Uni to become an actress?

Question

Hi, I am an actress looking for work, I am currently working backstage in a theatre and have lots of amateur acting experience (from college etc) and I have been on myspace looking at other actress' profiles and they all seem to have gone to uni or drama school. Should I go? Will a degree help with my career? I am 22, am I too old? Also, how can i afford it?

Answer 1

A degree in a theory based course isn't of direct use to your status as an actor, any more than someone who's studied the theory of music might be expected to sing well as a consequence.

There are, however, several places that now do a BA in Acting which is practical in nature. I'd recommend Central School of Speech and Drama's BA course. There are others; off the top of my head is the BA at Italia Conti. Being BA courses, you'd qualify for having your tuition fees covered assuming it's a first degree. This is important - other drama schools you'll have to pay fees as well as cover your living expenses.

Almost all successful actors will have relevant training. Yes, there are exception - but these are EXCEPTIONS, and as such shouldn't be used as the basis for planning a career. ("I hope I'm as lucky as so-and-so") Look for drama courses which are accredited by the National Council for Drama Training (see link below). Courses on this list will tend to be more highly regarded. At the end of the day, how good you are and how determined you are will be more important, but how well regarded your CV is will get you more feet in the door in the first place.

Of course, for the best schools competition is extremely fierce, and fees can be high. There are less good schools to be found which will be easier to get into, and cheaper to be at, but will get you less immediate breaks in the business. If finance is really a problem, you might want to look at places like The Poor School which are designed so you only train half time, leaving you free to work half time in addition. Some of these are bad schools, but some - The Poor School in particular - have a good reputation.

Check them all out, read the prospectuses THOROUGHLY, try and see a show put on by their students. Make sure the course includes an agent's showcase. Don't apply anywhere that you don't like the sound of, you'll have a miserable time and it won't help you.

And good luck. You will need it.

If any of this puts you off, DON'T DO IT. Nobody sensible would choose this career.

Answer 2

As an actor I can tell you that amateur experience is worth nothing, and you will not be taken seriously unless you have trained at a drama school. There is no point studying drama at uni if you want to be an actor, you need to get on an NCDT accredited acting course. Some drama schools offer degrees (where you must complete a written element) and some don't, but the degree is not what is important, it's the training itself which is invaluable. You cannot rely purely on talent, you need the technical knowhow that you can only get from a rigorous training. You are nowhere near too old to train, you are only 22! People train in their 40's and older.
Many courses are affordable now thanks to government funding for accredited degree courses, so they can be the same as a university course. Also try your LEA for funding, look for sponsorship and seek out theatre angels.
I would recommend your next port of call as the NCDT website, where you can get detailed information about all the schools. Their website is www.ncdt.co.uk.
Good luck with everything

Answer 3

Amateur experience is great but it's never enough. In my experience (I must admit this is about fifteen years ago!) it is definitely worth looking at a drama school/uni. Drama school will provide you not just with training but with contacts, I believe you still get a provisional equity card ( check with equity) and the opportunity to perform in front of agents in final shows etc. All very hard to arrange on your own. Of course a degree will always help you in any career - it proves commitment, discipline etc as well as provides you with knowledge and any employer will respect that. You need to think about the kind of area you want to work in - TV/film/theatre/mucicals etc and then check out the training offered by different schools/unis - many specialise in certain areas.
The Conference of Drama Schools is a good place for info.
Good luck! (22 is NOT too old - in fact many drama schools prefer to take on more mature students).

Answer 4

Hi,

Please go for it, I'm 21 and in my 1st year of a Drama degree. I'm at LSBU because they are building their own theatre and it is surrounded by many established theatres- The Globe, The Old & Young vic, The NT etc. There are two 40 yr olds, a 37 yr old and a 30yr old in my class so you are certainly not too old. It's a fantastic experience and it is 50-50 split between practical and theory. You also do your own writing.

A Uni degree is far cheaper than going to a 'Drama School' and there are various loans and grants available depending on your financial situation. Look on www.Directgov.co.uk for advice on tuition fees and help available.

Please do it, you won't regret it!!!

Good Luck!!!!!!

Answer 5

www.kingston.ac.uk

Kingston Upon Thames University offer a degree course in Drama that is 50% thoery, 50% Practical. You will get the oppertunity to produce plays over three years and you can apply for a post-grad degree MFA in Clasical Theatre (if you are in to that sort of thing) it's got Sir Peter Hall as the chancellor. He founded the RSC.

But the upside is you'll get a vocational degree and have plenty of practice as you go along.

Answer 6

The advantage of uni would be that you will have a degree afterwards, the disadvantage is that it will be studying dramatic theory rather than acting. The other option is Drama school which can be expensive, VERY expensive...

Paying for uni would depend on how you did it. Part time or the OU would enable you to work and do it.

Answer 7

get a degree first then go to an accredited drama school for training (there's no upper age limit for most) You might get into a NCDT course without a degree if you're REALLY good.

I'm afraid the competition is so feirce that the chances of you getting work without professional training are very slim.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Your never too old to go back to college or Uni. I went back when i was 24. It hurts moeny wise, but work in a bar or such like and you shoudl get by. Good Luck

Answer 10

Umm, I think oyu need a degree. And 22 is definitely not too young. I thihnk a degree will help, coz I think they will probably ask for expereince. Well, good luck then.