Primary Research (where possible):
- go in person to visit the places you are considering
- attend Open events
- speak to current students on the courses you are considering
- ring and speak to the Admissions office with questions you have which are not covered by the online information
- keep a record of your thoughts and feelings about these places
Secondary Research – Part 1
Find out:
- the range of different options you have for Performing or Production Arts progression
- Acting or Dance or Musical Theatre or Production Arts University courses, which ones and why?
- Acting or Dance or Musical Theatre or Production Arts Conservatoire style courses, which ones and why?
- Acting or Dance or Musical Theatre or Production Arts Apprenticeships, which ones and why?
- Acting or Dance or Musical Theatre or Production Arts Employment possibilities, which ones and why?
- the different application processes and entry requirements of each of your found options including the required potential application / audition / portfolio material for each of them
- the date that applications open for each of your found options
- the costs associated with these progression routes
- application / audition fee
- tuition costs
- estimated living costs e.g. London will be much pricier than North West England for rent, food, travel, socialising
- availability of loans, grants, bursaries
- the breakdown of each course and how it will be delivered (course content? how many hours / days contact time with tutors? how much practical? how much academic? any work placements? how are final assessments done – practical or written?)
- how these different options you are considering are rated by the industry and by the students?
- the relevance of individual progression routes for your planned career ambitions
Secondary Research – Part 2 (for actors and musical theatre students only)
- Find appropriate audition material that suits your casting and skill set and which meets the criteria set by the places you intend to apply to (see Practical Skills page for the minimum requirements).
For ALL your secondary research you must use full Harvard referencing and create a bibliography. Here is the link to the college online guide to Harvard referencing. http://library.wsc.ac.uk/c.php?g=652536&p=4578089
Here are some useful websites to get you started:
Universities and Colleges Admission Service https://www.ucas.com
IMPORTANT: applications made through UCAS will need to be channelled through West Suffolk College so that we get your final results from UAL processed properly – the buzzword is: westsuffolk19
For applications for Conservatoire training https://www.ucas.com/?schemes=Conservatoires&theme=all_stages
Council for Dance Education and Training – accredited vocational professional courses (Musical Theatre and Dance) http://www.cdet.org.uk/vocational-training/accredited-professional-training
Federation of Drama Schools – accredited vocational professional courses (Acting and Musical Theatre) http://www.federationofdramaschools.co.uk/
SMA – accredited vocational professional courses (Production Arts courses) http://www.stagemanagementassociation.co.uk/links/drama-schools
Conservatoire of Dance and Drama – accredited vocational professional courses (Acting, Musical Theatre and Dance) http://www.cdd.ac.uk
Government information about student finance https://www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance
Government comparison of higher education course data https://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
Which? Independent review of university courses http://university.which.co.uk/
The Complete University Guide – course chooser http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/courses/search
The Guardian newspaper 2018 league table https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2017/may/16/university-guide-2018-league-table-for-drama-dance?CMP=share_btn_tw
UAL guide to writing effective Personal Statements
RESEARCH – UAL definition: The ability to select, edit, interpret and respond to relevant material in support of lines of enquiry, and the level of initiative, commitment, personal responsibility and resourcefulness demonstrated in developing and progressing identified goals
Fail
Little or no evidence presented or information does not relate sufficiently to task.
Pass
Sufficient relevant information has been gathered, documented and used in the development of ideas.
Merit
Thorough and sustained research and investigation of relevant sources, interpretation and synthesis of information used to inform, support and develop ideas.
Distinction
Independently identified, thorough and sustained research and investigation of a range of relevant sources, insightful interpretation and synthesis of information used to inform, support and develop ideas.
The above statements are guides to how evidence for the final unit (12) will be assessed. Tutors will let you know in their feedback how your evidence for this unit (10) compares to these achievement standards so that you are aware of the level you are currently working at.
