Drama Schools

Below are links to most of the schools, listed in no particular order.

Things to consider when researching drama schools:

• Find out about each school’s individual ethos – what do they say makes them different?
• What’s the focus of the course training? What is their approach? What practitioners or training styles do they favour?
• What kind of training are you best suited for? E.g. if you particularly enjoy text, versus if you particularly enjoy devising / ensemble theatre. What visiting artists and companies do they get in?
• What is their support like and how well do they support their graduates? What percentage of graduates get agents and are employed in the industry?
• What’s been their response to the Black Lives Matter movement? How effectively are they supporting Black or minority students?  Some schools have released public statements. What changes, if any, have they made? 
• Who are some of their famous alumni? 
• Who are their alumni from Generation Arts? Generally our staff and graduates have attended most places so it is worth asking Hayley her advice. In addition, some GA staff currently teach at different drama schools. Why not ask Lead Artists where they trained?
• You shouldn’t be paying for audition fees if you are from Generation Arts.  But bear in mind if you apply independently you may have to pay their audition fees, which can range right up to £76 for the most expensive auditions (RADA). It can get complicated. 
• You might be eligible for a full scholarship, but you have to ace the audition first. So focus on smashing your auditions and getting an offer before worrying about funding. If the school wants you enough they will find the funding!
• Location – think about where you would like to be based or travel to every day. 
• There are pros and cons to training inside and outside London.  It can be a clever idea to apply outside London e.g. in Manchester. You will receive specific training and meet artists from a smaller pool, be ‘released’ into the Manchester casting scene which can be quite specific but may also offer more employment opportunities if you are willing to stay there for a while. This works well for some but others prefer to stay on their home turf.
• Try to time your auditions for the start of the new year (Jan-April is a good time) so that you have the Autumn term to practise and get ready.
• Never turn down a free audition, even if you think you don’t like the school!  It is a great opportunity to practise auditioning.
• Have a number of speeches ready, (more than the 2 asked for). This will prepare you for recalls and if the panel have seen 100 Hamlet’s already that day you can offer them a choice – which always goes down well!
• Try to attend a tour (or virtual tour) of the school ahead of your audition.