"Performing Arts", <sigh>, DD has decided - now what?

[KatyMac]

DD has decided she want to go to a college for the performing arts

Assuming
a)she is good enough
b)we can afford it
c)she can get a place

What are her options?

I'm assuming a 'fame' or 'Britiannia High' type schools don't actually exist and there is a more down-to-earth/normal option?

The Brit school would prepare her for one of the above schools....but it's not worth it in my opinion, the quality isn't up to scratch, She will be better off doing A Levels or working for a year or so...and doing Youth Theatre productions.

And a warning...it can take two and even three years of trying to get in before you do.

It is normal to try again and again...you gain more experience and improve.

It is fairly unrealistic tho' isn't it

All that disappointment

If she is prepared to think beyond becoming a performer there are quite a few career paths and different courses she could consider. Central in London do a great degree in drama, applied theatre and education that could help her train in areas such as youth theatre, theatre in education, teaching etc. It has a great placement scheme which can help students make links to the profession. RSAMD do a similar course in contemporary theatre. These types of courses steer you towards learning to create your own work and I think students can take there careers in a number of differernt directions.

I'll suggest it to her

What about the National Youth Theatre or National Youth Music Theatre? School holiday courses, excellent standard (though fairly pricey) but can give her lots of experience and open a few doors in terms of deciding what she wants to do next.

NYT

NYMT seems to have a dodgy website.

Also try Youth Music Theatre I teach Performing Arts at Secondary level (up to VI Form) and one of my ex students did a show with Youth Music Theatre this summer.

We had a long talk with her music teacher and have made a 'plan'

Thank for all your help

My daughter completed her National Youth Theatre Course in 2007 and said it was the best experience of her life.

We were able to fundraise the course fees, with tips from a fundraising pack they sent out to us (although to be honest these fees were a lot more reasonable than other acting courses we have come across). She is now auditioning for next year's season of plays and performances and hopes to be as involved as she was last year (where she got to go to Shanghai to perform!)

My second daughter is now 14, so is just old enough to apply this year (I think the cut off age is 21). I think the deadline is very early January.