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
Showing posts with label Drama School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drama School. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
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!
Saturday, 16 August 2014
UCAS and CUKAS drama school applications
Hi beautiful thespians,
So it is coming up to that time of year again when its time to start getting those Drama school applications in! I'm so excited and nervous already about it all. Especially because up until an hour ago I couldn't find a sutible monologue as a contempary. But finally I've got it. Anyway this post is a little database on some of the drama school's available via the UCAS and CUKAS website's with some basic infomation. Now with UCAS and CUKAS there is a £16 fee (CUKAS) and a £23 fee (UCAS). You can only apply to up to five school's on UCAS. This inclueds any other university course's that you might be applying for.
UCAS drama school's:
1. The Royal Central school of speech and drama.
UCAS institution code- C35
Course ( BA Acting) code- W410
Audition fee - £50
Audition process- 1 contempary (post 1960's) and 2 shakespeare monologues chosen from a list on their website. Max of 2 minute duration. Also two songs needed, one from a musical with accompanying piano music and another song unaccompanied. (Although from what I understand the singing part of the audition is for the musical BA.)
Audition is at the school.
2. Drama Center
^Under the name of University of the Arts in UCAS
UCAS institution code- U65
Course code- W410
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 contempary (post 1830) and 1 shakespeare monologue, both with a maximum of 3 minute duration, dualogues are also accetable (you must have a partner) for both speaches.
Audition is at the school.
3, Guildford school of acting (GSA)
^ Under the name of University of Surrey in UCAS.
UCAS institution code- S85
Course code- W410
Audition fee- £35
Audition process - 1 contempary speech (post 1950) and one classic monologue (pre 1800). Also you must bring a sonnet with you, you don't have to learn it. They should not exceed a 3 minute duration.
Initial audition's are held in:
·Belfast
·Cardiff
·Dublin
·Exeter
·Edinburgh
·Newcastle
·Manchester
·Guildford (I.e the school) + all recall's.
4. Manchester school of acting
^Under the name of Manchester Metropolitain university in UCAS.
UCAS institution code- M40
Course code- W411
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 contempary (post 1950) speech, 1 shakespeare speech and another monologue of your choice. All should not exceed 2 minute duration.
Audition's held at the school.
5. Rose Bruford
UCAS Institution code- R51
Course code- W410
Audition fee-£45
Audition process- Two speaches, one classic monologue and one contempary (I presume as the school's website does not give much infomation.)
Audition is held at the school.
Other UCAS school's include Italia Conti and East 15.
CUKAS school's:
1. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS)
CUKAS institution code- R58
Course code- W410
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 Shakespeare speech and one contempary speech. All should not exceed a 3 minute duration.
Audition is held at the school.
2. Royal Welsh school of music and drama college.
CUKAS institution code- R59
Course code- 200F
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 Shakespeare speech and one contempary speech (post 1950). And should not exceed a 2 minute duration.
Audition's held at:
· Cardiff (I.e the school) plus all recall's.
·London
·Edinburgh
·Belfast
·Manchester
Hope this helps people,
Cheerio,
Terri ; D
So it is coming up to that time of year again when its time to start getting those Drama school applications in! I'm so excited and nervous already about it all. Especially because up until an hour ago I couldn't find a sutible monologue as a contempary. But finally I've got it. Anyway this post is a little database on some of the drama school's available via the UCAS and CUKAS website's with some basic infomation. Now with UCAS and CUKAS there is a £16 fee (CUKAS) and a £23 fee (UCAS). You can only apply to up to five school's on UCAS. This inclueds any other university course's that you might be applying for.
UCAS drama school's:
1. The Royal Central school of speech and drama.
UCAS institution code- C35
Course ( BA Acting) code- W410
Audition fee - £50
Audition process- 1 contempary (post 1960's) and 2 shakespeare monologues chosen from a list on their website. Max of 2 minute duration. Also two songs needed, one from a musical with accompanying piano music and another song unaccompanied. (Although from what I understand the singing part of the audition is for the musical BA.)
Audition is at the school.