Part One
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Because its a comprehensive classical and contemporary actor training; Prepares actors who aim to become world-leading artists in theatre, film and television; Focuses on new thinking in response to the rapidly evolving world of the arts and culture; 3 years full-time, and students are entitled to full Equity status upon graduation. (Unknown, 2018)
The course has four key principles:Self-discovery – we encourage you to investigate and interrogate your world, challenging your own habits and preconceptions and opening yourself to the journey of the training, while learning to accept uncertainty and failure as part of the process of change and growth, and making curiosity, originality and artistic courage the cornerstones of your professional and artistic life.Artistry – we offer you the skills you need to build your craft as an actor, so that your imagination and creativity can find expression in truthful characterisation and in the telling of complex and profound stories that offer insights into our world and the human condition.Empowerment – within the safety of the creative space and the integrity of the acting ensemble, we promote the honest exchange of thoughts and ideas, the sharing of creative inspiration and the generosity of spirit which should always characterise a true actor.Tradition and innovation – intrinsic to this course is a commitment to studying longstanding theories and practices while welcoming innovation and new vision.
Application process through UCAS.”If you are selected for an audition for a place on any of the BA (Hons) Musical theater course – or Acting (Musical Theatre) – we will require you to prepare the following. All candidates must prepare all requirements, regardless of their preferred course:” – central-19/10/19
Two memorised classical speeches – please select from our classical speech lists.
A memorised contemporary speech (written after 1960 and no more than two minutes in duration). Speeches are not to be chosen from film scripts. (Unknown, 2018)
“First Round Audition (All Applicants)
The First Round audition begins with a short morning talk, which provides information about the structure of the audition day and further information on the curriculum of the course offered. During the talk you will be assigned to a specific audition group and asked to fill in a form indicating the speeches that you have chosen.
Following the talk, you will be involved in (in no particular order) an orientation and tour, a pathway specific vocal and physical workshop, and a panel audition.” (unknown, 2018)
“Afternoon Session (Selected Applicants)
You may be asked to stay for the afternoon (until 6.00pm at the latest) so that panellists can investigate your suitability for the course in more detail. You may be asked to do any or all of the following in your second round audition: repeat your audition speeches, perform your second classical speech, workshop your speeches, undertake improvisations, participate in a physical and vocal workshop, sing unaccompanied, participate in a vocal assessment, participate in a brief interview. Those candidates selected by the Acting (Musical Theatre) course for the afternoon session will be required to sing their accompanied songs.
Candidates who are successful at the initial audition day will be invited for a final recall audition at a later date.” (Unknown, 2018)
Final Recall Audition (Selected Applicants)
If you are called for a final recall audition, you will normally participate in further intensive workshop sessions involving voice, movement and acting, and focus further on your original choice of speeches.
I have already applied to this school
Money:
Application fee: £55
Tuition fee: £9,250
living costs for rent, food, clothes etc..: estimated 5,000
Tuition and maintenance loans available.
Entry requirements: Minimum entry requirements are normally two Cs at A Level and three Cs at GCSE or the equivalent BTEC, Scottish or International qualification. Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these requirements but do demonstrate appropriate potential may be accepted.
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/ba-acting-musical-theatre
Arts Educational Schools London
(Arts Education Schools London, 2019)
Location:
Cone Ripman House
14 Bath Road
Chiswick
London W4 1 LY
Chiswick is an area that’s good for people who want the advantages of the capital city but don’t want to live in the middle of it. I think this wood suit me as I love the city but it would be nice to be a bit more out of the rush. You can easily catch the tube from Chiswick into Central London which could be very handy at times.(movebubble, 2015)
Course: BA (Hons) Degree in Musical Theatre (degree received from City, University of London).
I have chosen this course because out of all the courses on offer I think it’s best suited to me as the foundation year is only one year and I would then need to audition again after this. Also, when auditioning for this course you are also considered for the foundation course so you might as well go for the main course and leave the decision to the panel to where they feel you are best suited if they wish to offer you a place. I would prefer to do the degree rather than the diploma because at the end you get a degree which could been be seen as a more respected qualification by the industry. Doing the degree means you have to make a one off payment of around £500 but I think that it is worth it.
Audition Process:
You apply for an audition via their website and the application fee is £45 (Arts Educational Schools London, 2019). Arts Ed have nothing to do with UCAS.
Costs:
Application/Audition Fee – £45
Transport to audition – £24 (thetrainline, 2018).
Deposit – £350 (Arts Educational Schools London, 2019).
Tuition Costs – £14,990 per year (Arts Educational Schools London, 2019).
