Drama courses pages

Drama and Theatre Studies beyond Channing

If you want to continue studying Drama and Theatre studies further after your A-Levels, you should consider whether University or Drama School is the best option. Before you decide which route you would rather take, it’ s important to consider why you want to further your studies and the sort of career you might want to go into; a Drama and Theatre course at University is vastly different to studying at a Drama School or Conservatoire. They have very different entry requirements and offer quite separate training. University Courses Reading Drama and Theatre Studies at University offers a broader education in theatre, theory and its many disciplines. The majority of Drama courses will have a strong practical element. Indeed, many courses have a variety of practical modules, allowing you to explore and develop interests in directing or writing, design or technical skills as well as performance. However, in addition to this there will also be a focus on the theoretical side of the subject, such as the history of theatre, literature of drama and the canon of practitioners and styles. Although not considered a practical or vocational training, a degree in Drama and Theatre will secure a breadth of knowledge that you wouldn ’t achieve directly from a course at Drama School. Studying Drama at a University also offers you the opportunity to pursue acting, design, directing or tech outside of your course. Many universities have superb extra-curricular drama opportunities, where theatre companies are born and really great work is made. This does allow you to really explore what kind of dramatist you are, where your interests and talents really lie. The freedom this offers is invaluable and a key selling point of studying at a University. Here are a few universities which are popular for Drama and Theatre Studies and offer some great courses: • University of Bristol • University of Birmingham • University of Manchester

• University of Warwick • University of Exeter • University of York • Royal Holloway Drama School/ Conservatoire Studying at Drama School offers an exceptionally thorough and practical training in the various diverse practical strands of theatre. So whether you ’ re a set designer, stage manager, actor, musical theatre performer – each discipline is represented and courses are there to train you in that skill. Although these courses are predominantly practical, they still lead to an academic qualification with the majority offering Bachelor of Arts qualifications. Courses and their content vary widely and it is worth investigating which areas you want to be trained in - a BA in Devised or Contemporary Theatre is very different to Acting. It’ s a demanding experience, with high standards and expectations and it is incredibly competitive to get a place on many courses.

Auditions require special consideration as you may be required to prepare a number of elements such as; to perform a monologue piece, sing a song, show a portfolio, complete a presentation and participate in an interview, depending on which type of course you apply for. Attending a Drama School or Conservatoire gives you the discipline, practical skills and intellectual understanding necessary for a lasting career in theatre, TV, radio or film. Many important contacts can be made by completing your training in this environment. Courses are designed to prepare you physically and mentally for the hard work you must undertake to make it in the industry. Studying at Drama School will also give you the opportunity to be seen by agents, casting directors, theatre companies and television companies, and you will make the connections within the industry to work in design or technical teams. This is vital when you ’ re looking to secure that first job. If you are serious and determined about a career in theatre, TV or film, then studying at Drama School is certainly something to consider. These courses provide greater contact time than many university courses, and don ’t be surprised if your evenings and weekends are also spent in rehearsals or attending theatre trips. This option attracts committed applicants who are passionate about theatre and are willing to dedicate a lot of time to honing their craft.

Applying for Drama School/ Conservatoires The application process for Drama Schools is largely separate to UCAS. Some of them have migrated across to UCAS, but they are mainly independent. Once you have decided which schools you would like to apply, the application forms can be found online. There is usually an audition fee which is non- refundable. You will go through an audition process, sometimes with a workshop or group task and most schools have call back auditions. The process is similar for technical or design applicants, but will consist of a workshop and interview rather than an audition. More information can be found at the links below, and this list is a selection of the top Drama Schools in the UK:

• Guildhall School of Music and Drama http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/ • The London Academy of Music and Performing Art http://www.lamda.org.uk/ • Royal Academy of Dramatic Art http://www.rada.ac.uk/ • Royal Conservatoire of Scotland https://www.rcs.ac.uk/ • Central School of Speech and Drama http://cssd.ac.uk/ • Rose Bruford https://www.bruford.ac.uk/ • Bristol Old Vic Theatre School http://www.oldvic.ac.uk/ • Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/ • Trinity Laban https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/ • Guildford School of Acting http://gsauk.org/ • East 15 Acting School http://east15.ac.uk/ • Italia Conti Academy http://www.italiaconti.com/

Channing Drama Department