2. Drama Center
^Under the name of University of the Arts in UCAS
UCAS institution code- U65
Course code- W410
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 contempary (post 1830) and 1 shakespeare monologue, both with a maximum of 3 minute duration, dualogues are also accetable (you must have a partner) for both speaches.
Audition is at the school.
3, Guildford school of acting (GSA)
^ Under the name of University of Surrey in UCAS.
UCAS institution code- S85
Course code- W410
Audition fee- £35
Audition process - 1 contempary speech (post 1950) and one classic monologue (pre 1800). Also you must bring a sonnet with you, you don't have to learn it. They should not exceed a 3 minute duration.
Initial audition's are held in:
·Belfast
·Cardiff
·Dublin
·Exeter
·Edinburgh
·Newcastle
·Manchester
·Guildford (I.e the school) + all recall's.
4. Manchester school of acting
^Under the name of Manchester Metropolitain university in UCAS.
UCAS institution code- M40
Course code- W411
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 contempary (post 1950) speech, 1 shakespeare speech and another monologue of your choice. All should not exceed 2 minute duration.
Audition's held at the school.
5. Rose Bruford
UCAS Institution code- R51
Course code- W410
Audition fee-£45
Audition process- Two speaches, one classic monologue and one contempary (I presume as the school's website does not give much infomation.)
Audition is held at the school.
Other UCAS school's include Italia Conti and East 15.
CUKAS school's:
1. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS)
CUKAS institution code- R58
Course code- W410
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 Shakespeare speech and one contempary speech. All should not exceed a 3 minute duration.
Audition is held at the school.
2. Royal Welsh school of music and drama college.
CUKAS institution code- R59
Course code- 200F
Audition fee- £45
Audition process- 1 Shakespeare speech and one contempary speech (post 1950). And should not exceed a 2 minute duration.
Audition's held at:
· Cardiff (I.e the school) plus all recall's.
·London
·Edinburgh
·Belfast
·Manchester
Hope this helps people,
Cheerio,
Terri ; D
Friday, 11 July 2014
Summer Time Maddness (It begins...)
Hey All!
So it has been a while since I wrote, I think the main reason for that is that after two months of A level exams I got kinda sick of writing the contents of my brain down. But after a three week break I'm back with avengance on working towards getting into drama school!
Not that I haven't done any research since my A levels, I have, honest.
Since thoses horrific exams I have been to three open days, to name them:
1. Mancheter Metropolitain
2. Birmingham school of Acting
3. Royal Central school of speech and drama.
Now I know that I applied to Manchester last year (check out the January post on the audition) but, in going to the open day, I just wanted to clarify my infomation about the place.
And, to be honest with you, compared to the other two drama schools, it dosen't really hold up to standards.
The next open day I attended was Birmingham School of Acting. Now until recently I didnt even know that this school exsisted until I found it on the Drama UK website, and by the sounds of it, not many people have either.
But don't let this fool you into thinking that this is a bad school. The School itself is set inside the Millenium point building, which is a five min walk from the Bull Ring. The building is surounded by surrealist gradens and a playground for children (its very cool, and the play ground made me want to be a kid again).
As the course is accredited by Drama UK, it has all the features of the usual drama school course at BA hons. And while the place is small compared to other places, it has everything you need for a rounded acting education. While I missed the tour of the accomadation (yes they do have accomadation), I was deeply impressed with the talk that the head tutor gave and the discussion that the pupils gave (willingly) afterwards in a side room at the end. And in that 20 min chat with them, I gained more knowledge than any previous audition had given me.
Note: One way I judge the sutiability of a course is by what the current students say about it openly, and not what they are told to say by a tutor.
Another great thing about the drama school is that because few people have heard of it. Because - lets be honest - who expects Birmingham to have a state of the art Drama School in it's city center. Then less people apply to it, meaning that you have more of a chance getting in.
^ Oh and did I mention that they have a huge cinema in the floor above! Now that's impressive.
