NotaPushyMum.Com

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:30 pm**

dancelifemum wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:12 pm If it makes anyone feel better....just heard Urdang are continuing online first round auditions next year too!
They have realised it's easier (prob cheaper too) to get a panel to view auditions at home rather than arrange audition days....so waiting a year wouldn't make any difference it seems. I also think its a big money spinner as they had over 2k auditionees...much more than if they held in person all paying £45!

Then I expect others to follow suit. Ok, we don't know if later this year will lead to further restrictions or lockdowns, but I think if other's follow Urdang's lead auditions may have just became a whole lot tougher than they were before March 2020 (and that's not saying they were easy then)

It's not only that a lot more then audition but I have ???? over whether some of my daughter's tapes were actually watched, or certainly not right until the end. One renowned name in a rejection gave their reasoning in a couple of sentences saying something about DD's performance that has never been said about her in all her years of training, so it didn't totally ring true. I very much suspect it was a copy and paste exercise (and have no idea why a reason was included), since others on a drama chat group also said they'd received the exact same wording on their rejection emails that re-enforces my view.

For the kids doing the self tapes, it's also a huge amount of work to film themselves with each drama school requesting different things they require in filming and the way it's submitted. Daughter finished her final assessment for her sixth form college last week, but had become in a bit of a muddle with her journals. In helping her sort it we noticed a discernable difference in the work she was doing prior to April to the calibre she produced after this date. Why? Simply because she finished her audition process during the Easter hols, got her first offer and a couple of maybes and could relax from having to having to submit more self tapes. Should sitting GCSE and A level exams be back on next year then that's going to be even more of a juggle. There's also that you get no 'feel' for a place until you get to do in an person audition. With a real life one you might have decided it's not for you in the first place and decided not to pursue

Since daughter certainly got further in auditions when she actually spoke to someone, I'm relieved she has her degree place as she and I wouldn't want to go through another year of submitting self tapes, if it starts looking likely that will happen.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:10 pm**

lawn wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:30 pm
dancelifemum wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:12 pm If it makes anyone feel better....just heard Urdang are continuing online first round auditions next year too!
They have realised it's easier (prob cheaper too) to get a panel to view auditions at home rather than arrange audition days....so waiting a year wouldn't make any difference it seems. I also think its a big money spinner as they had over 2k auditionees...much more than if they held in person all paying £45!
Then I expect others to follow suit. Ok, we don't know if later this year will lead to further restrictions or lockdowns, but I think if other's follow Urdang's lead auditions may have just became a whole lot tougher than they were before March 2020 (and that's not saying they were easy then)

It's not only that a lot more then audition but I have ???? over whether some of my daughter's tapes were actually watched, or certainly not right until the end. One renowned name in a rejection gave their reasoning in a couple of sentences saying something about DD's performance that has never been said about her in all her years of training, so it didn't totally ring true. I very much suspect it was a copy and paste exercise (and have no idea why a reason was included), since others on a drama chat group also said they'd received the exact same wording on their rejection emails that re-enforces my view.

For the kids doing the self tapes, it's also a huge amount of work to film themselves with each drama school requesting different things they require in filming and the way it's submitted. Daughter finished her final assessment for her sixth form college last week, but had become in a bit of a muddle with her journals. In helping her sort it we noticed a discernable difference in the work she was doing prior to April to the calibre she produced after this date. Why? Simply because she finished her audition process during the Easter hols, got her first offer and a couple of maybes and could relax from having to having to submit more self tapes. Should sitting GCSE and A level exams be back on next year then that's going to be even more of a juggle. There's also that you get no 'feel' for a place until you get to do in an person audition. With a real life one you might have decided it's not for you in the first place and decided not to pursue

Since daughter certainly got further in auditions when she actually spoke to someone, I'm relieved she has her degree place as she and I wouldn't want to go through another year of submitting self tapes, if it starts looking likely that will happen.

I agree....I think they said to some current students that you would had more chance if you'd submitted your tape earlier in the process as they hadn't been expecting that many applicants.
Again I also query if my DD had attended some in person they would have seen the passion which she said felt flat in a room filming yourself. Luckily she still did ok with hers, but I do think there will have been some huge disparity compared to live auditions in some outcomes (not all) because of the amount of possible teacher help with tapes or space and many other variable factors. We will never know but I think you're possibly correct as they allegedly gave each video a score....and I know Bird do this too....but as it became more apparent that there were record numbers maybe they realised they had to shut some down which is a shame if you don't know if you got a fair opportunity to be seen.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:19 pm**

Bird apparently still haven't let the auditionees from mid April know yet? or so I hear ....they think possibly got caught up in the recalls at the end...so another long wait for them. poor kids

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:31 am**

Elysée69 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 8:41 am This place is so helpful.

After mulling all pros and cons we have decided DD will be declining her EDA btech and Conti Diploma as we feel at only just 16 she is too young to go 400 miles away. Decision is to sit her next exams and audition for 2022 and pray she still gets offers.

Places she can audition for next year with her age/qualifications (she'll have sat highers so can try for degree at)

Diploma/degree at
EDA
URDANG
CONTI
BIRD
CHICHESTER

she is acting singing strong but dance is not far behind. Anyone able to rank these in terms of course/employability record?

Thank you

Hi, good luck to your daughter.
We did similar two years ago and I really feel it was the best decision.
We did worry as many people told us the offers you get at 16 are usually the best you will get. I think that comes from attending a ballet school where it’s the norm to go to vocational school at 16.
My daughter has just finished her A levels. Over the last two years she focused on her weaker areas in dance and we agreed to pay for private singing lessons with one of her college teachers.
This year she’s had some good degree offers (along with a couple of rejections). She has also changed her focus slightly in terms of career plans so she considered auditions she wouldn’t have thought of two years ago.
Try not to worry too much. If she keeps up her local training there’s no reason why she won’t get offers next time and she’ll have the bonus of her extra qualifications too.

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:38 am**

Grace03 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:31 am
Elysée69 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 8:41 am This place is so helpful.

After mulling all pros and cons we have decided DD will be declining her EDA btech and Conti Diploma as we feel at only just 16 she is too young to go 400 miles away. Decision is to sit her next exams and audition for 2022 and pray she still gets offers.

Places she can audition for next year with her age/qualifications (she'll have sat highers so can try for degree at)

Diploma/degree at
EDA
URDANG
CONTI
BIRD
CHICHESTER

she is acting singing strong but dance is not far behind. Anyone able to rank these in terms of course/employability record?

Thank you
Hi, good luck to your daughter.
We did similar two years ago and I really feel it was the best decision.
We did worry as many people told us the offers you get at 16 are usually the best you will get. I think that comes from attending a ballet school where it’s the norm to go to vocational school at 16.
My daughter has just finished her A levels. Over the last two years she focused on her weaker areas in dance and we agreed to pay for private singing lessons with one of her college teachers.
This year she’s had some good degree offers (along with a couple of rejections). She has also changed her focus slightly in terms of career plans so she considered auditions she wouldn’t have thought of two years ago.
Try not to worry too much. If she keeps up her local training there’s no reason why she won’t get offers next time and she’ll have the bonus of her extra qualifications too.

Our dance school always encourages them to finish their A' levels etc and apply at 18 as they will be more mature for living away from home plus they will have an education to fall back on other than dance etc (performing arts not being the most stable of jobs!) or if they get injured and can't work.
Even some cruise ships ( if that ends up being a job) won't take them on unless over 21. (possibly US licensing laws etc..) It will also allow you access to more courses as the degree options are then available and therefore more funding options too.
Maybe ballet school eg white lodge would be slightly different as you would apply at 16...but I definitely think there are pros to waiting.
They can also party down the pub with their peers on their course hahaha

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 1:57 pm**

dancelifemum wrote: ↑Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:10 pm
I agree....I think they said to some current students that you would had more chance if you'd submitted your tape earlier in the process as they hadn't been expecting that many applicants.

I totally agree that when you submitted your tape played a part and I know you get that with live auditions too, but at least you know you've been watched. Daughter's course tutor told her cohort to audition very early. I now truly believe this was bad advice and only given because the tutor was leaving to hand over to the replacement. I think most of the time drama schools didn't wish to offer at this point because they were wondering who might come along later. Then there was a fine point between that and auditioning too late whn most places had gone.

In daughter's case her course has got the worst calibre of offers than any previous years have got. Not helped by the insufficient and below par training they've had since March last year. Daughter is ok, but that's purely because she kept going with applying. Some of her course mates have no offers at all, though one has managed to find performance work anyway (entertainment not stage work) where ironically she is working side by side with a recent graduate of one of the Drama schools.

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:31 pm**

Help ! Our daughter is off to Performers College in September 21. Totally new to this as she's our eldest and we're now trying to find accommodation & honestly don't know where to start. She has tried to contact a few off the Facebook page to begin making friends without much luck. If anyone else is in a similar position do they they have any advice or PM and we could arrange for our DC to be in touch. Thanks

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:27 pm**

musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:31 pm Help ! Our daughter is off to Performers College in September 21. Totally new to this as she's our eldest and we're now trying to find accommodation & honestly don't know where to start. She has tried to contact a few off the Facebook page to begin making friends without much luck. If anyone else is in a similar position do they they have any advice or PM and we could arrange for our DC to be in touch. Thanks

My dd is just finishing her first year at Performers. Have you had the accommodation list yet?

