Year Off

A place to talk about full time schools and post 16 training.

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dancingmoll
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Year Off

Post by dancingmoll »

Hello! My DD has auditioned this year for dance and drama schools but unfortunately it's looking like she wont be able to go at the moment [-( She only auditioned for GSA, Arts Ed, Bird, Urdang and Chichester Uni and was offered reserve from Bird (so still hopeful), Diploma with 40% funding at Urdang (unfortunately still unaffordable) and the degree from Chichester (wasn't keen on going to a Uni). So it looks like she's going to have to take a year out and reapply next year, we know this isn't ideal but we always knew it was going to be a difficult career choice eh! So my real question is does anybody have any ideas, suggestions or past experiences for taking a year off and then reapplying, e.g. experiences, classes, jobs, summer schools, courses, awards, clubs generally useful things to do whilst on a year out? We cant afford a foundation year so whilst staying at home we would really like her to do something useful and career progressive! if anyone has any suggestions please message or post! thanks for your help x
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oscar
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Re: Year Off

Post by oscar »

Well done for what she has achieved ! It sounds like she is predominantly dance trained by the offers she has had. Song and monologue choice can be really important so maybe some advice from a rep specialist would be good. Last year ds chose old devil moon for his legit choice , as the dates were fine .... But apparently it wasn't a legit song. He had no idea. I would strongly recommend trying for nymt or YMT next year . Maybe join an adult am dram group. Has she thought about auditioning for Disney ?? They often look for dancers and would be a great experience and paid , I expect they will be auditioning again within a few months. Good luck , really hope the reserve works out!!
Katymac
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Re: Year Off

Post by Katymac »

I'm assuming sheis 18 as you looked at a uni - if she did A levells whatabout something like Stageworks(which when we looked was very reasonable) or a BTEC. At a local college if they offer a good one or maybe a Foundation like Evolution which is very well respected but not as established/expensive as the main Foundation courses.

If she did a BTEC already, then I'm not sure, sorry

DD was going to do a Technical Theatre BTEC if she hadn't got in this year & tried for a Uni with the UCAS points - but she has been doing backstage as a job last summer
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Welsh Mum
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Re: Year Off

Post by Welsh Mum »

My D was in a similar situation as yours many years ago! She had lots if recalls but no offers. Second time round she got offers from GSA, Mountview, RCSSD and reserve in Arts Ec. The main thing she did in her year out was work to get some money behind her which proved invaluable living in London when she eventually went, but also I think made her more mature which I think improved her auditions. She also continued with singing , dance lessons, and her amateur group. She had already done NYT and YMT UK so didn't bother doing those again but both are useful if your DD hasn't done something like that. My DD identified Acting as the skill she had less experience in so did some extra work on her monologues with a tutor from RWCMD which was very valuable. Good luck x
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dancingmoll
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Re: Year Off

Post by dancingmoll »

Yeah you're right Oscar, she has been training a lot longer in dance, but she feels that in her auditions its actually sometimes her dance which lets her down as her nerves prevent her from performing her best and she also hasn't had much street dance experience which does always seem to come up in auditions! Thanks for all of your suggestions, DD is defiantly interested in looking into Disney, she'd be fab at that I think, but at the moment we can't find any UK auditions! I think we'll start compiling a do to list for the year, will definitely include continuing her part time job, am dram group, perhaps YMT and getting a tutor for rep and monologues! DD has done a Performing Arts BTEC this year along with two academic A levels so I think as far as UCAS points go she's alright. Thanks all for your tips, and thanks Welsh Mum for sharing your story, very reassuring to see how one year can make such a difference to the offers received, hopefully the same will happen for my DD! Thank you :D
2dancersmum
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Re: Year Off

Post by 2dancersmum »

Her plans for the year sound sensible. Earning money and getting some extra training for songs and monologues. I am sure she could pick up some more street style dance classes too - even if on an irregular drop in basis as there seem to be plenty of classes around in the larger towns and cities. As for Disney - they do auditions in the UK every few months so just keep checking back on their website. Last ones were mid April so I expect there will be more in the summer. Good luck to your DD
moleseymum
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Re: Year Off

Post by moleseymum »

I thought this was going to be my DS, he was offered Chichester (doesn't want to go there) plus a private college for a 3 year diploma which is unaffordable. I had done some research and our plan was going to be for him to work term time only as a classroom assistant, he had done work experience and bank work at one specific school so we were fairly confident they would take him on for a one year contract. We live in Surrey so GSA is commutable and they do a course designed for A level students wanting to get into drama school. From memory two evenings a week plus one week in holidays. Working full time term time only he could fund this himself and possibly attend other holiday schools.

As it happened he went to the Disneyland Paris open auditions and got through all the stages and a week later was offered a 7 month contract as a parade performer and character. I was a bit sceptical at first but I have lost count of the number of people that have commented on what an incredible opportunity it is. He will also audition again next year with a professional credit on his CV.

I believe they hold the auditions several times a year, so worth keeping an eye out for the next round.

Good luck! x
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jasmine2
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Re: Year Off

Post by jasmine2 »

My dd auditioned for lots of places and was offered several but without funding, so we could not afford to send her. Instead she did a Btec Dance Diploma passing with 100% mark and then went on to do her DDI teaching exams.
She auditioned again and is now on the three year diploma at Bodyworks Cambridge, where she is absolutely thriving. She is also using her teaching qualification as she teaches tap there at the Saturday school!!!
She has also just been offered a part in her 4th professional show....

If they are determined then it will happen for them...don't give up..good luck to all xxx :D
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pg
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Re: Year Off

Post by pg »

I agree with trying to earn some money!

Looking at fringe festivals or new writing festivals can also be a good idea. They often look for volunteers (though they often have some paid opportunities too ) and it's a way to see a lot of shows for nothing - as well as meeting lots of performers. It can also provide a source of inspiration for speeches. It doesn't need to be Edinburgh, there are smaller festivals all over the country.
dancingmoll
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Re: Year Off

Post by dancingmoll »

Some really, really helpful responses thanks all so much for your advice! And really great to hear such positive stories molesleymum and jasmine2 :D We've just seen today that there are July auditions for Disney, so she will definitely be attending that and hopefully it'll lead to something great. If not we've now got plenty of ideas of what she can do at home to make it a useful year! Molesleymum, did your ds attend an open call audition? if so do you think you could drop me a message or a comment on my new post 'open call Disney auditions' we're just a little unsure of what to expect and prepare! Thanks again everyone.
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