The other open day which I attended was at Royal Central school of speech and drama. Now while I knew about this course last year (as the application is done through UCAS) I didn't apply, mainly because the audition process (compared to others) is terrifying. Not only do they say that you have to learn two set shakespeare peices and a comtempary but also two unacompanied songs from musicals. And I felt - last year - that the process would of been too much for me to handle with such little audition experiance.
But this year, I want to have a crack at it.
The school itself is beautiful, as well as the suroundings. The place feels like it should be in a surburban area in Cornwall or Devon and not at all in the middle of the Capital.
I realise that I keep going on about the buildings of the places, but personally I prefer working in a beautiful enviroment than a urban junk yard.
The place itself is huge, they have a massive red seat theatre near the front door and a dainty little café that serves sandwiches and cakes at a decent price.
They have plenty of studios and a good libary.
I loved it. When I walked in there, it felt like home.
The only down side of Central is that they have a limited camera and radio department which is kinda essential to an actors traing these days.
In terms of the audition process there, the reason they said that they make it so tough, is to stop people just coming in and wasting their time with what they think will get them in.
Which makes sense, I guess.
The head of the Acting, who I have to say was dressed very drammatically in all black (i.e black skinnies, a black deep v neck top and a black tuxedo jacket) seemed to have an issue with "privalleged" people, i.e to him if you have done LAMDA examinations (which I have done) then you are privalleged and don't deserve as much of a place.
That, I found a little, odd. But oh well I'm not put off.
And thats all I've got done so far, I am planning of booking a few more open days over the next few weeks, namely for Drama Centre and GSA. But now I am going to start the dreaded search for modern monologues.
I've had no luck so far.
Will also be posting a database of Drama Schools and the essential infomation on them within the next few days.
Until then,
Adios,
Terri ;D x
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Quick Update
Hey Guys,
Sorry for not writing in a while, I'm about a quarter of the way through my A level exams so I am a little worn out...
But in my off time I have been looking up potential Drama school's to apply for in the new academic year. And with this I have found out some open days for some BA Acting courses including:
Manchester Metropolitan - 25/06/14
Royal Central - 2/07/14
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - 8/08/14 & 17/10/14
Although I have already been through the Man. Met. system I think that it's a good idea to refresh my knowledge on the course.
Hope this information helps, if you want to attend these open days yourself then you need to book you're attendance on their website's (this applies especially to the Royal Central open day as I understand they have limited spaces).
Hope to be writing again soon,
Adios
Terri ;D
Sorry for not writing in a while, I'm about a quarter of the way through my A level exams so I am a little worn out...
But in my off time I have been looking up potential Drama school's to apply for in the new academic year. And with this I have found out some open days for some BA Acting courses including:
Manchester Metropolitan - 25/06/14
Royal Central - 2/07/14
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - 8/08/14 & 17/10/14
Although I have already been through the Man. Met. system I think that it's a good idea to refresh my knowledge on the course.
Hope this information helps, if you want to attend these open days yourself then you need to book you're attendance on their website's (this applies especially to the Royal Central open day as I understand they have limited spaces).
Hope to be writing again soon,
Adios
Terri ;D
Friday, 18 April 2014
If I don't get into Drama School Re-post
Hi there again!
Hope everyone is enjoying the b-e-a-utiful weather that we are having here this Easter weekend.
Sorry for not posting in a while, I'm having to revise like mad so have had no time in writing for a while.
Anyway this is post a re-posting from the brilliant blog Acting Coach Scotland, which is headed up by a guy called Mark Westbrook (who claims to be a massive guru in all acting woes).
And I was reading through it recently and this particular article caught my eye.
A word of caution - Although this guy is rather convincing with his arguments, keep in mind that this is just one guy's opinion and you can (like I have done in the past) disagree with such advice.
Hope you enjoy it,
Terri ;D x
If I don’t get into Drama School
Hope everyone is enjoying the b-e-a-utiful weather that we are having here this Easter weekend.
Sorry for not posting in a while, I'm having to revise like mad so have had no time in writing for a while.
