2012 DRAMA SCHOOL APPLICATIONS

[Flosmom]

Cheer me up. Who's got an positive or inspirational news or views.

Oh dear ... It's a bit soon for her to give up on a dream, isn't it? If it helps at all, Law and Medicine are just as competitive but no-one ever told a child that it would be selfish to pursue a dream to study law or medicine, did they? If she wants to go for it, I think she should do so. We only live once, and someone very wise once told me that we don't regret what we do, just what we don't do. Imagine how it would be for her, 30 years on, kids and mortgage, to be thinking 'what if....'

If she tries and it doesn't work out, she can try something else. Your career isn't defined at 18 or even 28. There is always time for a fresh start and a new direction. But - who knows - maybe, just maybe, she'll be the one who makes it all work out.

Good luck and big hugs to her, and to you. It's tough...but so is accountancy.

Deb x

[pg]

You know, I think it is quite a positive thing that she is having doubts - if that doesn't sound too contradictory. It proves that she is not starstruck and that she recognises the likely difficulties ahead.

The tears could be for the end of her dream, because sometimes this is what happens - young people realise that they don't want to pursue the things they thought they did, for all sorts of reasons. That realisation is very hard (my dd changed tack and she did a lot of soul-searching). Equally the tears could be tiredness and uncertainty and an appeal for reassurance - even wanting validation - because it does seem like a ridiculous thing to want to pursue if you look at it from a mercenary or practical point of view (if you are not starstruck). She might even feel that she does want to pursue it but being a responsible and thoughtful person, she believes she shouldn't want to.

I really feel for you. Seeing your children upset is heart breaking and I guess every parent wishes they could mend things for their children. I completely agree that a career is not defined at 18 or 28 or even 38.

I went to drama school at 47

[Caroline A-C]

Somebody well known in the business said to me last year when my son was doing the auditions for drama college, that there is not the stability in jobs that there used to be years ago, so you may as well go with what you passionately want to do.

[Welsh Mum]

At least you know she has a realistic understanding of what she is getting herself into. Perhaps she will re-think her plans - many people do - but I would think that when she is tired and stressed is not the best time to do this. When she is at a more positive stage she may feel differently, albeit still understanding the pitfalls.

The sad fact is that whatever young people study there is little stability in the jobs market atm, and that is not likely to improve for quite a few years. So whatever path she chooses will not be easy. Also decisions made at 18 are not set in stone - there is plenty of time to rethink, relearn and retrain. Even if she decides not to apply she can have performing as an enjoyable part of her life as many people do.

If, along with realism, the passion is there, then that will probably guide her decision. My DD has had her ups and downs over the years - not getting in first time, some tough sessions in her first year, but her passion for what she loves has been constant. Even when she was having a particularly hard time with one teacher in her first year, she still didn't waver in her love for what she was doing.

Hope it all works out OK. When my DCs are unhappy I am in bits and find it hard to stop worrying =- can't count the number of times i have been up in the middle of the night worrying about one of them.

[angelam]

Thank you all so much for your lovely support and fair comments. What a wonderful gifted bunch of therapists you are. We need each other and I appreciate the support. She will not be giving up on her dream any time soon. Thanks again xxx

[nextinline]

I agree that it is better for our dds and dss to do as they want career wise. After all they only have one life and they have to decide what to do with it. Of course they will have worries financially and so on but then who doesn't and at least at the end of the course you have enjoyed it even if it doesn't lead to what you want it to. All the skills learnt are transeferable so they will still be fit for emplyoment if they change their minds. All the life lessons my ds and dd have learnt just by going through the processes of auditioning, getting feedback and coping both with disappointment and with success. Sometimes the latter causes more stress. I am a great believer that if you are a writer you will write, an actor you will act , a nurse you will nurse and so on. Denying who you are neer did anybody any good. As we all know on here it is not about fame or fortune but gettingto do what you love to do, working hard and enjoying working with others who also work hard that is the prize. Good luck to all going through the process of trying to get into drama school this year but ds and dd are not quite old enough yet for this stage but my eldest ds is going to Uni this year.

[sapphire]

What's your DS going to be doing at uni?

[nextinline]

My eldest is an avid writer who is going to study English and Philosophy. He has had quite a lot of success with his writing. Unlike his younger brother and sister he prefers not to go on the stage. However, even he has recently got the dancing lark- he is doing the IB and had to do some activity for his Creativity, Action and Service part of the award (CAS). He did fencing and T'ai Chi but both clases finished. He ended up joining the zumba class that I attend to make up the remaining hours. CAS is finished but he still comes to the classes and enjoys them. My middle DS will definately apply to drama school in a few years so I am watching this thread with interest as there is always someone on here who knows the answer to the questions posed.

[angelam]

Thanks for everyone's input. So what's the latest with DD and DS auditions and call back? Sending you good wishes and hoping that they've been running as smoothly as possible.

[Genevieve]

My DD came home late last night after rehearsals and burst into tears. As well as been tired the harsh reality of future insecurity had really properly dawned her. I felt so sorry for her. She had been focusing on the dream of getting into drama school (not starting to apply until next year) but has started to think that even if she was lucky enough to get in that it is a selfish and foolish decision from an overall financial perspective (short and long term).Cheer me up.

