Why Study Theatre/ Drama/ Acting at university?

TO BE AN ACTOR!!!

Well actually no most people who have degrees in Drama do not end up as Actors. Drama and Theatre related courses have been established in top flight universities for over fifty years now and can be studied at degree level and beyond. Graduates have a wide range of career –

· Associate Professional & Technical Occupations

· Clerical & Secretarial

· Management & Administration

· Sales

· Personal Services

· Professional Occupations

· Community, Social & Personal Service

· Business & Research

· Retail

· Hotels & Restaurants

· Education

· Manufacturing

· Public Administration

As well as jobs in the theatre and Television –

· Actor/actress

· Stage manager

· Arts administrator

· Drama teacher

· Drama therapist

· Television production assistant

· Radio presenter

What should I be doing if I want to get a place on a university course?

Well the first thing is to be involved in as much as you can be. Competition for places is tight and you may well be asked to audition. However before then you will need to demonstrate you have a passion for Drama. Start by taking up the opportunities that school offers you. Do the shows regardless of the role you have. Attend clubs, assist in running them. Outside of school become involved in Drama clubs and ‘AM DRAM’ groups. Read plays, read the ‘Stage’ (in our library) and most importantly attend live Theatre.

How will I be assessed?

Drama/Theatre and Acting are extremely varied disciplines so you will have to do your homework on the course you are doing. Typically all will have practical elements that are assessed and others may include essays, performance, oral presentations, coursework or exams.

Some courses in Acting have very little written component (if any at all). However these are frequently heavily oversubscribed or fee paying institutions. They are designed to train actors and are less use them other types of degree for the wider world of work.

Can Theatre be studied with other subjects?

Drama, Theatre and Acting courses can be taught as joint honours with many other subjects. In the more traditional universities it is frequently combined with English. Other popular combinations are Music, Dance, Art and Design. Often courses are available in events management and other performance industry subjects like stage management.

What are the best universities

· Central School of Speech and Drama

· Warwick

· Lancaster

· Goldsmiths

· Guildhall