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Stuck doing STEM subjects despite wanting to go into Acting

I've made a post before in relation to this before but just to give context:
I'm currently doing A Level Maths, Physics and Computer Science, to which I haven't had much motivation to revise for (except for Physics which I slightly enjoy) over the past year.
I'm going off to year 13 next year and I've had an epiphany, deciding that I want to persue what I've dreamed for ever since I was young and go into acting for uni and as a overall career.
However, despite my teacher's advice to repeat the year and do acting related subjects, I still want to remain and move on to year 13.
Is there anyone else in a similar situation that made it work out? Did you have to do a foundation year? How was the application for University like? I need help!
I don't think you necessarily need any specific A-level subjects to pursue a career in acting. I anticipate auditions are more important (for either work or a degree, although equally I don't think you need a drama degree to be a successful actor).

Reply 2

Original post
by artful_lounger
I don't think you necessarily need any specific A-level subjects to pursue a career in acting. I anticipate auditions are more important (for either work or a degree, although equally I don't think you need a drama degree to be a successful actor).


Is there anyway I could get more expirience for auditions? I have done plays in school before but I’m looking to get as much expirience in acting and auditioning as possible

I’ve also seen people say that drama schools are better than doing acting in uni, but they’re very competitive. Would it be too late to start applying now?

Reply 3

Original post
by ppyanzy
I've made a post before in relation to this before but just to give context:
I'm currently doing A Level Maths, Physics and Computer Science, to which I haven't had much motivation to revise for (except for Physics which I slightly enjoy) over the past year.
I'm going off to year 13 next year and I've had an epiphany, deciding that I want to persue what I've dreamed for ever since I was young and go into acting for uni and as a overall career.
However, despite my teacher's advice to repeat the year and do acting related subjects, I still want to remain and move on to year 13.
Is there anyone else in a similar situation that made it work out? Did you have to do a foundation year? How was the application for University like? I need help!

If you 'want to be an actor' then go to Drama School and not a University.
Uni degrees do not train actors, and are more theoretical/academic - a Drama School course (Central, RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall etc) will actually train you as a performer. And Agents, Directors etc recruit from Drama Schools, not University courses.

Reply 4

Original post
by McGinger
If you 'want to be an actor' then go to Drama School and not a University.
Uni degrees do not train actors, and are more theoretical/academic - a Drama School course (Central, RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall etc) will actually train you as a performer. And Agents, Directors etc recruit from Drama Schools, not University courses.


How is the application process for a Drama School done? I’ve heard it’s very competitive so I’m not sure how

Reply 5

Original post
by ppyanzy
How is the application process for a Drama School done? I’ve heard it’s very competitive so I’m not sure how

It isnt anymore competitive than applying for Uni. Some Drama School use UCAS, others require a direct application. Check the websites.

Reply 6

Original post
by McGinger
It isnt anymore competitive than applying for Uni. Some Drama School use UCAS, others require a direct application. Check the websites.


okay last question not to bother, do they have some form of foundation course like in uni? I imagine not doing acting related subjects would be a major hold back so I wouldn’t be surprised if I’d need to do one, but idk if acting schools provide something similar to thatz

Reply 7

Or - if you dont feel confident enough at the moment to apply for Drama School, look at taking a Level 3 or Level 4 Performance course at a local college between school and applying - examples
UAL Performing & Production Arts Diploma Level 3 (Acting) - BMet
Performance: Acting/Performing Arts - Level 4 Professional Diploma (UAL) - CCC
OR many Drama Schools offer part time/weekend/summer classes
Evening and Online Courses | The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Summer School! - ArtsEd
Original post
by ppyanzy
Is there anyway I could get more expirience for auditions? I have done plays in school before but I’m looking to get as much expirience in acting and auditioning as possible

I’ve also seen people say that drama schools are better than doing acting in uni, but they’re very competitive. Would it be too late to start applying now?

I would assume it's just a case of doing more performance work whenever you can - do plays etc whenever given the opportunity and get involved in any other opportunities for performance related things.