Anyway this is post a re-posting from the brilliant blog Acting Coach Scotland, which is headed up by a guy called Mark Westbrook (who claims to be a massive guru in all acting woes).
And I was reading through it recently and this particular article caught my eye.
A word of caution - Although this guy is rather convincing with his arguments, keep in mind that this is just one guy's opinion and you can (like I have done in the past) disagree with such advice.
Hope you enjoy it,
Terri ;D x
If I don’t get into Drama School
If you want to be a professional actor, the most common entry point into the profession is by attending a high quality accredited acting school.
But what if you failed to secure your place on one of these acting courses this year? What can you do?
ONE: GET REAL – Give yourself a reality check about just how hard it is to get a place at drama school. It’s harder than ever to get a coveted place at a prestigious UK drama school. Recent studies show that it’s harder to get into a British drama school (1 in 7) than it is to enter Oxbridge (Oxford/Cambridge is 1 in 4). If you want to get a place at drama school, you have to accept that the competition is painful intense.
TWO: GIVE IN NOW - If failing to get into drama school on your first attempt puts you off, give up and go do something else. It may take you FIVE attempts, and if the first failing puts you off, you won’t stand a chance in this profession.
THREE: SPREAD THE NET - Obviously if you only apply to ONE school, you’re dramatically reducing your chance of studying acting at a Drama UK approved course. Next year, apply to as many schools as you can. Each school has a unique personality, and are looking for different qualities. If you only apply to those schools that you’ve fetishized for no good reason, you will probably miss out on your chance of getting into drama school. You have a year to save up for audition fees and transport/accommodation costs, how bad do you want to get in?FOUR: GROW UP – The most common quality that I perceive in those that I know have achieved a place at drama school is a mature outlook. Go out to work, travel Australia, work for a charity, but even if you feel like a mature person for your age, getting out into the world will bring you a new maturity that will be highly attractive to audition panels..
FIVE: GET EXPERIENCE - You now have the best part of a year to gain more experience. Go be an extra, go take some acting classes where you live, attend drama school audition coaching or courses lead by the leading schools.
SIX: Â MAKE A LIST - Make a list of 20 things that you can do to improve your chances of getting into drama school. Then start ticking them off as you achieve them. This will bring your 20 STEPS closer to obtaining your goal.
SEVEN: GIVE UP - Yes, I’ve said this for the second time. If you can live without going to drama school, you probably don’t want a place bad enough.
You will probably notice that I haven’t included ‘going off to University’ or ‘doing an acting course at a local college’, these may be ways that some people become actors, but as your goal is to get into drama school, these would be considered a failure to achieve your goal.Mark Westbrook is the Senior Coach and Studio Director at Acting Coach Scotland.
Original article webpage - http://actingcoachscotland.co.uk/2014/04/if-i-dont-get-into-drama-school/Friday, 4 April 2014
The Drama School Audition Awards!
Hello and Welcome to the first national Drama School Audition awards!
Well what a year it has been, 6 auditions down the line and not a single recall later (she says, chortling on her wine) means that it's time to reveal who has come top of the best audition of the year!!!!!!
So here are the Categories...
1. Best Overall Audition - RADA
Maybe I was just in a good mood that day, or maybe because I had high expectations of RADA that I thought that it was the best. Everyone was nice, the place was sweet, it didn't cost that much to get there. In conclusion RADA, you rock!
2. Worst Overall Audition - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Liked the placed, but apparently my stomach did not. Sorry Glasgow.
3. Most welcoming Panel - RADA
...Yeah I was really impressed by them. Both of the panel shook my hand before they began and they made me feel so comfortable that it was hard for me not to enjoy that audition.
4. Most Intimidating Panel (boo hiss) - National Youth Theatre/Italia Conti
I have come to this conclusion because mainly both panel's looked like I had thrown a water balloon filled with wee in their faces after I had done my audition. Was also freaked out by the fact that neither panel asked me questions in the audition either.
