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!!

I think it’s a little higher than that but It could depend on how many people are auditioning that year. But apparently there’s a massive surge of applicants applying to drama schools this year so I can imagine the spaces for recalls at schools are more limited.

@Truetoself money money.

DD didn't get a recall for RWC but then went to her recall auditions in the US and RWC were doing walk-ins and actively so - walking around to the various rooms to get kids to sign up to auditions.

US students pay far more. (which ironically we would be doing if she gets an offer from the US schools she applied to!)

Hi all, I've been lurking this year but posted a bit last year as it was my DS's first year of auditions. He accepted a place on the Trinity Foundation course, so has been there since September and having the time of his life. Last year also helped him to know which schools not to apply to this time round, and his time on the Foundation course has also introduced him to new schools we weren't aware of before. He's just finished all his auditions and apart from a no from GSA has had BA offers from everywhere - PPA, Performers' Brighton, MPAA and Trinity. So this Foundation year has worked wonders for him! So anybody whose DC might be getting Foundation offers, I definitely recommend it for the excellent preparation it gives for the next year.
In the end DS has accepted the place at MPAA - I was a bit sceptical at the start as I hadn't heard of it and wasn't sure how well regarded it is. But he absolutely loves their teaching style, and their pastoral support seems excellent. I haven't seen MPAA being mentioned anywhere on this board this year so just wondered if anybody else has been through the process there?

Any idea why there is a surge in applications this year?

@livingonaprairiewow that is a fantastic set of results! Well done to your son .. can I ask please when he got his BA offer from Trinity Laban as my YP auditioned last week but no news as yet .. x

He got it the day after audition but because he's a current student I think they might be doing things a bit differently. Good luck to your DC!

Is there a reason he didn't accept Trinity with him already being there?

He would definitely have accepted it if he hadn't got MPAA. He really loves it there, but he felt the pastoral care at MPAA and the teaching style suited him better. Plus they only take 25 per year so it's smaller and more personal.

Hey! May does feel quite far away, however remember that GSA is the only Acting course where there is only 2 rounds, Self Tape and Recall. All other Drama Schools for Acting are 3 rounds with RADA even being 4 rounds. Most other Drama schools will also be having their final rounds in April/May time, so from that perspective it's not too bad.
I do know I'd be shocked to see it was May at first if my DD had been recalled for then. She unfortunately got a straight rejection from Self Tapes. Honestly I'd just take it as a huge achievement that your DS got a recall :)

Has your DS got other recalls coming up?

thanks - to be quite honest - I hadn't realised how hard it was to get a recall! I know the courses is extremely oversubscribed but hadn't realised that there had been an increase in applications, nor that they didn't see most people who sent self tapes.

I think it’s because more people are more interested in the arts. I think social media plays a big part for it but the new new upcoming generation seem to be a lot more interested in it. Some schools have took away fees or made them cheaper too so it’s more accessible to apply to some schools giving them more choice to apply.

@theatrekidmum ahh yeah, the percentage drop at each stage of Acting recalls is huge, so to get one really is amazing! My DD is in her 3rd year of auditions and this is actually the first year she has had any recalls in Acting! Massive well done to your DS, GSA is honestly a fabulous achievement!

Also - there could be an increase as there are more children in this cohort - it was the cohort where Reception places were really tight and many schools oversubscribed and putting bulge classes in. So there will be more making their first applications inY13 on top of the ones who are in their 2nd or 3rd year applying.

I love that kids are keen on the arts - the news would say otherwise sometimes. I think drama at national youth theatre and in schools and various outreach programs must be making a positive impact. Also maybe people want joy?

my daughter was offered PPA today - she is over the moon x

@thefuriousferret huge congratulations to your daughter, that's fantastic! My daughter graduates from PPA this year and has loved every second. She had other good offers but chose PPA on the strength of their ethos and it was 100% the right decision - she's been so well-trained and very happy, and is currently at an agent audition as I type! 😁

@Reklatsthanks so much!!

I have a feeling I might know your daughter

Hi all, new to this thread - just come over from the Student Room thread so I thought I'd say 'hello'. 3rd year applying for my DD (acting BA) 4 rejections and 3 recalls so far. Best of luck to everyone going through this!

I wonder how much they take into account previous training? My DD 1st year of auditioning for musical theatre, so pleased she has been offered foundation cert courses at arts ed and italia conti. How ever , when asked in interview , she said she was ‘only at 6th form’
😂😂 . (She has had masses
of training outside of college and been in professional shows but failed to mention this). All her friends of similar ability, who have done 2 years performing arts at 6th form, have got degree offers. Maybe she just has sour grapes 😂

This is an anecdote from 1 persons experience. The numbers applying for BA Acting courses are huge every year. Places like RADA and LAMDA have in excess of 3500 applications per year. I can't see why there would be a surge this year in particular other than a marginal increase in birth rate during 2008 🤷🏼‍♀️
BA acting courses at the top schools attract applicants from 18 - 35+ years of age and international students - acceptance rates are something like 1-3%..

I also think year on year more people think that a career as an Actor is a possibility, with so much social media out there making it look achievable. Also more parents are also supporting children's desires to strive for their dream - rather than do a sensible degree and get a regular job with a regular income.

My DD is st GSA. Started her BA in Sept. After doing a Foundation there. If you have any questions about campus, accommodation etc. just ask. It was a whole learning curve when she started, but she absolutely loves it.

Thank you! She's applied for accommodation now which all seemed pretty straightforward and no nonsense.

If she doesn't tell them they won't know. I would imagine experience of training in or out of the classroom will be taken into account, even if unconsciously. great news on the foundation offers!

My DS did the same thing - managed not to mention that he’s been in an actor Muso show when at the GSA audition 🙈