Sylvia young full time school

[Elesmum]

Hi
After looking on here for a while now I have finally become a member and posting my first post. You all seem so nice, friendly and helpful.
I have a 9 year old DD who really would like to audition for the sylvia young full time school she has done a couple of summer schools there and I know you have to do a workshop first then if called back a song, dance and drama piece.
Dd is a very talented dancer so not a worry, she can sing very well but struggling with song to choose she sings the princess song from shrek and the little mermaid very well and knows them backwards but worried that they aren't going to be a good choice.
Has anyone got any experience in auditioning that would mind sharing some tips? And anyone got any advice on choosing songs.
Thank you

[RoseTowers4]

Hi Elesmum,

Welcome to NAPM. You're right about people being helpful and friendly on here. That was my thought when I lurked for a while. I don't have much experience but I would definitely go with something that your dd feels comfortable with. It can be a nerve wracking experience doing an audition and however confident they may feel at home, it can disappear in a second when put on the spot. I would have a couple of songs ready, the two you've suggested sound fine, just in case lots of other people sing the same song as her and she wants to have something else up her sleeve. Maybe get her to sing it to some friends that can be supportive before she goes for the audition?

Good luck xx

[Elesmum]

Thank you RoseTowers4. She has sung both songs on stage in front of audiences before so she is very confident with them.
It is so hard to know what's best all so new to me I'm a complete shrinking violet and know absolutely nothing about this world but she is obsessed with all this performing so want to help her the best I can. Still think its easier with my son who plays football lol.

[riverdancefan]

My son got through to the final 15 3 years ago - it was TOUGH!
400 to about 30

30 to 15

he was the only child there without significant West end experience or a significant TV history..
all were 10 , 11 and 12, not 9 though

He actually cannot remember if he had to prepare anything for the first round or not -I think it was workshop but cannot be sure
Then it was two monologues - Shakespeare which they give you, another of your choice, a dance and a song - the same routine is used for final call backs as you don't get enough time to learn anything new.

The final panel included Jo Hawes and she is already familiar with the West end children of course as she casts most of them. The winner of my son's year was a boy who had played the artful dodger in the WE, a girl who was at the SY Saturday school and had played Little Cosette, and a boy who was on tour and pre-recorded his audition (would have loved the opportunity to do that, no panel and the ability to practice - how fab!) We knew my DS wouldn't get the ultimate prize and it wasn't a suprise when we got the email.

All the children were special and talented in different ways and had a lot to offer the performing world, and we were all offered fee paying places (I wish) - with some helpful and incredibly promising feedback.
I was so so proud of my DS for getting so far against so many odds (he even had to choreograph his own dance as we had no-one to put one together)

It's really worth a try - you just never know how far you will go, Sylvia was absolutely lovely and DS had a fabulous if not nerve-wracking time!!
Go for it!

[Elesmum]

Hi riverdance fan
Thank you and wow that's a lot of competition massive well done to your DS for getting as far as he did
I am looking at applying for a fee paying place for dd but it looks like a very hard audition process!! With lots and lots of children applying

[riverdancefan]

I don't think there will be too much of a problem if you are fee paying
Sorry thought you meant scholarship
I don't personally know anyone who had been turned down for a fee paying place in year 7 , others might though

[Elesmum]

Hope we aren't the first you hear of
Do not as many apply for fee paying places I was thinking there might be hundreds for few places all so new to me

[francescasmum]

I have heard of children who haven't got in, I don't think they applied for funding, but I might be wrong.

[CatKat_0]

I don't have any experience to offer here, so will leave it to those who do. Just wanted to offer best wishes and to ask if she auditions, you let us know how she gets on. It's lovely that you've been able to offer her this opportunity - hope she's one if the successful few.

[francescasmum]

According to their web site, there appeared to be 46 children taking their GCSEs this year so that must be roughly how many they take each year. There is an academic test as well as singing acting and dancing assessments before acceptance.
I can't imagine that there are only 45 ish children applying each year so they must turn some down.

[jasmine2]

when my dd was there they only took on around 18 in year 6, but that was before it becamea 2 form entry school....they have loads apply and therefore can not take on everyone that applies..it is harder in yr 7 as there are less places available..
I would say go with the songs that you are really comfortable with, but have another in reserve just in case...
be your self and remember that they are not looking for 'perfect' children as they would not need to train if they were all perfect...lol
Good luck..

[islandofsodor]

The two children I know of who got places applied & got in in Year 6. One got into Billy Elliot shortly afterwards & has I believe just finished last week.

[islandofsodor]

I also know a boy who got down to the last 10 for the scholarship. He still attends dds dance school & apart from being ensemble in the Oliver tour had no West End credits although he had been offered Billy school but grew too tall before he could start.

[Dogcop]

Ds got down to last 10 two years ago and there were only a few that got offered a place then

[Elesmum]

Hi
Thank you all for your help and encouragement. I will let you know if we apply and how far we get