5. Audition Best Value For Money - Manchester Metropolitan
With a 45 minute warm up, a considerably long audition and only having to pay £2.50 for the train fare made this the most value for money
6. Audition Least Value For Money - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Guildhall just missed out on this title by £1 but... at £61 (£45 + CUKAS fees) with no warm up and a 5 minute audition the RCS is the loser of the round.
7. Best facilities (at the school) - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Looking at the above, I really do seem to have a mixed view of the place. However on the tour this place showed that it really does have everything you need to get a brilliant acting education.
8. Worst facilities (at the school) - Italia Conti
Was situated within a grubby looking part of London and due to the number of auditionies that day, we were all too squashed in that room.
9. Best "gut instinct" Feeling Audition - RADA
Like I said above, RADA totally rocked.
10. Craziest Panel Outfit Competition (i.e. the most important information you need to know about a future audition e.c.t.) - Guildhall!
This prize was suitably won by the female judge on the panel who sported the baggiest green harem pants I have ever seen, a Hawaiian shirt and to top it off, a stiff leather jacket.
Thank you all for reading this blog for the past year, and hopefully I'll be compiling another one of these next year for all you lovely people.
But for now, enjoy the show that is called life!
Terri ;D x
Well what a year it has been, 6 auditions down the line and not a single recall later (she says, chortling on her wine) means that it's time to reveal who has come top of the best audition of the year!!!!!!
So here are the Categories...
1. Best Overall Audition - RADA
Maybe I was just in a good mood that day, or maybe because I had high expectations of RADA that I thought that it was the best. Everyone was nice, the place was sweet, it didn't cost that much to get there. In conclusion RADA, you rock!
2. Worst Overall Audition - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Liked the placed, but apparently my stomach did not. Sorry Glasgow.
3. Most welcoming Panel - RADA
...Yeah I was really impressed by them. Both of the panel shook my hand before they began and they made me feel so comfortable that it was hard for me not to enjoy that audition.
4. Most Intimidating Panel (boo hiss) - National Youth Theatre/Italia Conti
I have come to this conclusion because mainly both panel's looked like I had thrown a water balloon filled with wee in their faces after I had done my audition. Was also freaked out by the fact that neither panel asked me questions in the audition either.
5. Audition Best Value For Money - Manchester Metropolitan
With a 45 minute warm up, a considerably long audition and only having to pay £2.50 for the train fare made this the most value for money
6. Audition Least Value For Money - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Guildhall just missed out on this title by £1 but... at £61 (£45 + CUKAS fees) with no warm up and a 5 minute audition the RCS is the loser of the round.
7. Best facilities (at the school) - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Looking at the above, I really do seem to have a mixed view of the place. However on the tour this place showed that it really does have everything you need to get a brilliant acting education.
8. Worst facilities (at the school) - Italia Conti
Was situated within a grubby looking part of London and due to the number of auditionies that day, we were all too squashed in that room.
9. Best "gut instinct" Feeling Audition - RADA
Like I said above, RADA totally rocked.
10. Craziest Panel Outfit Competition (i.e. the most important information you need to know about a future audition e.c.t.) - Guildhall!
This prize was suitably won by the female judge on the panel who sported the baggiest green harem pants I have ever seen, a Hawaiian shirt and to top it off, a stiff leather jacket.
Thank you all for reading this blog for the past year, and hopefully I'll be compiling another one of these next year for all you lovely people.
But for now, enjoy the show that is called life!
Terri ;D x
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Italia Conti: The Audition
Hey,
Sorry for not writing in a while, I'm studying my A level's at the moment and the pressure to get decent grades in mounting considerably, so it seems like I won't be writing much on here for atleast the next four months (i.e up to and during the exam period). The pressure is much, much more considerable this year as our darling Education Minister, Michael Gove; has now stated that no one can now do a third year and, therefore if I fail, I cannot resit and then can't go to university or get a decent job. Gee thanks Mike! Remind me the next time I see him to give a good old tutting to (as tutting is the appropriate way for an Englishperson to show disgust.)
Anyway I will save my ranting about how much Mr Gove is a compleate and utter twat for another post.
What I really wanted to talk about was my Italia Conti audition last Monday.
