be enjoyed even at drama school. I remember before I did my undergrad having my mum ask me if this career path was really what I wanted, all the uncertainty but commitment and I remember saying that there is nothing I would love to do more. I suppose it would maybe be good to learn what you love!

I hope some of this doesn't come across too harsh! Best of luck for year 13! :smile: