NotaPushyMum.Com

Wouldn't describe anybody as 'normal', what is that? In terms of performing, it seems to choose the kids rather than them choosing it. If your ds cannot imagine any other existance than being on stage then it is probably for him. The hours are long, it is not glamourous, you have to sacrifice time to rehearse, train and travel to various locations across the UK. My kids are keeping both options open (luckily they are doing well at school) but I wouldn't deny them their love of theatre if that is their chosen path. I would just make sure they know how to make their money last and to have realistic expectations. I hope your ds finds the right course for him and I think being home educated is irrelevant in a way regarding performing as in my experience people come from all walks of life and there is no one route that will ensure success. Hard work, luck, versatility and talent in equal measures is all you need. All the best

Hi Tikka

Rather than the Btec, why not head towards a couple of mainstream A levels in maths and physics and and A in drama?

Maybe he could split the attendance with a supportive college with him doing his maths and physics via distance learning and his A level on site, thus satisfying the two sides of commercial competency and creativity. Also not being too demanding on his education group interaction, which is new, and he can concentrate that to his drama course?? Just a thought.

At the risk of turning this thread into a debate over the pros and cons of Home Education, my DS was HE for just over a year, during which time he was more confident, happy, fulfilled, focussed and just 'himself' than he ever has been at school.

Just thought I'd throw that into the mix!

So good to have a wide range of suggestions. Thankyou.

Ash - did think about that but when I suggested A levels in Maths and Physic he just gave me one of those looks! Also the A level in drama sounds like its much more theory, where as the BTec is very hands on. The distance learning is a good idea, so he could keep up his maths/science by doing OU courses alongside a BTec in Acting. Would be great to find that 'supportive' college but the local one is very laid back and didn't come over at the audition as being supportive, or even interested in the students. The tutor didn't ask him any questions about why he wanted to do the course or if he had any experience/ambitions/vision etc - just told him to do the piece he had prepared in front of the other few candidates and asked 1 question on his choice of piece and then couldn't wait to end the session. If the tutor had been right then I could relax knowing he was going to be happy for 2 years doing something he wants to do, and I would just support him when needed!

Paulears - DS noted your comment about the slackers getting the main parts and said this often happens to try to involve them in the course a bit more so they are then less disruptive for the teacher!!!

ah understand the complexity,

In that case would go for thr BTec since he obviously has his heart set on it BUT on strict condition he also does the OU mainstream work to give him the "fallback" that all actors (even profesional ones) need

My 4 pennorth' good luck with negotiations around those looks

Re: the slackers - in BTEC the grades are criterion based, so the lazy ones who are crafty can make sure they get good grades by following the rules - but the teachers don't really give the advantage to the slackers by picking them, but simply by doing open auditions, and if somebody comes in, after spending ten minutes on the script and does a stunning audition, they'll get the role - even if somebody sweated buckets getting to nearly, but not quite, the same standard. Disruptive students on BTEC don't (at least never in my experience)get the good roles because they won't change - they generally get put well out of harms way! Although I can see some teachers taking the easy route!

paulears wrote: so the lazy ones who are crafty..... and if somebody comes in, after spending ten minutes on the script and does a stunning audition, they'll get the role - even if somebody sweated buckets getting to nearly, but not quite, the same standard.

As good a summary of casting as I have ever seen, capability does not always win the day