Gap Year while auditioning for Drama School

Helloo

I'm currently in year 13 doing my a levels and I want to audition for drama schools for 2026 entry during my gap year. Does anyone have any suggestions about courses I could take or other things I could do during the year whilst auditioning that may help me stand a better chance of getting in? I'm currently waiting for my result from NYT but I want to know if there are other things I could do that could help me get ready for next year. I'm planning on applying for BA Acting Degrees mostly as well.

Any suggestions are appreciated thank you! :smile:

Reply 1

mary.sherbet

Original post

by idkhonestly1234

Helloo
I'm currently in year 13 doing my a levels and I want to audition for drama schools for 2026 entry during my gap year. Does anyone have any suggestions about courses I could take or other things I could do during the year whilst auditioning that may help me stand a better chance of getting in? I'm currently waiting for my result from NYT but I want to know if there are other things I could do that could help me get ready for next year. I'm planning on applying for BA Acting Degrees mostly as well.
Any suggestions are appreciated thank you! :smile:

A lot of Drama schools do short courses and summer courses. And audition courses really helped me prep for auditions

Reply 2

Liv125

Original post

by idkhonestly1234

Helloo
I'm currently in year 13 doing my a levels and I want to audition for drama schools for 2026 entry during my gap year. Does anyone have any suggestions about courses I could take or other things I could do during the year whilst auditioning that may help me stand a better chance of getting in? I'm currently waiting for my result from NYT but I want to know if there are other things I could do that could help me get ready for next year. I'm planning on applying for BA Acting Degrees mostly as well.
Any suggestions are appreciated thank you! :smile:

Sorry I'm super late to replying, but if you take another year out, or if anyone else is looking at this post, maybe this can be helpful. I have taken a few gap years so far applying to drama school - Well done for taking that step! Most people give up after the first rejection.

I have worked (Definitely important because you need to pay for any courses you do, and also save up for your BA. Drama schools actually like to hear/see you've been working as well, as it shows maturity and also initiative; They see you are independent and thinking about things rather than just asking your parents for even more money.)

I would suggest against doing a foundation course, but this is completely your decision and may be a great choice for you! The general belief amongst drama school students, however, is that foundation courses can be a waste of time and more of a money making scheme than a useful course to you. I would suggest finding short courses by the drama schools, or part time courses. There are some great short courses at CSSD, including a gap year acting diploma (Closest thing to a foundation without the fluff) and an acting diploma (Aimed at older students during week evenings). They also have some 1 week short courses so definitely look into those!
There are also lots of other classes that aren't with a drama school, it's just about finding them. I studied Meisner and it was definitely a brilliant thing for me to do as I've improved so much.

Be an extra. This one isn't that helpful but starts getting you to do related work and can be something cool to talk about in the interview/look proactive on your Personal statement.

Develop a skill. do courses that might not be "acting courses".
Side note; I'm currently learning about deducting tax expenses as an actor - look into this as if it's possible to deduct the expense of doing a course, it could save you hundreds.

Be as prepared as possible for the next application, don't wait until last minute to submit. I was at a recall the other day and the staff were discussing how they had so many applications, however they begin offering places before they've seen everyone's because "They did say that it was better to submit early".
Finally, have fun! Drama schools like to hear you've been living life and enjoying yourself. A common question is to talk about yourself - interests/personality/fun facts - in ways that don't relate to acting.

Good luck and I hope all goes well with your applications this year! :smile:

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