How Do I Prepare?
It is not essential to have studied drama or performance academically before applying to drama school but you should certainly consider getting involved with a local theatre or drama group (see Youth and Amateur Theatre) and try and watch live theatre regularly as well as reading as many plays and books about the theatre as possible in preparation for your auditions. (Suggested Reading)
If you are still at school, know you want to become an actor and are intending on applying to drama school, there are opportunities to study drama academically in the meantime. Some drama schools have specific entry requirements (typically 5 GCSE and 2 A level passes or successful completion of a relevant BTEC course) so research into courses at an early stage is important.
Pre-16 Drama Education
The effect of the National Curriculum has been to exclude Drama from the timetable in most schools. An element of Drama still remains in the English syllabus, but is only a small part of that subject so many 11 to 16 year olds in the UK do not have a "proper" Drama lesson throughout their school lives.
The government is encouraging the growth of specialist schools in the public sector. This programme aims to create specialist schools in the arts sports, technology and languages. The number of specialist performing arts schools is small (sports and technology are much more popular areas for specialist status) but there are currently 424 arts colleges operating across England specialising in either performing, visual or media arts. For a full list contact the DfES on 020 7925 5485 or find a complete list at www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/specialistschools/ .
In English schools where Drama remains part of the curriculum, it is usually possible to take a GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in Drama or in Expressive Arts. Both courses require written work and documentation to support practical work. In Scotland, students may take Standard Grade, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher Drama. All have a strong practical nature, and the Higher focuses on acting as a skill. There is also a Higher in Drama Practice, which is a very practical course requiring a final project instead of a written examination.
There are full-time specialist performing arts schools in the UK, sometimes known as Stage Schools. Many are private and fee-paying (fees can be more than £7000 a year). NCDT publishes a list of stage schools but this is for information only, the Council does not accredit courses at this level. Parents should bear in mind that stage school is not considered by the industry to be the ideal method of entry into the profession. The Council's advice is to stay in mainstream education until you are 18 and then apply and audition for a place at drama school during your final year.
The BRIT School is an independent, state funded Performing Arts and Technology School admitting students who intend to make a career in the arts, entertainment and communications industries. The majority of students are from Greater London and some from Kent and Surrey although a small percentage of students from other parts of the country are accepted. The school provides vocational education for the performing arts as well as general education.
The BRIT School (British Record Industry Trust)
Tel. 020 8665 5242
60 The Crescent, Croydon CRO 2HN
www.brit.croydon.sch.uk
admin@brit.croydon.sch.uk
16 - 18 Drama Education
Access to English post-16 courses can depend upon the achievement of four or five GCSEs at grade C or above. There are several courses and qualifications available at post-16:
- A-Level Theatre Studies
- Higher Drama
- BTEC Performing Arts
- GNVQ in the Performing Arts and Entertainment Industries.
You should contact your Local Education Authority to find out which schools and colleges in your area offer these qualifications.
A-Level is often the next step for those who are interested in going on to university to study an academic subject. A-Level Theatre Studies is largely a theoretical course and the practical element can be quite small. However, many people who are planning to take a vocational training course at a drama school follow this route.
The BTEC Performing Arts course is designed to be more practical. There are two courses: the First Diploma, a one-year foundation course for those who do not have the requisite GCSE qualifications, and the National Diploma for those who do.
The BTEC National Diploma is a very practical modular course with units covering a wide range of areas of the performing arts: Language of the Theatre, Stagecraft, Production Techniques, Arts in Society, Drama, Dance, Movement Studies, Singing and various music units.
The GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) in the Performing Arts and Entertainment Industries has three levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced. These courses often combine performing arts units with Business Studies.
In Scotland, as well as the Drama and Dance Highers, students may study for a range of Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/Ds), including HNC/D Acting and Performance, HND Musical Theatre, HNC Production and Technical Theatre and various Dance courses.
Regardless of the subjects you do at School you almost certainly need to be getting performance experience to build up your confidence and explore your abilities.
Link Youth Theatre
For more information on how and when to apply to drama school click here.
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