So much has changed & so much is the same

[suesmith]

Hi als17 - yes you are correct Brit is just 2 year BTEC - dd has 2 friends there now (both living in catchment area!)

[Katymac]

But it's really hard organising a 'plan B' - you know what to do if you don't get in to a level 6

[als17]

DD's plan B is to go to a local college, do the 2-year Btec Musical Theatre and DDI teaching, then either try and audition again in 2 years, or just go straight to agency auditions. As we cannot afford to fund this ourselves but we both work, I think we may find ourselves in this position. But she wants to try, so I'm willing to back her enthusiasm

[Katymac]

There isn't a college near us that specialises in MT & none even nearby that does DDI/DDE

At least not that we have found (yet)

So DD will have to travel for whatever she does

[als17]

Oh, that's frustrating! We have 2 in our area that both have good reputations, but it isn't the same as going away to Laines, Urdang etc etc

[suesmith]

Plan B for us is A levels - and continue existing dancing/singing/acting training, then re audition again at 18 (possibly 17 too?!)
We are fortunate that our local 6th form college has an Ofsted - Outstanding for their Performing Department

Realistically, like all of us - we hope we won't need plan B!! but would be silly not to have one I know! xx

[Katymac]

Her teacher says not to bother with a plan B - but I'd like a plan C, D, E & F as well to be honest


I mean how many thousands audition? Then I guess a few hundred get places & tiny numbers get DADAs

The odds are ridiculous on a par with winning the lottery (well not quiten but close)



Why would my DD be the one who gets a place?

[suesmith]

Why wouldn't she?!! Someone's got to get those places and I keep telling dd it's all good experience! xx

[Robsmumma]

You gotta be in it to win it!!

[Katymac]

Brit also do an on-line application

[Dawn]

Wow it's been a while since I've posted on here & nice to see some familiar names, thought I'd have a look tonight to see if anyone else is going to the Italia Conti Guildford Arts open day tomorrow?

My dd is currently in year 11 and wants to do a 2 year B-TEC in Performing Arts before possibly going onto a full 3 year course at 18. She is favouring Conti as she currently attends an associate school at the weekend. Also interested in Bird as dd has done summer school there for the last 2 years. We live in Hampshire so dd we probably have to board

Interesting to read what your dd/ds are all considering.

Dawn

[als17]

Oh no, I've missed this one! When I phoned them they told me they weren't having an open day. Maybe they meant the other location. I'm gutted!!

[suesmith]

Dawn - my dd currently on Advanced pro Course at Guildford, also year 11 - she will probably apply to Conti main school, Urdang, Laine and Bird, she will also apply to do BTEC at Guildford as she loves it there, but really really wants to do her main training at one of the bigger colleges so would then re apply at 18. Friend of dd has just started on the BTEC - it is the first year they have offered it there, so far is loving it - but exhausted!! I have a copy of her timetable which I'm sure she wouldn't mind me sending you if you are interested please pm me It includes 6 ballet classes, tap, jazz and singing, but also gymnastics, circus skills and pole!!

als17 - also happy to forward to you, I'm sure they will have other open days I know they hold several throughout the year - but your are correct, the main Conti college in London do not hold open days

Urdang Pre Audition week - (half term) is brilliant, my dd is also attending Laine Audition Support day in October

[Dawn]

Thanks for your replies sue & Als17. My dd loved it there today and is already at an associate school so sort of knew what to expect. There are 2 more open days in October I think but these are at Guildford not London as the 2 yr BTec is only at Guildford.

Sue thanks for the offer of the timetable , that would be great, they did talk us through it today and it sounds good, not sure about pole tho but dd would only do that if we paid for the extra top up foundation hours, which I am sure we would pay for. We are only looking at A-level equivalent at the moment as want to get some UCAS points in the bank as might be useful later on. We know how tough it will be to get into a full time degree equivalent performing arts course at 18 so want to keep all dds options open as may end up applying to a uni or two as well as a specialist London school.

It was excellent today & dd is super keen now. They did a class with Mark Webb who dd has worked with once before it was hard work but excellent. I will PM you.

Thanks.

[Katymac]

Neither Brit nor Arts Ed were what DD (or I) expected

Not quite sure where we go from here