Hi All!
So I've got a month until my foundation year at RADA begins!!!
But I need help - as I will be applying next year to all the drama schools again, I was wondering what sort of thing the drama schools expect from applicants who have already done a foundation year? Also what do you take to drama school?? As I'm writing this I'm surrounded by all my clothes, textbooks and plays trying to decipher what - if anything - in this pile will help me for the months ahead.
Please help!
Terri ;D
Sunday, 21 August 2016
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
RADA baby!
Hello all,
Well I won't keep you waiting...
Yesterday afternoon - I got the call.
I'VE GOT A PLACE AT RADA!!!!!!!!!
It's for their foundation course and I am so excited I've already started packing and googling things I will need for it.
This journey (whilst only half done) has been long, emotionally draining and pull of the tremors that not knowing what is happening in your life next brings.
Out of the three years of applying, I've only ever had one recall - and it looks like sometimes one is all you need.
To those of you who are about to start this wonderful adventure of applying/auditioning for Drama school; my best advice would be to grab failure by the balls and persue your dream with all the passion and resilience you can muster. If people say you can't do it "That's impossible" "Barely anyone gets in" "you are not good enough". Well flip 'em one and keep going because that one little phone call yesterday makes all that worth the pain.
To you internet thespians - I send all my love and jazz hands to you.
Adios,
Terri ;D
Well I won't keep you waiting...
Yesterday afternoon - I got the call.
I'VE GOT A PLACE AT RADA!!!!!!!!!
It's for their foundation course and I am so excited I've already started packing and googling things I will need for it.
This journey (whilst only half done) has been long, emotionally draining and pull of the tremors that not knowing what is happening in your life next brings.
Out of the three years of applying, I've only ever had one recall - and it looks like sometimes one is all you need.
To those of you who are about to start this wonderful adventure of applying/auditioning for Drama school; my best advice would be to grab failure by the balls and persue your dream with all the passion and resilience you can muster. If people say you can't do it "That's impossible" "Barely anyone gets in" "you are not good enough". Well flip 'em one and keep going because that one little phone call yesterday makes all that worth the pain.
To you internet thespians - I send all my love and jazz hands to you.
Adios,
Terri ;D
Saturday, 27 February 2016
National Youth Theatre Casting audition
Hi all,
Whilst this is not a drama school audition, I know a lot you applying will also be looking at applying to the National Youth Theatre too so this is a little insight as to what you do when you become a member.
So my casting audition was at the Holloway Road studios; NYT's main London base for auditions and their offices. It is also the place where I did my intake audition so going back brought up a lot of memories.
The audition started at 10 am, and we all waited in a large studio in a group of about 80 members.
The casting panel then came in to welcome us all. They talked for a little of the various opportunities that we would be auditioning for during today (opportunities including the Rep Company). They then announced that the group would be split in half, if your name was called then you would be doing your monologue to them in the morning, the other half would be doing their movement workshop and then the music workshop; you would then swap in the afternoon. I was called in the list so I went upstairs to wait to be called in to do my monologue part of the audition. When it was my turn, I had a conversation with the guy doing the audition, he asked me general questions about what I was up to and how old was I. He then asked me what my monologue was (Sara from A Shop Selling Speech by Sabrina Mahfouz). I did it. It went well, but could have been a bit tighter. He sat me back down and asked me a few more questions. I then asked further about a few of the projects available and then finished the audition by confirming my availability for the summer.
Since I had a while to kill before the afternoon part of the audition, I got talking to a few people who had been members for a while, some of them had gone to Drama school so it was brilliant just talking to people who were interested in the same thing as you. That is the best thing about NYT; whatever your background or age, you can talk to anyone there and feel welcome.
Then came the swap in the afternoon. Firstly the Movement workshop. It was ran by Kaine who is the movement director on the Rep course and happened to be the guy who auditioned me for my intake course last year - so I knew I was in for a treat.
We first started with a few basic exercises - a name game, a clapping game and then filling the space and reacting to a few phrases to create moments in the space.
We then had to get into lines and follow some choreography which was utterly fantastic to do as everyone just went for it. We then had to find ways of making shapes using just more than one body and then we had to devise a scene in groups with a given scenario - using all the skills we had just learnt. It was exceptionally fun but very hard work.