£550 (estimation) – to get the degree qualification rather than diploma (Arts Educational Schools, London,2019).
These tuition fees are probably one of the most expensive out of all the drama schools but I think it is really worth it when you look at the results and the success rate of people coming from this drama school.
Estimated Living Costs (per week):
Rent – £250 (average price to rent a room) (lacyandscott, 2019).
Food – £100
Leisure – £50
Chiswick is a nice part of London so is a little on the expensive side meaning the living costs are more expensive than other parts of London. However, personally I would rather live is nicer part of London than a rough one as it is much safer, witch means for a girl I would feel more comfortable.
Funding Available:
Student loans are available for this course. You can apply for loans of up to £6,000 per year to help with tuition fees and up to £11,000 per year to help with living costs. Although this doesn’t cover the all the tuition fees, it certainly helps towards them which would be good for me as I don’t really want to be stressing about the money side of things whilst training and I don’t want to not be able to train because I can’t afford it..
There is an Andrew Lloyd Webber scholarship available but only to students who score the highest at auditions so it is unlikely to receive one of these.
(Arts Educational Schools London, 2019)
Course Breakdown:
Course is full time Monday-Friday 8:45-5:30 with a minimum of 37 contact hours a week over 33 teaching weeks a year. I think this a great amount of contact hours per week as you are there to train and be trained by the tutors so all moments spent with them will be extremely useful.
Ratings about Arts Ed:
For the second year running, Arts Ed have been ranked the top drama school for student satisfaction in the 2018 National Student Survey. 95% of students said they were happy with their training and 90% of students felt that their voices were heard. (Arts Educational Schools London, 2019).
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Location:
120 Peckham Hill Street
London
SE15 5JT
Peckham has in the past had a reputation for gang crime etc. Obviously this is something that does worry me a lot but the area is meant to be improving now. There are plenty of bus and overground train services that lead you into central London meaning there are safe places around (movebubble, 2019).
Course: BA (HONS) Performance – Musical Theatre / Diploma In Professional Musical Theatre (validated by University of East Anglia).
I have chosen this course out of all the ones on offer because a foundation year is only one year and I would need to audition again after that and I am not guaranteed a place anywhere.
Audition Process:
Candidates take part in a dance class, starting with a full-body warm up and corner exercises before learning and performing a short jazz/modern dance routine. They also perform one of their chosen songs and speeches. We always see all three disciplines – singing, acting and dance – as we think this is imperative in order to see your potential as a musical theatre actor.
Musical Theatre applicants are asked to prepare:
a monologue from a play written after 1997
a classical speech in verse (not prose) that was written prior to 1800.
EITHER two contrasting songs, both from musicals
OR two contrasting songs, one from a musical and one from a genre of your own choice
Audition requests:
Last no longer than two minutes each
Be from published plays and should not be extracts from poems, novels, films or television scripts
Involve a character close to your own age
Be performed in your native accent
Please note that songs:
must allow you to show two contrasting vocal approaches, one of which should be the more classical sounding style that can be associated with musical theatre singing.
Be performed in the key in which the music is written (the accompanist will not transpose into a different key)
Give you the opportunity to act through them
Not be from the classical repertoire (this includes opera)
We invite a limited number of candidates back for second round auditions. These include further workshops and panel auditions. Further details about recalls will be provided at your audition.
Auditions cost £45 and you can apply online via their website.
(Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, 2018)
I like the sound of this audition as they hear all three disciplines so there is no pressure to get through to the next round. Therefore, if I felt like my dance went wrong then I could make doubly sure that my singing and acting are the best they can be.
Costs:
Application/Audition Fee – £45
Tuition Cost: £14,410 per year (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
These tuition fees are more expensive than some of the other drama schools but I feel that for the training you get and the reputation the school has that it is worth it.
Estimated Living Costs (per week):
Rent – £150-£200 (average price to rent a room)(onthemarket.com, 2018)
Food – £75
Leisure – £25-£50
Peckham is a fairly cheap area of London and it is known for having cheap houses for people to rent as a lot of students go there to live.
Funding Available:
Students can apply for a student loan to help cover the tuition fees of the course and the maximum amount typically given is £6,000. You can also apply for a maintenance loan but the amount will depend upon where you are living and your household income etc.