I think there is a stigma attached to going to drama school, and if your dd is in mainstream education, other students and teachers can view careers in drama like this and it transfer to our dcs. It's sometimes no wonder they get anxious about careers in this area
What's positive about your dd, as pg said, is that your dd is really preparing herself mentally and considering her options and has reservations. My dd also knows that when her friends going off to Uni in the future,; they leave with their degrees ;they'll potentially get 9 to 5 jobs with weekends off..;.they'll be earning a regular income ; have a pension ; they'll be going out and buying nice things ; flat sharing ; going on holidays....will she be able to keep up, afford to do what they will be doing ?? Will her relationships suffer as a result ? She does know that she will need to find time to gain other skills to earn money! This is where her worries start and end. She wants to do the training in drama now regardless. The path so far has not been without tears either, and with all the studying they've got too at this age,the anxiety levels are really high, and I worry seeing it.
I think your dds sensible to consider the cost of three years training with the fees increase and doing a course that will warrant the sacrifice, time and financial implications, but it is what it is, and shouldn't prevent anyone doing what they want to do, and they shouldn't have to stress about it. An article I read in The Stage says that 86% of actors have had some form of 'training'.... Therefore, because of the fees increase, unless you can afford doing a Post Graduate course in Acting at a later time, doing an acting degree from 18 is a very sensible decision, and I agree with pg, in that your dd has realised this, and if she doesn't go to drama school and takes a different path, then that's it, it's over.
I also agree with nextinline, Flosmum and Welsh Mum's posts and while its true that nothings set in stone and you can change career paths, you can only apply via UCAS once (and have access to the loans), so I understand your dds anxieties ! (not helped either that this age group don't have the foresight as to consequences and implications of choices they make, as we do. And it doesn't help that the emotional side of the brain doesn't actually mature until around the age of 26 either, so lots of anxiety, emotion and indecision going on!).
I am the worrier, and 'I don't want my dd to struggle when she's older', while at the same time, I also want her to do what she really wants to do.
Perhaps your dd will look to taking a gap year, getting as many performance opportunities as possible, and get some work experience to help assess and consider the situation. Often a little part time job, in a shop, cafe, or bar, gives them a reality check !
I've probably been as helpful as a chocolate tea pot, but I understand the stress for everyone and how difficult these decisions are

[moley]

Just to put things into perspective....for example for every 60 Midwifery places at uni there are over 800 applicants... Not just Drama that is competitive.

My eldest went the academic route, studied Philosophy and Psychology at a very prestigious uni, got a first class degree, and is now working part time in a computer game shop...

My second always wanted to study medicine, is exceptionally bright and capable (5 As at A level) but...... loves music and performing so much she is now studying a degree in Music!

And oldest son, he is autistic but loves performing and performing has always been the thing he has success at and builds his self esteem, so I am 100% behind his dream of drama school.

I'm getting old now lol and have realised that number one importance is happiness. Money isn't important, its nice to have but most of us struggle so best to struggle while pursuing your dream than being stuck in a 9 to 5 office job.

[BELLAGHOST]

My daughter has recently been to Arts School audition for a 3 year BA Hons Degree in Musical Theatre.{She is currently at a very academic school and has offers to study Law at top Unis}. She is still only 17 and at the audition was the youngest; most candidates were 19+ and alot were at a full time "Arts" Establishments.When she said her age the panel made it clear she was too young......I thought this sort of course was for" raw talent " and for young people to go straight from school, be trained and do a degree course - not take gap year(s) and delay the whole process until early 19/20 !!!! She is talented but obviously not compared to those 3 years older than her who have solely spent time on the arts, not academics. It does not give her a chance to get into such a school as she cannot waste a couple of years waiting to try again:in the mean time losing her "Law" place, then possibly getting nothing !! Very frustrating and hard for youngsters to have a choice in their futures ?? Thanks

[Genevieve]

best to struggle while pursuing your dream than being stuck in a 9 to 5 office job.

I agree, I remember how miserable I was working in an office, I felt my personality being sucked out of me - I was much happier being in a field in wellies !! but the money difference was a shock !
BELLAGHOST - I understand the frustration, I raised this issue too about our dcs going from school at 18 and starting training on these courses because why audition 18 year olds if the odds are against them ? but I've since been reassured that they don't favour older students, it's just who your up against at these auditions basically. Your dd was up against candidates who have had a lot of training behind them. Congratulations that your dd has offers to study law, you must be so proud, and at least she tried the Musical theatre options this year too to see the standard - and hasn't been left with nothing and a limbo of a gap year !!

[Caroline A-C]

My son is studying the Musical Theatre BA at Arts Ed. He is 20 (having spent 3 years in the 6th form due to change in course) and shares a house with four others, one of whom is also 20. However, the other three are 18. He says that his year is a complete mix of ages but mostly 18-20. The competition at audition is enormous and so many extremely talented people are turned down simply because they just do not have the spaces. On the plus side, at least you are not faced with the massive fees, the majority of which are not covered by the student loan!

[Genevieve]

yes, I'm realising now that they do take a broad range of ages - my dd auditioned for one institution and they raised their eyebrows when she said how old she was, strange as she is doing normal route applying to go straight in from school the last thing she wants is to have a gap year ...so why they thought it was a surprise, no idea !!! Waiting so far on results following two callbacks, sitting on an offer already, and couple more yet to audition for - so fingers crossed Sometimes I feel its better not to have to choose between 2 or 3 !