Now in the previous week, it had been the half term holiday. Which is why I decided that over the week I would do absolutely nothing and have a good old rest. What I forgot to remember was that I had a major audition within the week and had not learnt to set piece properly. I ended up remembering on the Saturday and, scrambling from my bed I lurched into a panic of learning lines, re-reading the School's website on what it looks for in a candidate/what I needed to do in the actual audition etc.
Thankfully (for me) my mum had organised the travel and accommodation for the night before, so on the Monday morning (waking up at the dreadful hour of 6 o'clock). We headed out to the heart of London.
The place wasn't that hard to find and, on entering, my first impression was that it was rather small. I think that this is because apparently they are modifying the building therefore ensuring that the audition space was rather crowded.
I was told by a rather cheery bloke, to fill out a form of what I would be performing, plus where I had auditioned this year and what the results had been. I do have to admit, it was rather embarrassing that I had to put down that for all my previous auditions I had been rejected (yes sadly, even RADA :'( ...) But at looking at everyone else's forms, they too had mostly been rejected from everywhere else. I was then sent upstairs where many other hopefuls were waiting. Another impression, there were a lot of people. Around 30-40, it was the biggest number of people I had seen at a audition ever really. The people I remember most was a beautiful girl who had come from Italy, and a rather attractive guy in his early 20's called Scott, who was a traveller until he was 16.
We were all sitting there for a while until the cheery bloke came up and started the warm up. It was immensely fun. We were all prating about being dinosaurs chasing prey and shaking our arms round in a bizarre fashion for at least 30 minutes. I loved it.
After this we did some improvisation in small groups, as we were doing this the cheery bloke came round with a clipboard and assessed us as we were going about the task. Also very fun, but since the room was quite small and there were so many people talking I couldn't hear what the majority of my group were saying, so I kinda ended up falling into the background a bit. I do feel that may of been spotted by cheery bloke.
Anyway after this we were then sent outside of the room as the panel - made up of a man and a woman - entered, in order to conduct the audition.
I was forth. On my turn they both shook my hand and asked me what speech I wanted to start with. I said my modern (Back to Methuselah by G.B Shaw). It went very well. Then the set Shakespeare (I ended up doing Helena in A midsummer night's dream) I didn't forget any of the lines, which was a positive. Once I finished they thanked me and asked me to sit back outside. No questions asked. I felt a tiny bit weirded out by that fact. Now the wait.
A fact about Italia Conti, even if you are not recalled back you still have a chance of getting a place.
I wasn't recalled, I was both - strangely - dissapointed and glad by this. The latter because I was already tired and didn't want to get back home at midnight (which in being recalled I probably would of.) Yet, I was dissapointed because a) it would of been nice to get just one recall out of the many auditions I have done (although another guy there, who was about my age and was rather annoying. Had been to 9 drama school auditions this year alown and had had not one recall!) And b) the recall part did sound like loads of fun. If you did get recalled, you took part in three different workshops (singing, movement and voice) then would redo your pieces.
Now in the previous week, it had been the half term holiday. Which is why I decided that over the week I would do absolutely nothing and have a good old rest. What I forgot to remember was that I had a major audition within the week and had not learnt to set piece properly. I ended up remembering on the Saturday and, scrambling from my bed I lurched into a panic of learning lines, re-reading the School's website on what it looks for in a candidate/what I needed to do in the actual audition etc.
Thankfully (for me) my mum had organised the travel and accommodation for the night before, so on the Monday morning (waking up at the dreadful hour of 6 o'clock). We headed out to the heart of London.
The place wasn't that hard to find and, on entering, my first impression was that it was rather small. I think that this is because apparently they are modifying the building therefore ensuring that the audition space was rather crowded.
