Do you have dreams of treading the boards or gracing the silver screen? Choosing the right drama school is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a professional actor. This decision will shape your training, your network, and potentially your entire career. Here we’ll explore the key questions to ask when selecting your perfect drama school.
Before we begin: Visit an open day!
The single most important step in choosing your drama school is attending an open day. This gives you an opportunity to get a feel for the campus and the atmosphere, and to find out whether it’s a place where you’d be happy to spend the next part of your life.
During open days, you’ll have the chance to tour the facilities, including the rehearsal spaces, performance venues, and the equipment you’ll be using daily. You’ll meet current students and gain insights about their day-to-day life. You’ll also be able to speak with lecturers and get a sense of their teaching style and expertise. You may even take part in classes or workshops and see first-hand how training is conducted.
Remember, you’re not just choosing a drama school; you’re choosing a home for the next few years. The vibe you get from an open day can be invaluable in making this important decision.
Now – let’s get into the questions you can ask!
How will I be trained?
While the overall feel of a school is important, what you’ll be studying is equally crucial. Look closely at the course content offered by each drama school you’re considering. Here are some questions to consider: does the programme offer a good balance of practical and theoretical work? Are there opportunities to study different acting methods? Does the school provide training in other aspects of theatre, such as voice, movement and stagecraft? Are there modules on screen acting, if that’s an area you’re interested in? As the creative industries evolve, it could also be important to ask whether the curriculum includes business skills for actors, such as self-promotion and audition techniques.
A well-rounded course will prepare you not just for performance, but for the realities of building a sustainable career in the creative industries. Make sure you browse the prospectus, website and social media accounts of the school, or learn about them face to face at an open day.
Who will be teaching me?
The quality of your education will largely depend on the expertise and experience of your lecturers. Does the drama school you’re looking into have experienced lecturers? Do they still work in the industry themselves? Take the time to research the professional experience of the lecturers, their areas of specialisation, and any recent productions they’ve been involved in. Lecturers with active careers in the industry can provide valuable insights and potentially even networking opportunities.
The best ways to find out about the lecturers at the school you’re looking at is to browse their website, as drama schools may have staff profiles available. Look at content put out by the school too – does it feature lecturers and demonstrate their expertise? Of course, the best way to find out about them is to get to know them at an open day.
What opportunities will I have to perform?
As an aspiring actor, you’ll want to have ample opportunities to put your training into practice. Look into the number and variety of productions the school stages each year, whether there are opportunities to perform for the public or industry professionals, and if the school has relationships with local theatres or production companies. The school may also put on special showcases for graduating students.
Remember, while these performances are fun, they’re also your chance to start building your CV and making industry connections before you even graduate.
It’s also worth finding out if there are opportunities for professional work alongside or during your training. While some drama schools will provide these opportunities, some don’t allow you to do professional work until you’ve graduated.
Who else went to that drama school, and what did they do after?
While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, it’s worth looking into how alumni from each school have fared in the industry. Check for notable alumni and their achievements. What productions did they end up in? Also, find out about the types of work that graduates typically go into, such as acting for stage, screen, or voiceover productions.
Most drama schools will feature alumni profiles and post on social media about alumni success. Read these profiles and follow their accounts to find out what happens after their students finish training.
How do their auditions work?
Consider the audition process itself – while this might seem like getting ahead of yourself, the way a school runs its auditions can tell you a lot about them. Find out the structure of the audition day and what you’ll be expected to prepare. Ask whether there are opportunities for feedback, and if there are multiple rounds or recall auditions.
A well-organised, supportive audition process can be indicative of how the school treats its students once they enrol. Another consideration is that while Performers College does not charge a fee for auditions, many drama schools do, which can get expensive if there’s multiple rounds or recalls.
Where will I be living?
The location of your drama school can have a significant impact on your training and future opportunities. Consider the local performing arts scene – does the area you’re moving to have lots of theatres, or film and TV production? Being close to a thriving drama scene can provide opportunities for extracurricular learning and networking. Also think about the cultural offerings – a rich, diverse cultural environment can enhance your training and inspire your craft.
Practical considerations include whether you can afford to live comfortably in the area for three years, and the transport links. Easy access to other cities – or even international travel – might be important for auditions or performances.
Make an informed choice
Choosing a drama school is a personal decision that will depend on your individual goals, preferences, and circumstances. By considering these factors, attending open days, and doing your research, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice.
Remember, the best drama school for you is one where you feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow as an artist. We ‘d love to see you at one of our upcoming Open Days to see if Performers College could be the right fit for you. This is your chance to elevate your passion and hone your craft.
Your journey to becoming a professional actor starts with the right training—make it count!
Performers College have campuses in Birmingham, Brighton, Essex and Manchester. Book your place at one of our upcoming Open Days.
