| Q. So how do I go about actually applying to drama school?
A. Once you've been on a few tours and open days you'll probably find that there's one or two schools that stand out above the rest as feeling just right for you. However, it is a good idea, even if there's only one school you're particularly interested in, to apply to at least three or four. Why? Well, firstly you're going to need the practice! With a bit of judicious juggling and crafty timing you may be able to schedule your auditions so that you can audition for the schools you're least interested in first.
This doesn't mean you should turn down audition dates once they have been given you - most Drama Schools will say they're not obliged to give you an alternate date unless you already told them of your availability, or something unpleasant and beyond your control happened. But if you do your homework - find out cut off dates for applications, when auditions are likely to be held etc, you should be able to time them to your advantage.
Another reason for applying for more than one is that you really are giving yourself more of a chance. If you're as brilliant as you hope you are, the worst that can happen is you have your pick of drama school places. But do you really want to put all your acting eggs in one basket?
So now's the time to start filling in the application forms. Depending on the type of course and drama school, you may have to apply through the UCAS system as you would for any university place or you may have to fill in one of their own forms. Whatever, here's a few dos and don'ts.
DO - TAKE YOUR TIME Read the form properly before writing a word. It's a good idea to photocopy the form once or twice to practice on. If you are able to download the form and type it on a computer, even better. Remember, your completed form will be the very first contact you make to the drama school. Being a 'creative type' is absolutely no excuse for poor spelling, illegible handwriting, crossings out, coffee stains etc! You'll create a good impression (and make the overworked admissions staff much happier) if you supply what they ask for neatly, on time and in the right format. Also if you're not supplied with an a SAE, make sure you apply the right postage so that the school doesn't have to pay the excess.
DO - BE HONEST! If your only role to date was the back end of a pantomime horse, say so! You might also want to add that this helped build on your team skills, or helped your increase your physical stamina - by all means put a positive 'spin' on things - but don't lie, especially about qualifications or previous experience. As long as you meet the application criteria you will be offered an audition.
DON'T - HASSLE FOR NO REASON If the school has told you that you're not likely to hear anything for a month, then don't chase them up after two weeks. If you've got questions, check all your literature first before asking. If you still can't find the answer(s) then check to see if they prefer phone calls (and at what time of the day) or emails. As it says above, you have a perfect right to find out what you need to make a good application - but so do all the other hundreds of people applying.
DO - BE ORGANISED Keep all the literature, prospectuses, copies of applications and correspondence in one place. A big lever arch file with subject dividers for each school should do the job. Make sure all your audition dates are in a diary - and that you refer to it on a regular basis. Don't leave references to the last minute - in fact you should organise these even before you apply if possible. If you have to travel any distance to an audition, make sure any travel and accommodation arrangements are in place well in advance.
DON'T - USE HYPERBOLE OR CLICHE - most schools will ask that you fill in a personal statement of some kind, or will want to know why you are applying for that particular establishment or course. Avoid cheesy or impossible to quantify lines such as 'Acting is in my blood' or 'I've always been a natural performer'. Don't write an entire life history, talk about putting on plays for your family when you were three or write in a 'wacky' or 'entertaining' style. Give facts, supported by relevant examples of your personal development and talk about how you see drama training fitting in with your short and long term career goals. However, you're not applying to become an accountant so don't go overboard with business jargon. It's alright to adopt a more conversational tone. | |
