September 2015

[nigelben]

That is so harsh from GSA jaybeeyellow. My Son who has just completed his first year at MMU School of Theatre was 20 UCAS points shy of what they required which I think was 280. He had a year out as he wasn't successful the first year of auditioning for drama school but last year got into MMU with an unconditional offer even though they knew he didn't have enough points. Just think it detracts from an acting course as there really should be a cross section, very often the best actors aren't always the most academic and AAB is such a high ask even for the more academic!!

[jaybeeyellow]

I agree it is so harsh, cruel even. It's not as if if can go in to Clearing either. There is no Clearing for Acting.
Must admit, GSA have gone down in my estimation. I understand that they probably do not agree with the conditions that the University place on them, but in all honesty they did not appear bothered. He made several phone calls, but could not, as hard as he tried, get to speak to anybody from GSA only somebody from the University. He pleaded with them ,but the answer was no. Very tough to take.

[nigelben]

jaybeeyellow, it may be worth him sending a message to GSA on twitter as I think they have quite a lively twitter page. That's dreadful that there was no one from GSA he could speak to if only to offer sympathy and encouragement for next year. The one thing I would say is, I really don't think my son was quite ready for drama school when he left sixth form. That year out made a big difference to him as he had recalls for I think 9 out of the 11 schools he tried for, including RADA and getting to the last round at Drama Centre opposed to getting just one recall in his first year, of course, everyone is different. Really hope you daughter's boyfriend can gets over this disappointment and look positively towards auditioning next year. Best wishes to him.

[jaybeeyellow]

Unfortunately, GSA give the impression that they are hiding somewhat behind the University.
I did wonder aboutTwitter, but he doesn't want to make the situation worse by appearing to criticise them. He doesn't want to ruin his chances for next time.
I can understand that.I wonder how many others have been affected by this?
I hope that anybody reading this remembers it, especially if their son/daughter is put on the reserve list. Think carefully about any conditions that are placed on the offer.

[jasmine2]

things must be on the move again as a friend of ours had accepted Urdang, only to be offered Birds yesterday!

Don't give up all those still waiting to hear..x

[Losingtheplot]

My DD just been offered LSC degree today. Just as we sorted Performers pre-voc. Big decisions ahead. People's thoughts, opinions and advice greatly received. Thanks in advance.

[Recless]

That's a hard decision! My DD is going to LSC and is really looking forward to it so I am sure she would have a great time there. However she did a foundation/prevoc at Urdang last year and had an amazing year and improved her dancing so much. Don't rule out sticking with the prevoc as my DD thinks she is starting her degree in a strong position with already having a years training and is really glad she did it. Then again there's all the expense and stress of more auditions! Let us know what you decide.

[afab]

Losingtheplot, tough decision as Recless is saying. We've had the same dilemma. DD was offered the Foundation course at Urdang and the Degree at LSC. She picked LSC as she loved the school even though she really loved Urdang too. But she thought and we agreed that a) the LSC alumni seem to be doing wonderfully, b) being offered a degree trumped a foundation course, c) doing a foundation course didn't automatically mean that she'd be offered a degree the year after and finally d) it saved her the stress of re-auditioning and us a lot of money... Hope it helps!

What stream is she offered at LSC? Good luck with your decision!

[Losingtheplot]

Thanks Recless and Afab. Your comments are most useful and given us lots to think about. At the moment my DD is thinking LSC, but just wants to double check her position on DADA waiting list at Performers. Long shot I know but don't want to transfer only to get offered DADA at last minute. Thanks again for your input xxx

[Losingtheplot]

Afab, what is the stream you refer to. Level of ability or specialty?

[afab]

Losingtheplot, happy I could help... I meant specialty...
Good luck with your DD's decision!

[Losingtheplot]

Afab not sure about specialty. She went to the musical theatre recall so assume that is the route she will take. It doesn't say anything in the letter. Does it state the specialty in your DDs information or do they choose once they start?

[oscar]

When pupils start courses their ability / experience is usually assessed and they are put into classes to best suit them . It is usually in each discipline. Just like setting at school really.

[afab]

Same for my DD Losingtheplot, she was offered the recall in either jazz or MT and chose MT so I suppose it will be her "major" but since they seem to be doing everything (which is another reason she chose LSC), she's not sure...

I wonder what it's like for people who do Ballet at their major there. Do they do a lot of it and at a high level? Does anybody know?

[dancingmoll]

Does any one know if when dcs are at performing arts college they'll have to pay for prescriptions or do they get them free still? Because when they ask they say 'are you in full time education' and surely 30 hours a week constitutes as full time!?