Take a gap year and do community theatre or summer stock theatre if you don't have much experience yet. If need be start with backstage stuff and work up to performance work maybe.

Reply 9

Original post
by ppyanzy
I've made a post before in relation to this before but just to give context:
I'm currently doing A Level Maths, Physics and Computer Science, to which I haven't had much motivation to revise for (except for Physics which I slightly enjoy) over the past year.
I'm going off to year 13 next year and I've had an epiphany, deciding that I want to persue what I've dreamed for ever since I was young and go into acting for uni and as a overall career.
However, despite my teacher's advice to repeat the year and do acting related subjects, I still want to remain and move on to year 13.
Is there anyone else in a similar situation that made it work out? Did you have to do a foundation year? How was the application for University like? I need help!

Hi there,

one of my friends wanted to do acting and dance but ultimately did a degree in psychology, and got work as an extra in shows such as sex education and movies such as mission impossible during her degree.

I would suggest going a school that specifically specializes in acting and picking up work as an extra to get something on your CV - it is surprisingly easy to get into!

Kind regards, Jenifer (kingston rep)

Reply 10

Original post
by Kingston Jenifer
Hi there,
one of my friends wanted to do acting and dance but ultimately did a degree in psychology, and got work as an extra in shows such as sex education and movies such as mission impossible during her degree.
I would suggest going a school that specifically specializes in acting and picking up work as an extra to get something on your CV - it is surprisingly easy to get into!
Kind regards, Jenifer (kingston rep)


how do you find opportunities? Ive looked online and its almost impossible

Reply 11

Original post
by Kingston Jenifer
Hi there,
one of my friends wanted to do acting and dance but ultimately did a degree in psychology, and got work as an extra in shows such as sex education and movies such as mission impossible during her degree.
I would suggest going a school that specifically specializes in acting and picking up work as an extra to get something on your CV - it is surprisingly easy to get into!
Kind regards, Jenifer (kingston rep)


Also in regards to schools that specialize in acting, you mean acting schools right? Do you know if they do accommodations similar to uni?

Reply 12

Original post
by ppyanzy
Also in regards to schools that specialize in acting, you mean acting schools right? Do you know if they do accommodations similar to uni?

this is not more forte! From what I hear through the grape vine via my friend, acting schools tend to be better and have better industry connections

Reply 13

Original post
by Kingston Jenifer
this is not more forte! From what I hear through the grape vine via my friend, acting schools tend to be better and have better industry connections


I’ve just been worried about the application process and accommodation. I’d prefer to be in a dorm type of place, and im not sure if me doing stem related subjects and not having much academic expirience with acting would be a disadvantage if that makes sense

Reply 14

Original post
by ppyanzy
how do you find opportunities? Ive looked online and its almost impossible

she uses entertainment partners, key casting and slick casting!

Reply 15

Original post
by ppyanzy
I've made a post before in relation to this before but just to give context:
I'm currently doing A Level Maths, Physics and Computer Science, to which I haven't had much motivation to revise for (except for Physics which I slightly enjoy) over the past year.
I'm going off to year 13 next year and I've had an epiphany, deciding that I want to persue what I've dreamed for ever since I was young and go into acting for uni and as a overall career.
However, despite my teacher's advice to repeat the year and do acting related subjects, I still want to remain and move on to year 13.
Is there anyone else in a similar situation that made it work out? Did you have to do a foundation year? How was the application for University like? I need help!

same here, I want to major in musical theater and take A levels as music or theatre, but there aren't any schools offering those subjects here in my country

Reply 16

Original post
by Kingston Jenifer
this is not more forte! From what I hear through the grape vine via my friend, acting schools tend to be better and have better industry connections


Also forgot to ask what is ‘more forte’

Reply 17

Original post
by Kingston Jenifer
she uses entertainment partners, key casting and slick casting!


is that terms I could look up online

Reply 18

Original post
by Thiri Htet Htet
same here, I want to major in musical theater and take A levels as music or theatre, but there aren't any schools offering those subjects here in my country


I don’t know much about applications but you could also build your portfolio by doing external activities like clubs and stuff. I’m currently joined up in some myself

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