How should the two audition pieces contrast?

Drama schools will usually ask for a classical and a modern piece at audition, and will sometimes provide o list of options. It can be tough to decide how they can best complement each other. It’s a subjective area, but one widely held view is that in the modern piece, auditioners want to see you in a fairly natural state. Classical pieces tend to call for heightened form of acting rather than a naturalistic performance, so it’s best not to choose a modern piece that is similarly heightened. Pick something that allows you to show what you’re like, rather than a character with a very different accent or physicality which might conceal that.

I’ve been offered a place somewhere but am considering knocking it back for the institution I have my heart set on. Should I defer and try again?

This is a personal choice, and it depends entirely upon how determined you are to attend your chosen institution. Weigh up what the other course has to offer. If it’s accredited and meets your training needs, give it serious consideration. However, if it doesn’t offer what you want from training, it’s a good idea to wait a year and reapply to the course that you really want. It’s common for people to apply to drama school for two or three years before being accepted onto one of their chosen courses.

I’ve been rejected from all the schools I applied to. What should I do?

Firstly, don’t panic. Many students apply for two or three years running before they are accepted onto their chosen course. If you are sure that drama school is the best option for you, take a year out and apply again. This doesn’t have to be a year spent waiting. Drama school is extremely expensive, so any money you are able to save will be very useful if you’re accepted the following year. In addition, you can build up experience in youth or amateur theatre, read and see plays and perhaps you’ll give a more mature and thoughtful audition next year. Try to be constructive about your audition experiences – work out what you could do differently, rather than focusing on the disappointment. After all, a career in performance will entail a lot of rejection. However, it may be that perhaps it’s time to consider another career path. Of the 11,000 people that apply to drama school each year, only a few will be guaranteed a successful career.

I have been offered more than one accredited school. Which should I take?

Don’t rush your decision. Just as you would when applying, research the courses as thoroughly as possible. Talk to students and graduates and read the prospectuses and try to attend performances by the current cohort. Pick the course that feels right for you, comparing your own learning aims with those of the programme. With this information on board, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts, taking what you can from the audition experience, the tutors you met there and all you’ve heard and read. The crunch decision time will come when schools ask for deposits on your fees. You need to know by then or you may risk losing a valuable place.

I've completed a degree course in English/Philosophy/Law etc and have decided to apply for an acting course at drama school. I can't decide whether to go for 1, 2 or 3 years. What do you advise?

Funding issues, you will be unable to get subsidised 3 year course, however you could apply for Dada, but this will depend on how much practical experience you already have. Overall the cost of the training versus the advantage of more time to learn your craft and gain a greater understanding and experience in your chosen career pathway.

I want to focus on screen acting. How can I find out which courses are especially strong in this area?

First of all, read the syllabuses, which is provided by the drama school. At any point you are able to ring up the school and ask for advice and guidance on the course that they are providing. Another good tip is to check out graduate destination results, see who is doing what and what the success rate has been. Attend an open day at the Drama School, this will give you the chance to see the facilities on offer and will often have displays and screenings of current work by the students.

I absolutely can't dance. If I do a straight acting course will there be any dance in the curriculum?

Yes, all acting courses involve movement and most do some dance (especially period or court dance). Some acting courses incorporate higher percentage of musical theatre so it is important to check the syllabus.

If you’d like to pose a question to NCDT about applying to drama school, email us.