Drama Schools and Further Education
Studying Acting at University or at A Drama School or a Performing Arts College is a great option for you if you are interested in making acting your career choice.
With so many UK drama schools and Universities offering a variety of different courses, finding the right one for you can be hard.
Here, you'll find lots of useful information and advice on the many drama courses and performing arts colleges on offer throughout the UK to help you make the right choice.
- Studying performing Arts at drama school
Studying performing Arts at drama school or university is often thought of as an easy option, however, this couldn't be further from the truth, it is probably one of the most time consuming and intense degrees on offer. Depending on the drama school course you choose you can expect to spend long hours rehearsing and performing, plus you will have a healthy balance of theory: History of the theatre, different styles, playwrights and of course reading all the plays you are performing.
Choosing the right university drama course or drama school takes a lot of time and effort.
If you choose to go to one of the accredited drama schools you can expect to come out of it with your Equity membership and have a chance to showcase yourself in front of industry professionals.
If you are then lucky enough to be picked up by an agent, then you will feel that you are on your way!
University courses are less likely to provide a springboard into the industry. So research your course well!
- There are very few overnight successes, an actors life requires a huge amount of dedication, determination and a thick skin! There are only about 10% of all actors that work at any one time!
With so many reality TV shows it is no wonder that everyone seems to want their five minutes of fame, so have a reality check before you start applying. You have to be prepared to work hard at your craft, be self motivated and get another part time job whilst looking for work. One of the hardest parts of being a professional actor is being out of work!
Deciding on a career in the arts is both challenging and exciting, remember to prepare well for your drama school audition and in the mean time try and gain as much experience as possible. Read about Perfomance Opportunities.
If you get involved with your local drama school you will find that most teachers will be able to point you in the direction of an agent or your local theatre, or your local amateur company.
- Excellent performance opportunities can be found at your school, at your local amateur dramatic company, Arts Festivals and your local drama school.
How to find your perfect UK Drama School
How to find your perfect Drama School
Get Into Theatre
More Information
EQUITY (Trade Union for Actors)
The National Youth Theatre
The National Youth Theatre has a reputation for giving talented young actors a springboard into the profession.
Local Amateur Societies
Your local amateur society is always crying out for new members, it is a great way to get a feel for rehearsals and performance, as they are often long and rehearse over several months. So it gives you a real flavour of the industry and the stamina needed.
AMDRAM
Is a web site for those interested in amateur theatre. Visit AMDRAM
Sardines
A Fantastic new magazine 'Sardines' carries a directory of Amateur Companies within the London area, there are over 200 to choose from. The web site is SARDINES
Accredited Schools
Another way to gain experience is to sign up to a summer school in one of the accredited schools. Not only will it give you a chance to see and experience the school of your choice, but it will give you an opportunity to meet like minded people.
Helpful Links
Read about Seasonal Holiday Drama Workshops
How Classes can help you
The wonderful thing is, that whatever you bring out of drama school will help you in real life. Whether you go on to be a household name or you decide to change careers, the confidence and drama skills you have learnt, will ensure you the best possible future.
HOW DRAMA CLASSES CAN HELP YOU
Auditioning for Drama School
- When choosing an Audition piece try to choose domething that will show your versatility.
- Try to steer cleat of accents and make sure the character you have chosen to play is within your playing age.
- Always be well prepeared, remember first impressions are very important!
- Try to choose a piece which has some movement, rather than a static piece. This gives you a chance to show the panel or director that you ate comfortable with movement.
- Reherace your piece well and ask your teacher for input.
- Always read the play your piece is from!
- And remember, if at firsy you don't succeed, try, try again!
Read about Auditioning for Drama School
Drama Scripts for You Plays to order