ÍÑ¿ã°É

Image: The King's School Canterbury

An introduction, by Anna Rogers, Talk ÍÑ¿ã°É’s higher education expert

So you’ve decided you want to be an actor (I’m using ‘actor’ throughout to avoid outdated gendered terms). Some are self-taught, but most have benefited from solid training from a reputable institution. If that’s you, read on.

Chances are you’ve taken part in productions from an early age – or at least the past couple of years – and many of you will have done graded drama, speech and drama or music-theatre exams. And that means you’ll know what it is to perform. That’s going to be important because you will certainly need to audition. Hold that thought – more later. You will also need to draw upon and reference productions with which you’ve been involved and, crucially, reflect on the roles and the texts, and discuss your interpretations.

The three main application points
There are three main entry points for admission to courses, and I will provide more information on undergraduate applications later in this article. Gap year and postgraduate applications are mostly done independently.

Direct from school for undergraduate study
This is the route that many want to take as it seems like a fabulous higher education option if your heart lies on the stage or in front of the camera. It is most definitely possible, and your application will be considered by the big-name drama/acting/music theatre institutions, but often it’s not the most fruitful time to apply. Anecdotally, certain drama and acting institutions look for candidates with slightly more life experience and a few more mature performances under their belts. But you have to be in it to win it, so it is definitely worth applying.

What you might consider is either taking a gap year (see below) or doing a combined course with something else at a traditional university – such as English and drama, for example – where the academic content is associated with performative aspects. With their varying emphases, these courses might be easier to access at this stage.

For a gap year
This is a great option to get some focused training and make yourself more attractive to the institutions you will later apply to. The courses are intensive and give you a real sense of undergraduate or postgraduate study – and they help you develop the skills you need to smash the auditions for full-time programmes.

As a postgraduate applicant
It’s fascinating to read the biographies of actors who have become household names – many of them did something else at university (or a combined course) and then trained after graduation to gain the technical skills required to be successful in the world of acting. This is most definitely a well-trodden path and should be considered if undergraduate applications are not successful.

How to apply for undergraduate courses
There are three main routes. You need to research the specific application process for the institutions in which you’re interested, but they will fall into one of the following categories:

UCAS – for traditional university courses, which can be acting and drama, and could be combined with another academic subject. You have up to five choices on your UCAS form.

UCAS Conservatoires – these are for performance-based higher education courses and you can apply for them alongside your five UCAS choices, if the institutions operate outside the regular UCAS process. Application deadlines vary, so do check. It gives you six choices. The participating institutions are:

• Birmingham Conservatoire
• LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
• Leeds Conservatoire (postgraduate only)
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal College of Music
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
• Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Direct Applications – this method is for institutions that are not part of UCAS or UCAS conservatoires, including those overseas. There is no limit to the number of applications – you’ll only be limited by the time each application takes.

You will almost certainly be asked to audition as part of your application for any performance-based course. These are often multi-stage, and the first stage will probably be some sort of online submission of two contrasting pieces. If your submission is successful, there may be one or even two more rounds, typically a group session and an individual in-person audition. Each institution has its own requirements, so be sure to check that you are hitting the brief with what you submit.

The world of acting is highly competitive, especially when it comes to getting a place on a well-respected course, so you will need to be determined and persistent. You may need to apply several times, at different stages, but it’s important not to give up. Whatever happens, keep being part of productions, keep putting your name forward and keep going until you’ve made it. One day your name will be on that programme or rolling up the screen in the credits at the end of the show.



We asked several schools with a strong track record of helping pupils get into some of the UK’s most prestigious drama schools for their top tips:

Applying for drama school can be a nerve-racking journey, and one that demands as much resilience as it does raw talent. Places are fiercely competitive (offer rates can hover around one per cent at the top conservatoires) – but for those who live and breathe theatre, the process itself can be transformative.