Finally we had the Music workshop - firstly the Guy leading it sat us all down in a circle and got to tell him a little of our musical experience. I have to confess it was quite daunting when loads of people were saying that they were grade 8 in like 10 instruments but it seemed fine if you didn't play instruments. He then stood us up and we warmed up our voices with a few simple exercises. He then got us to match the key he was playing the piano and went round to listen to everyone's voices.
We then gathered round the piano and had to come up with a couple of lyrics to firstly a happy theme and then a sad theme. We then had to harmonise it and sing it all together. Finally we then split into smaller groups and had to come up with a scene that used singing and music as the main theatrical force of the piece. I have to say it. But I loved doing that part of the workshop. Now I'm not a singer but it was great to play and pretend to fall in love by singing is just so much fun.
We watched everyone's pieces back and it was brilliant to see such variety in the room.
We then got to leave the audition and I headed back home.
Whatever the outcome of that audition. I had a great time and it was just brilliant to do something with NYT again.
BTW hope everyone is enjoying their Drama School auditions!
Adios,
Terri ;D
Whilst this is not a drama school audition, I know a lot you applying will also be looking at applying to the National Youth Theatre too so this is a little insight as to what you do when you become a member.
So my casting audition was at the Holloway Road studios; NYT's main London base for auditions and their offices. It is also the place where I did my intake audition so going back brought up a lot of memories.
The audition started at 10 am, and we all waited in a large studio in a group of about 80 members.
The casting panel then came in to welcome us all. They talked for a little of the various opportunities that we would be auditioning for during today (opportunities including the Rep Company). They then announced that the group would be split in half, if your name was called then you would be doing your monologue to them in the morning, the other half would be doing their movement workshop and then the music workshop; you would then swap in the afternoon. I was called in the list so I went upstairs to wait to be called in to do my monologue part of the audition. When it was my turn, I had a conversation with the guy doing the audition, he asked me general questions about what I was up to and how old was I. He then asked me what my monologue was (Sara from A Shop Selling Speech by Sabrina Mahfouz). I did it. It went well, but could have been a bit tighter. He sat me back down and asked me a few more questions. I then asked further about a few of the projects available and then finished the audition by confirming my availability for the summer.
Since I had a while to kill before the afternoon part of the audition, I got talking to a few people who had been members for a while, some of them had gone to Drama school so it was brilliant just talking to people who were interested in the same thing as you. That is the best thing about NYT; whatever your background or age, you can talk to anyone there and feel welcome.
Then came the swap in the afternoon. Firstly the Movement workshop. It was ran by Kaine who is the movement director on the Rep course and happened to be the guy who auditioned me for my intake course last year - so I knew I was in for a treat.
We first started with a few basic exercises - a name game, a clapping game and then filling the space and reacting to a few phrases to create moments in the space.
We then had to get into lines and follow some choreography which was utterly fantastic to do as everyone just went for it. We then had to find ways of making shapes using just more than one body and then we had to devise a scene in groups with a given scenario - using all the skills we had just learnt. It was exceptionally fun but very hard work.
Finally we had the Music workshop - firstly the Guy leading it sat us all down in a circle and got to tell him a little of our musical experience. I have to confess it was quite daunting when loads of people were saying that they were grade 8 in like 10 instruments but it seemed fine if you didn't play instruments. He then stood us up and we warmed up our voices with a few simple exercises. He then got us to match the key he was playing the piano and went round to listen to everyone's voices.
We then gathered round the piano and had to come up with a couple of lyrics to firstly a happy theme and then a sad theme. We then had to harmonise it and sing it all together. Finally we then split into smaller groups and had to come up with a scene that used singing and music as the main theatrical force of the piece. I have to say it. But I loved doing that part of the workshop. Now I'm not a singer but it was great to play and pretend to fall in love by singing is just so much fun.
We watched everyone's pieces back and it was brilliant to see such variety in the room.
We then got to leave the audition and I headed back home.
Whatever the outcome of that audition. I had a great time and it was just brilliant to do something with NYT again.
BTW hope everyone is enjoying their Drama School auditions!
Adios,
Terri ;D
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Results are in...
Hello all,
So I've just walked through the door and found my RADA results letter.
So I opened it, assuming the worst, and...
