Tring Theatre Arts Course

[JTBmum]

Hi,

My dd went to Tring on the TA from 12 - 18. She was very dyslexic, and we loved the look of it. She had the time of her life, in a great building and grounds. She got straight As in Performance Studies Btec. Some then went on to other courses such as Laines, Chiswick Arts Ed, GSA and Mountview, others didn't get in and went to other performing arts schools. The odd one goes straight into a show such as Mamma Mia, but that is quite unusual. Most still need the three years training. My dd was seen by casting agents for Spring Awakening at the school, and got to the last few for the show, but didn't get in eventually. By this time she had deferred her place at Mountview, and is now in her first year and loving that! Its a tough business! Hope that helps!

[Jools]

Hi

Can anyone help? My friend's daughter has an audition for the musical theatre arts course at Tring and I wondered if anyone had any pointers for the drama piece and the singing required??? I figured it would be best to choose a musical theatre song but I'm a bit clueless about a drama piece...Can anyone help?? Thanks x

Jools

[Bassman]

Hi

Which year would you friends daughter be auditioning for?

[Jools]

She'll be auditioning for year 7 entry/Age 11/ for next September 2011. Any ideas??

[ballet pointe]

try to keep it age apropiate like from Peter Pan , Alice in Wonderland or as my dd did at this age the riddles from the Hobbit

[reachforthestars]

Hi Jools, my dd successfully auditioned last year and was invited back to audition for a scholarship place. We were delighted to be told that she had indeed been awarded one of the two scholarship places available for Y7 entry on the Theatre Arts course - a tremendous achievement! Sadly, the scholarship covered just 25% of the boarding fees (we live too far away to commute) and although we could have funded some of the difference ourselves and despite a huge effort on our part to secure funding from other sources (tv, press, charitable trusts etc) it was with huge regret that we had to turn the scholarship place down Dd absolutely loved Tring and still to this day wishes she was there, but what will be will be - I believe. It just wasn't meant to be at this time for her and on the plus side for us (selfishly!) we still have her at home for the time being!! For the actual audition itself dd chose a drama piece herself from a book we purchased at Waterstones - Audition Speeches for 6 -16 year olds (Jean Marlow) - there were loads to choose from, all around the right length and my dd just had a good look through and went for one that she felt comfortable with and felt she could do well. I think it's important that she goes for something age appropriate but maybe something less common. There were quite a few girls there who did the Alice in Wonderland piece!! For the song, dd chose Whistle Down the Wind - something she did in one of her Musical Theatre exams and liked, there is a member on here who got me the sheet music in the correct key - let me know if you need her details (this is required for the audition) They did a bit of a dance class, they were shown a routine and had to pick it up etc and finally dd also played a couple of pieces on the piano - if your friend's dd plays an instrument it is definitely recommended that she do so on the day. There were also the academic tests which dd said were pretty straightforward. Dd had a fabulous time on both of our visits and I'm sure your friend's dd will love it too. The very best of luck to her - fingers crossed!!

[Jools]

Sorry for late reply but thanks to both of you for your helpful advice!!

xx

[lisalegsxxx]

I have just rung the DADA goverment helpline who said DADA's are as before, no change as yet. However, when speaking to Mountview, they said they have been told not to allocate. Bit messy! Anyway, I DONT have a house to remortgage, and no funds. I work for a living but it's not enough and cannot afford repayments on a bankloan. So my DD will have to put her draems behind her and rely on Simon Cowell to spot her at some rubbish audition where thousands go and are rejected.

[Jools]

Hi

Can anyone tell me if auditioning and dancing for this organisation is a worthwhile expereience? It seems like a lot of money and surely they are just showcasing other teacher's hard work? All reviews considered!

Regards

Jools x

[Hecouldshine]

Jools it is definitely worth the money if your child wants/needs performing experience/polish in ballet. There are lots of threads about EYB on ballet.co.uk, the doing dance section. I have posted a link to one example here http://www.ballet.co.uk/dcforum/training/2227.html that answers some of your questions.

My ds has just done one in Newcastle and he is still dancing round the house doing his dances and half of the girls' dances as well! He is reading this as I type and says his usual dance teacher told him in class yesterday how much his pirouettes and turnout had improved. The friends (girls) he did it with got loads of pointe work experience that they would never get at their grades in normal class. You hear of lots of children who are inspired to go onto to pursue professional training/vocational school after doing it. That would be my only "beware" about it. Are you prepared for the rollercoaster that EYB could set off?

By the way you might get more answers on here by posting a new thread with an English Youth Ballet heading.

[JULIEANDREWS]

Hi, just hoping for some information to put my mind at rest, please! My ds has had absolutely no 'outside' training just his drama lessons at school, but has just been offered a place on the Musical Theatre course at Tring. We had originally applied for a scholarship and he was invited back to attend the 'scholarship audition'. unfortunately this morning we received a letter to say they could not offer funding 'at this time' and he would be placed on a reserve list that remains open until 1st September 2011. Has this ever happened to anyone, in that they have actually gone on to receive the funding despite receiving a 'sorry' letter? Also, how much are the scholarships worth - how much do you have to pay towards the fees if you do receive a scholarship? Many thanks,

[Hecouldshine]

Hi JulieAndrews and welcome to NAPM!

I'm afraid I can't answer your questions. It might just be worth posting it on the ballet.co.uk website in the doing dance section as there are a fair number of Mums with children at Tring who post there. Most of them are on dance places, but some, taller girls in particular, are offered Musical Theatre places after originally auditioning for a dance place. You might find someone who can help

[JULIEANDREWS]

To: HeCouldShine

Many thanks for your reply - I'll do that!!