Drama school auditions 2026 entry- Acting/MT

[Mcmumager]

Annual thread for those with dc about to embark on the rollercoaster of audition season. This is my second time round as my ds did it a couple of years ago. These threads are always really supportive and full of great advice as it’s often hard to explain to others how tough and competitive this process is. Good luck everyone!!

DS applied for LAMDA BA but has been recalled for Foundation so interested in that. Recalled for RADA, MV, Guildhall BAs but guessing they could also move him to foundation track at some point. Still waiting to hear from RCS, BOVTS (after first round) and GSA (first round in Jan). Given how hard all of these courses are to get into very interested to hear views on foundations at these colleges (where relevant) - although appreciate even getting foundation offers is going to be very competitive!!

Your DS sounds like he is doing fabulously! He may not need to do a Foundation... He has already worked professionally, hasn't he?

Yes - mainly MT with some TV so wants to develop the theatre acting side

It sounds like he has a very high chance of getting in. If he doesn’t then maybe simply more acting classes will be the push he needs for next year? Is he in national youth theatre? They do amazing courses

My DC got a RADA foundation place at 18 and went on it. It then took a further 5 years of applying to be accepted on to RADA acting BA.

Oh my goodness. did they enjoy the foundation/find it valuable?

Yes he did his induction course for NYT last summer

Has anyone experienced technical issues with the LIPA application system? My daughter has uploaded her self tapes, but had no confirmation that it has been successfully completed. Her deadline was today (and yes, I did warn her not to leave until the last minute….)

Hi
My DD has just accepted an offer from RB for scenic arts next September. Glad to hear it's a nice place! She went to an open day and just said it was where she wanted to be.

Ahhh congrats to her! DC has friends on the scenic arts course and they’re loving it 🥰

It’s an amazing course - I’ve seen some of their sets for shows and it’s amazing what they create and sounds like they all work a lot afterwards in theatre, music festivals and shop and window displays - very varied

That's good to hear. She is very excited!

Happy new year everyone!
Does anyone know of anyone who auditioned at Emil Dale who got a place after not been invited to stay for the afternoon?

happy new year!
I don’t know of anyone who was offered a place without interview @Truetoself but I know of a few people who weren’t interviewed then recalled a month later for a second audition. They are still waiting to hear following that.

@NervesAreShotyour DS obviously has what it takes as he has already worked professionally.
Tue fact he hasn’t yet secured a BA at his chosen college just highlights that in the world of performing arts, your success is down to so much more than simply excelling in your chosen field.
Very different from applying to an academic BA

@WishITookLifeSeriouslyreally? That’s interesting! Best thing is not to stress and go with the flow i guess. Easier said than done.

When sending in self-tapes is it OK to keep using the same ones for different institutions? If they're all recorded separately, then would it be OK to just join them up into different combinations whatever is asked for? Thanks

My DD has used the same self tapes.

And was she successful?

She's has two callbacks in the US, I don't think the closing date has passed for he uk ones yet (or they are about now, I don't really get into the detail with her!)

Yes, as long as the individual pieces meet the brief of each institution, that is fine.

I can’t see how this could ever be a problem. As long the brief is met (and the applicant has recorded an introduction, where that is required) it will be accepted. How would any one institution ever know the same tape has been sent elsewhere?

My DD has used the same monologue and song tapes largely - even with that it has been a mammoth task tailoring intros, editing, and meeting the individual ad hoc requirements where specific monologues or dance pieces have been requested.

Hi all, joining in here as daughter currently applying for MT. She’s applied for 9 courses - 5 on UCAS, 2 on UCAS Conservatoires and 2 directly. Had 1 rejection for Royal Welsh after self-tape. Had first in-person audition this week - then 3 more booked for Feb and March. Waiting on response to another self-tape.

@Welshdancemumgood luck to her!