I've been recalled for the Foundation course!!!!!
I have done a mad celebration dance and will now be scrambling to work harder on my peices to make sure that they are in tip top condition. Apparently they will send me more details at a later date,
and - as someone who hasn't been recalled anywhere before - this sort of news is very encouraging!
I'm now going to watch war and peace and eat sweets in celebration.
Adios,
Terri ;D
So I've just walked through the door and found my RADA results letter.
So I opened it, assuming the worst, and...
I've been recalled for the Foundation course!!!!!
I have done a mad celebration dance and will now be scrambling to work harder on my peices to make sure that they are in tip top condition. Apparently they will send me more details at a later date,
and - as someone who hasn't been recalled anywhere before - this sort of news is very encouraging!
I'm now going to watch war and peace and eat sweets in celebration.
Adios,
Terri ;D
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
RADA audition 2.0
Hi all,
So today I had my first audition of this Drama School system (or whatever you want to call it). And it just so happened to be RADA, one of my first choices.
Currently I'm coming down from the adrenaline rush I had doing it so it may take longer to string sentences together atm.
So I woke up far too early and ate breakfast before settling off to Manchester (where the audition was). I got there really early so I had time to limber up and talk to a few people who happened to have done NYT over the summer like me so that was nice talking to them.
They then called me in and told me their names (the man was called John) and shook my hand before sitting me down and asking the regular questions like what are you doing at the moment and asked me about NYT and a show I did with CYC that toured recently.
They then asked me to do my first two speeches which went quite well - if a little too fast perhaps with nerves.
The lady there then asked me to do my third speech as well and told me that she would probably stop me half way through. So I did it but she didn't stop me. Now with my third speech I hadn't practiced as much as the other two but I just did it with the truth that I was feeling. That speech went quite well too.
They then asked me to sit down again and asked me what actors am I a fan of, what theatre have I seen recently (both in London and locally) and where else am I applying to this year.
And then they told me I could leave.
Overall I feel happy about what I did today, whatever the circumstances of the results. Because I know that I did my best and I left the audition knowing that I had been given a fair opportunity to achieve my goals.
And now I'm eating cheesy garlic bread as a treat.
Adios,
Terri ;D
So today I had my first audition of this Drama School system (or whatever you want to call it). And it just so happened to be RADA, one of my first choices.
Currently I'm coming down from the adrenaline rush I had doing it so it may take longer to string sentences together atm.
So I woke up far too early and ate breakfast before settling off to Manchester (where the audition was). I got there really early so I had time to limber up and talk to a few people who happened to have done NYT over the summer like me so that was nice talking to them.
They then called me in and told me their names (the man was called John) and shook my hand before sitting me down and asking the regular questions like what are you doing at the moment and asked me about NYT and a show I did with CYC that toured recently.
They then asked me to do my first two speeches which went quite well - if a little too fast perhaps with nerves.
The lady there then asked me to do my third speech as well and told me that she would probably stop me half way through. So I did it but she didn't stop me. Now with my third speech I hadn't practiced as much as the other two but I just did it with the truth that I was feeling. That speech went quite well too.
They then asked me to sit down again and asked me what actors am I a fan of, what theatre have I seen recently (both in London and locally) and where else am I applying to this year.
And then they told me I could leave.
Overall I feel happy about what I did today, whatever the circumstances of the results. Because I know that I did my best and I left the audition knowing that I had been given a fair opportunity to achieve my goals.
And now I'm eating cheesy garlic bread as a treat.
Adios,
Terri ;D
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
The Game is on!
Hello all, and hellloo 2016!
As it's a new year, I've been hit with the knowledge that my auditions for Drama School are just around the corner.
Now since this is going to be my third attempt at cracking this theatre nut; I think I'm in a good position to let you lot know some stuff that I've learnt along the way...
1. Learn your lines - And more importantly, learn the right lines! I am an example of one of those idiots who failed to prep properly last year which is why I'm back to square one. I also heard from one girl that at her recall for Central, one of the lads had failed to learn the correct speech so they sent him packing. infront of everyone! Also the fact remains that if you know your lines you are going to be more confident than the guy gibbering in the corner over his script.
2. Read the play- This is so you actually know what you are talking about in the audition. I suspect that panels can detect the bullshitters a mile off.
