Research on University - Course Option 2

I'm currently on the BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 Performing Arts (Acting), I have 6 GCSES, 4 at B and 2 and C. I am with a local theatre group named Petersfield Youth Theatre (PYT). I have confidence to put myself forward for different opportunities, I am eager to learn and work on different productions/projects. I also have experience on TV and Stage. I feel that I need to work on Naturalism as well as the financial side of Musical Theatre. I need to join an agency too, in order to get me more publicity as my aspiration is to be an Actor on stage, this involves being in an agency so it’s crucial I join one. The skills I need to become a good actor can be learnt through University and College.

I want to go to Arts Educational school in London and study BA(Hons) Musical Theatre, the course is three years long and I will be studying many different modules. In the first year we will study all three of dance, singing and acting. I will also be studying contextual studies which will provide a background into Musical Theatre this is essential in order to enable me to become an informed and knowledgeable performer. The Modules will introduce me to the work of major composers, librettists, dramatists, choreographers and directors in the field. In the final year there is a professional performance, as well as having regular classes I will participate in three staged musicals before an audience with full sets, costumes, lighting, sounds and musical accompaniment. In addition to this I will take part in a Graduation Showcase at a West End theatre before an invited audience of agents, directors, producers and choreographers. This will help me to achieve notoriety and also get me nearer to my aspirations of being an actor on stage. The Fee for the course is £13,500 per year. I don't have the money to pay for that unless I take a year out and earn some money, but I would prefer to take out a DaDA or student loan which are both applicable to me. The location of Arts Educational isn't great as it's in London and I will either have to commute everyday or get a flat in London with friends. The entry requirement grades are difficult to locate but I assume I will need three distinctions at Level 3. For the audition process there will be two stages, the first stage is a short jazz workshop followed by a short singing audition. I need to prepare two musical theatre songs in full. One should be a ballad written no later than 1965, and the other should provide a contrast and be something that I enjoy to sing. For stage 1 I will need to prepare a section from each of the two songs, each lasting no longer than one minute. The audition panel will choose to hear one or both of these sections. Sheet music in the right key must be brought for both songs. I also need to try and avoid character songs as they want to hear my voice. If I'm good enough I will be invited to stage two where I may be required to dance again. I will also be asked to sing again. I also need to prepare and learn one new monologue from a list of 8. The monologue will need to be performed in my own accent and I will need a good understanding of the character within the context of the play. I will also be asked to learn a short duologue which I will be asked to perform with another actor. I will be given different scenarios to see how I respond to directions and how I work with others. In addition I will have an interview with senior tutors. The cost of the audition is £45. I can apply by downloading the form of the website and by posting it to the address stated.

I believe this course is for me as it supports my career choice, the location isn't great but I can commute. The financial side isn't too bad with a loan or a DaDA, and ArtsEd have great stats, for example their alumni, featuring greats like Martin Clunes, Catherine Zeta Jones, Julie Andrews, Sarah Brightman, Charlie brooks and many more. This course will help me to further my career after uni as it has given me experience on stage and also has given me the chance to perform in front of top agents.