Applying For Drama School

This could well be the only tip – PREPARATION. Too many people apply for drama school with only a minimum of preparation and as a result are very quickly disappointed and out of the running for want of a very few simple things.

Lets get this straight from the start, preparation means work! It is absolutely no good applying before you have even thought about reading a few plays, exploring 10 to 20 possible pieces and thoroughly researching the schools which interest you. It is quite possible to send in your forms and be summoned a week later. If you have not prepared you will be wasting your money and their time.

Acting pieces:
You must have chosen a Modern and a Classical piece (e.g. Shakespeare, Molière, Johnson, Tourneur, Webster, Calderon, Racine, Aphra Benn etc). They must contrast each other.

You should also think of a backup Shakespeare/Classical piece as many places ask for a second piece -especially on recalls. Also certain Drama Schools require you to choose a piece from a list they give you. (This currently includes Central & LIPA). Check their prospectus and/or website for advance details.

You also need to sort out the paperwork:

Application forms:
Different schools use different systems. At the time of writing this, applications for the Drama Centre, Central, E15, LIPA, Rose Bruford and ALRA are exclusively through UCAS. So get cracking on your UCAS forms. Usually UCAS will send your details to the school and then the school will contact you with their own form, except for ALRA who will simply give you a date straight away. It may be that we don’t cover the application forms or prospectuses for the school that you want. The careers room may prove useful.

C.V.

Your c.v. (curriculum vitae) should contain personal details and history of your education and theatrical and other experience. This not only looks professional and organised, it will also save you having to fill in the education, work and acting experience details on each school’s application form. You just need to put “please refer to CV” on the forms.

Photos
Most Drama Schools require a photo and some, such as GSA, require a full length picture. If you want proper photos to send with your applications, this will need to be sorted. We can usually put you in touch with someone who is reasonably priced.

Personal statement
Many places want a personal statement as well, so think about what you might want to say and try a few dry runs first; we are more than happy to watch your work.

Check your availability
Tell them dates which you cannot make for audition on your application form. It saves a lot of time and hassle. Some schools have started to give a list of preferred dates for you to choose from. Watch out for holidays, exams, trips, rehearsals etc.

YOU MUST BE READY AND BE PREPARED! AUDITION DATES CAN COME BACK WITHIN A WEEK OF YOU SENDING OFF THE FORMS!!!