3. When waiting for the audition, don't listen to the person who apparently knows everything and everyone in the business - I swear they are put there to make you even more nervous than it is physically possible. So don't listen to them (refer back to the point about the bulshitters for these humans).
4. Be yourself. - This is definitely something to consider for The National Youth Theatre auditions, from what I understand that if you bring you to both the role and the interview, then you are bringing your own truth to the situation; which frankly is what acting is about.
5.Breathe - You'll be surprised how easy it is to forget that necessary bodily function.
6. Be an active participant- Watch theatre, watch good quality films, read lots (I'd recommend Andy Johnson's Audition guide for great tips) and just be passionate about the industry you want to enter because it's a brilliant creative circus to be a part of.
7. Know why you are doing this- And be able to express this in words. Yes I know it seems impossible but sit yourself down, get pen to paper and keep scribbling until you've figured it out.
8. Keep pushing - This is tough, physically, emotionally. Just prep, prep real hard and try your hardest. And if you don't get it the first time then keep pushing, consider different strategies and/or different routes into this mad world. Just always know that if you know that if this is what you really want then keep going dude!
9. Play to your strengths- When picking monologues, read the audition advice carefully and go for peices which show off your strengths as an actor. Drama school is the place to experiment, the audition is a sample of what you can do so just say away from the crazy, hair raising experimental stuff that "stretches you".
^ Also do not pick a peice which mentions genitals or you pulling your hair out (I have seen both- both made a little part of me die with embarrassment inside).
10. Enjoy it! - You've paid to be there, you're doing something that you love, just go for it and enjoy the ride!
If you are curious about anything above then feel free to ask me about it in the comments section below.
Adios, oh and happy new year!
Terri ;D
P.S yes the title is a reference to Sherlock. Wasn't the last episode fabulous!
As it's a new year, I've been hit with the knowledge that my auditions for Drama School are just around the corner.
Now since this is going to be my third attempt at cracking this theatre nut; I think I'm in a good position to let you lot know some stuff that I've learnt along the way...
1. Learn your lines - And more importantly, learn the right lines! I am an example of one of those idiots who failed to prep properly last year which is why I'm back to square one. I also heard from one girl that at her recall for Central, one of the lads had failed to learn the correct speech so they sent him packing. infront of everyone! Also the fact remains that if you know your lines you are going to be more confident than the guy gibbering in the corner over his script.
2. Read the play- This is so you actually know what you are talking about in the audition. I suspect that panels can detect the bullshitters a mile off.
3. When waiting for the audition, don't listen to the person who apparently knows everything and everyone in the business - I swear they are put there to make you even more nervous than it is physically possible. So don't listen to them (refer back to the point about the bulshitters for these humans).
4. Be yourself. - This is definitely something to consider for The National Youth Theatre auditions, from what I understand that if you bring you to both the role and the interview, then you are bringing your own truth to the situation; which frankly is what acting is about.
5.Breathe - You'll be surprised how easy it is to forget that necessary bodily function.
6. Be an active participant- Watch theatre, watch good quality films, read lots (I'd recommend Andy Johnson's Audition guide for great tips) and just be passionate about the industry you want to enter because it's a brilliant creative circus to be a part of.
7. Know why you are doing this- And be able to express this in words. Yes I know it seems impossible but sit yourself down, get pen to paper and keep scribbling until you've figured it out.
8. Keep pushing - This is tough, physically, emotionally. Just prep, prep real hard and try your hardest. And if you don't get it the first time then keep pushing, consider different strategies and/or different routes into this mad world. Just always know that if you know that if this is what you really want then keep going dude!
9. Play to your strengths- When picking monologues, read the audition advice carefully and go for peices which show off your strengths as an actor. Drama school is the place to experiment, the audition is a sample of what you can do so just say away from the crazy, hair raising experimental stuff that "stretches you".
^ Also do not pick a peice which mentions genitals or you pulling your hair out (I have seen both- both made a little part of me die with embarrassment inside).
10. Enjoy it! - You've paid to be there, you're doing something that you love, just go for it and enjoy the ride!
If you are curious about anything above then feel free to ask me about it in the comments section below.
Adios, oh and happy new year!
Terri ;D
P.S yes the title is a reference to Sherlock. Wasn't the last episode fabulous!
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