Dance and Drama Awards are scholarships that are available to students who show the most promise to succeed in the profession. These are given out very rarely.
Course breakdown:
Year1: Acting, improvisation, actor & text, speech, singing, musical theory, ballet, jazz, tap, movement,
Year2: improvisation, actor & text, speech, singing, musical theory, ballet, jazz, tap, movement, acting through song, care development
Year3: ballet, jazz, tap, movement,
Location:
Guildford School of Acting
Stag Hill Campus
Guildford, Surrey
GU2 7XH, UK
There is a large student population in Guildford which could be seen as a positive thing as there might be lots of things to benefit students their. The commute into central London is around 40 minutes which is quite good I would say. (lonely planet, 2008).
Course – Musical Theatre BA (Hons)
I have chosen to research this place because the fees are a cheaper option compared to some of the other drama schools but it is still a very well known place and I see it mentioned a lot in West End programmes when I go and see shows.
Audition Process:
Auditions take place in two parts. If you are successful at your first audition you will be invited back for a second audition.
The first audition will include both a singing and a dance workshop.
For the singing workshop, please prepare one song. This can be any musical theatre song, which is published and should be no longer than three minutes. The song should be chosen to demonstrate vocal strength and effective character portrayal.
The dance workshop is designed to assess trainability. You do not need to prepare anything in advance; please bring appropriate dancewear with jazz shoes or trainers.
You will be advised of the outcome of your audition either via e-mail or UCAS track within two weeks of your audition.
Further information about your second audition will be sent to you if you are successful at the first audition.
(Guilford School of Acting, 2018)
I like that you can chose any song to sing for this audition so you are not restricted to golden era. This means you could do a modern ballad which I am unlikely to be able to do at any other audition and this is probably my strongest area.
Costs –
Application/Audition Fee – £55
Transport to Audition – £30 (thetrainline, 2018).
Tuition Costs – £9,250 per year (University of Surrey, 2018)
These tuition fees are among the cheapest I have looked at and in my opinion the course is still of a really high quality so this is great!
Estimated living costs (per week):
Rent – £200-£250 (average price to rent a room) (onthemarket.com, 2018).
Food – £75
Leisure – £25-50
Guildford isn’t the cheapest place to live but it isn’t the most expensive so everything is pretty affordable there.
Funding Available:
There are student loans available for this course but you have to apply for them.
Course Breakdown :
Year 1:
Technical skills training in the first year includes classes in singing, acting, mime/physical theatre and voice. Dance techniques include ballet, jazz and tap.
All students undertake a week-long intensive course in stage combat certified by APC.
The Rehearsal Projects enable you to engage with a range of acting techniques, including Meisner, Stanislavski and Viewpoints across the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing and acting.
First-year rehearsal projects include:
- Storytelling
- Greek ensemble
- Shakespeare and the musical
- American naturalism
Year 2:
In the second year, time spent in rehearsal projects is increased, whilst at the same time the individual skills training and academic training continue.
The main addition to the course is a weekly session that investigates relevant industry skills and enables individual preparation for the professional audition process.
Rehearsal Projects:
In the recent year the focus was on screen acting and three musicals. recent projects have included:
- Hello Dolly
- West Side Story
- Kiss Me Kate
- Les Miserables
- Wicked
The final project in the second year is a formal rehearsal for the first public performance of a musical. Recent works in the first public performance include:
- Sweet Charity
- Pal Joey
- State Fair
- The Secret Garden
Year 3:
In the third year students take part in three public productions, two in campus theatres and one at the Yvonna Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. Recent public performances have included:
- Cats
- Hair
- The Fix
- Nice Work If You Can Get It
- Bullets Over Broadway
- Guys and Dolls
(Guilford School of Acting, 2018)
I like the amount of productions you take part in during your time here. I also like how much you cover in each year as you are getting a rounded knowledge of the history of theatre and techniques etc.
bibliography
Mountview-11/11/19- https://www.mountview.org.uk/
Arts Ed-10/10/19- https://artsed.co.uk/
Train Line-10/10/19- https://www.thetrainline.com/
leahsmithwscyr2 