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:10 pm**

jazzhandsmand wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:27 pm
musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:31 pm Help ! Our daughter is off to Performers College in September 21. Totally new to this as she's our eldest and we're now trying to find accommodation & honestly don't know where to start. She has tried to contact a few off the Facebook page to begin making friends without much luck. If anyone else is in a similar position do they they have any advice or PM and we could arrange for our DC to be in touch. Thanks
My dd is just finishing her first year at Performers. Have you had the accommodation list yet?

Hello, thanks for your reply.

Yes, she had it last week but we've been told availability is already limited. I'm sure she'll get something I'd just like her to get to know others before she goes hopefully. I think the next searches are Rightmove and Spare Room.

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:44 pm**

Last year Performers started doing some online events, quizzes, classes etc for new students to get to know each other. Would imagine they will do similar this year.

Posted: **Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:53 am**

Jofitz wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:44 pm Last year Performers started doing some online events, quizzes, classes etc for new students to get to know each other. Would imagine they will do similar this year.

That sounds good, thank you, hope they do the same this year

Posted: **Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:53 am**

musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:31 pm Help ! Our daughter is off to Performers College in September 21. Totally new to this as she's our eldest and we're now trying to find accommodation & honestly don't know where to start. She has tried to contact a few off the Facebook page to begin making friends without much luck. If anyone else is in a similar position do they they have any advice or PM and we could arrange for our DC to be in touch. Thanks

Hi the accommodation list was posted to the fb group. (I think you only get accepted to it once you confirm on ucas)....most were gone by 30 minutes. We have been advised to suck it up for the first year with whatever we can and what happens is the first & second years get first pick of houses next year as they know who is leaving and bag the houses before they reach the list. We are looking at private rents. I am trying to remember that they will all get sorted bu it may be a compromise this first year.

Posted: **Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:55 am**

musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:10 pm
jazzhandsmand wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:27 pm
musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:31 pm Help ! Our daughter is off to Performers College in September 21. Totally new to this as she's our eldest and we're now trying to find accommodation & honestly don't know where to start. She has tried to contact a few off the Facebook page to begin making friends without much luck. If anyone else is in a similar position do they they have any advice or PM and we could arrange for our DC to be in touch. Thanks
My dd is just finishing her first year at Performers. Have you had the accommodation list yet?
Hello, thanks for your reply.

Yes, she had it last week but we've been told availability is already limited. I'm sure she'll get something I'd just like her to get to know others before she goes hopefully. I think the next searches are Rightmove and Spare Room.

Yes I think check on spare room etc....and I think they are hoping to do a live freshers week. I think there should be an unofficial chat somewhere but I am not sure. I think the performers one is 'official' so less likely to chat. I am sure DD mentioned a whattsapp group.

Posted: **Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:09 pm**

dancelifemum wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:53 am
musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:31 pm Help ! Our daughter is off to Performers College in September 21. Totally new to this as she's our eldest and we're now trying to find accommodation & honestly don't know where to start. She has tried to contact a few off the Facebook page to begin making friends without much luck. If anyone else is in a similar position do they they have any advice or PM and we could arrange for our DC to be in touch. Thanks
Hi the accommodation list was posted to the fb group. (I think you only get accepted to it once you confirm on ucas)....most were gone by 30 minutes. We have been advised to suck it up for the first year with whatever we can and what happens is the first & second years get first pick of houses next year as they know who is leaving and bag the houses before they reach the list. We are looking at private rents. I am trying to remember that they will all get sorted bu it may be a compromise this first year.

Hi. Thank you, good advice - I'm sure this time next year it'll be all change again

Posted: **Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:14 pm**

dancelifemum wrote: ↑Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:55 am
musical1 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:10 pm
jazzhandsmand wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:27 pm

My dd is just finishing her first year at Performers. Have you had the accommodation list yet?
Hello, thanks for your reply.

Yes, she had it last week but we've been told availability is already limited. I'm sure she'll get something I'd just like her to get to know others before she goes hopefully. I think the next searches are Rightmove and Spare Room.
Yes I think check on spare room etc....and I think they are hoping to do a live freshers week. I think there should be an unofficial chat somewhere but I am not sure. I think the performers one is 'official' so less likely to chat. I am sure DD mentioned a whattsapp group.

Hi, she's joined a few now - Facebook page, watsapp, snapchat so hopefully will start to get to know a few other students

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