Courses in the Arts
It is essential to research the colleges and courses thoroughly before applying to ensure that they are suitable. For example, is the course more practical or theoretical? Does it concentrate on one particular area of study e.g. performance, stage management, or does it offer a combination?
Academic courses will concentrate more on the history of theatre, the theory of directors and designers, appreciation of plays more than the immediate practice of theatre. A Levels and some Degrees in Theatre and Drama Studies at Universities will be more suited to students who enjoy and thrive on academic work. Combined courses live up to their name and mix academic with practical work. This is true of a number of degree courses. Application for Higher Education courses is done through UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Systems).
Vocational courses, such as GNVQs or BTECs, often have a lower academic content and concentrate much more on the hands-on practical training. It is possible to take a Technical Theatre Arts course that looks at lighting, sound, design, prop making and much more. On a course like this you can get a sense of lots of areas of theatre that don't involve performing. After doing such a course you can go on to apply for jobs or it will give you a clearer sense of the area you would like to specialise in and go on to further training.
The specialist dance, drama or music schools will only take people over 18. The courses range from one to three years and in the process of being accepted can be quite intense. Entry is by audition and many schools will charge for auditions. The skills, experience and background the schools look for will differ and it is strongly advisable to research each school thoroughly. Research is particularly important when applying as each school has its own application process and timescale. Some schools can be applied to through UCAS and others have specific application forms. Most schools have their own website. See our lists of accredited drama schools for help getting started.