So how do you stand out? The first step is to totally immerse yourself in the craft. ‘Drama colleges value versatility, commitment and a genuine love for theatre,’ says Rebekah Frances, director of drama at The King’s School Canterbury. ‘Be curious: see as much live theatre as you can, and reflect on what moves you and why.’ The best candidates, she adds, aren’t just seeking a place at drama school – they’re seeking to contribute meaningfully to the world of theatre. ‘Get yourself involved in every bit of drama that your school has to offer,’ adds Andrew Shakeshaft, director of drama at Dean Close. ‘Drama schools want someone who is passionate and committed, so you’ll need to prove that.’



Research is key, so think about what makes each destination on your hit list unique. ‘Playing the odds with a scattergun approach and applying everywhere doesn’t necessarily work,’ says Shara Parry, head of drama at King’s Worcester. ‘You might come across as off-puttingly desperate or woefully underprepared.’ It’s important to know exactly what each school is looking for. Some drama schools focus on training across acting, dancing and singing, while others specialise in the likes of technical theatre, design, or digital production. ‘Don’t assume all courses are the same – be tactical with your choices and find the institution that fits you,’ say Eastbourne College’s head of futures Sarah Gordon and head of academic drama Rebecca Stevens. Kat Pinnell, director of performing arts at Frensham Heights, adds: ‘Look at their alumni and what they are doing now – this will give you an insight into the kind of training offered and the opportunities that may follow after graduation.’ Start collecting programmes when you go and see live theatre. ‘If performers catch your eye, check in their bio where they trained,’ advises Mrs Parry.

Do your homework before audition season begins. ‘If a specific play is requested for an audition, read it,’ says Will Rennison, head of academic drama at Bede’s, where recent alumni have won places at the likes of Mountview, the Guildhall and ArtsEd. Steer clear of overdone or clichéd audition pieces, and ‘keep your material current, perhaps even reflecting your own social or political aspirations’, he adds. Ms Pinnell agrees: ‘No one on a panel wants to hear I Dreamed a Dream for the hundredth time. Choose something fresh and truthful that shows who you really are.’



With long days and physically and emotionally demanding work, the transition from school to drama college can be intense. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that preparation should extend beyond the audition room. ‘Younger applicants can struggle with confidence, resilience and a lack of live experience,’ say Ms Gordon and Ms Stevens. Engaging in youth theatre, acting workshops or community-based projects can help bridge the gap. Drama schools are looking for potential and ‘trainability’ over experience, so any evidence of participation in the wider world of performance – whether through the National Youth Theatre, local stage work or even thoughtful reflection on plays you’ve seen – will strengthen your application. And if you think you know exactly what area of theatre you want to get into, don’t pigeonhole yourself. ‘Build your toolkit: take a stage combat class, try clowning, join an improvisation group, even sing in a choir. Every skill adds to your versatility,’ says James Moore, director of performing arts at Clifton College.

That reflection and self-awareness should continue right the way through the application process. ‘Many young people haven’t faced rejection before, and the audition process can be tough,’ says Ms Pinnell. ‘Make sure you’re emotionally prepared – not every audition will go to plan, and that’s completely normal.’ Most importantly, be yourself. ‘The panel is looking to see whether you’re someone they’d want to work with – are you open, creative, curious and collaborative? Bring your best self into the room,’ she adds. ‘The theatre industry relies on a lot of networking,’ says Mrs Parry. ‘Get yourself a reputation for being not just talented, but great to work with.’



If you’re not successful, ask for feedback. One piece of advice or constructive criticism could transform your next application. And remember, you can always give it another shot. ‘Many drama schools want you to have lived a little before you train,’ says Mr Moore. ‘If you don’t get in, take a year or two to work, travel, volunteer – anything that gives you life experience. Keep learning during that time: go to workshops, watch plays, stay connected to the industry. It will make you a stronger candidate next time.’



Above all, try to have fun. ‘If you’re going to spend three years or more studying, rehearsing and performing, you need to enjoy it,’ says Mr Shakeshaft. ‘It’s your first taste of what being a professional actor is like. There will be rejections along the way, but if you can keep going because you’re enjoying it, you might just make it.’