I was told by a rather cheery bloke, to fill out a form of what I would be performing, plus where I had auditioned this year and what the results had been. I do have to admit, it was rather embarrassing that I had to put down that for all my previous auditions I had been rejected (yes sadly, even RADA :'( ...) But at looking at everyone else's forms, they too had mostly been rejected from everywhere else. I was then sent upstairs where many other hopefuls were waiting. Another impression, there were a lot of people. Around 30-40, it was the biggest number of people I had seen at a audition ever really. The people I remember most was a beautiful girl who had come from Italy, and a rather attractive guy in his early 20's called Scott, who was a traveller until he was 16.
We were all sitting there for a while until the cheery bloke came up and started the warm up. It was immensely fun. We were all prating about being dinosaurs chasing prey and shaking our arms round in a bizarre fashion for at least 30 minutes. I loved it.
After this we did some improvisation in small groups, as we were doing this the cheery bloke came round with a clipboard and assessed us as we were going about the task. Also very fun, but since the room was quite small and there were so many people talking I couldn't hear what the majority of my group were saying, so I kinda ended up falling into the background a bit. I do feel that may of been spotted by cheery bloke.
Anyway after this we were then sent outside of the room as the panel - made up of a man and a woman - entered, in order to conduct the audition.
I was forth. On my turn they both shook my hand and asked me what speech I wanted to start with. I said my modern (Back to Methuselah by G.B Shaw). It went very well. Then the set Shakespeare (I ended up doing Helena in A midsummer night's dream) I didn't forget any of the lines, which was a positive. Once I finished they thanked me and asked me to sit back outside. No questions asked. I felt a tiny bit weirded out by that fact. Now the wait.
A fact about Italia Conti, even if you are not recalled back you still have a chance of getting a place.
I wasn't recalled, I was both - strangely - dissapointed and glad by this. The latter because I was already tired and didn't want to get back home at midnight (which in being recalled I probably would of.) Yet, I was dissapointed because a) it would of been nice to get just one recall out of the many auditions I have done (although another guy there, who was about my age and was rather annoying. Had been to 9 drama school auditions this year alown and had had not one recall!) And b) the recall part did sound like loads of fun. If you did get recalled, you took part in three different workshops (singing, movement and voice) then would redo your pieces.
No idea when I am supposed to be reciving a result, will probbably come within the next week.
However, if I don't book my Drama Centre audition soon, that will of been my last drama school audition this year...
I'm not really sure what to make of the fact really. I mean, I knew that I wasn't going to get a place at the age of 17 but... A whole year, without a real plan of what I will be doing within the next year is, very scary.
However I have put some things in place. For example this evening I am going to be auditioning for a few plays at the Stockport Garrick for their productions next academic year so that looks good. I'm also going to be sending my CV to every theatre in the within a 10 mile radius of where I live, just so I can work there and get a better feel of the working of a theatre. I will also be carrying on persuing some of my design ambitions and use my esty shop to raise so well needed cash for next year's drama school auditions!
But for now, revision time!
Adios,
Terri ;D xxx
Friday, 21 February 2014
RADA: D-day (i.e. the Audition)
So today I had my initial RADA audition in Manchester. First Impressions: The nicest pannel I've had plus the most comfortable that I have felt in any audition so far.
The day panned out as follows:
After arriving at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester - though not before getting hassled by three charity people on the way and getting lost in the Arndale then having a slight panic attack with all the nerves, - with half an hour before the audition. I was a bag of nerves. I was directed to go sit on a couch where a few other's were waiting. They were all very nice. And as we divulged in the social norm of awkward small talk we were called to come into another, smaller room away from the main theatre. I have to admit, even though by this point I was almost vomiting with the nerves now, it was a gorgeous room. You could see the shops outside and the room itself was surrounded by 1930's oak. In here we were given a jug of water and told to fill out two forms. One asking what pieces we were doing and the second asking general details ( I.e. do you have any difficulties (mental/physical) and where else have you applied.)
I was then called up upstairs where I was to wait until I was called in to my audition. I was a couple of minutes later. The panel was made up of a man and a women (who happened to have been in Doctor Who!) and both shook my hand (I never shake peoples hands so I found that part weird). I then sat down and they asked that, as I was 17 what I was doing at A level? They seemed interested that I don't do drama at college and they wanted to know where then, I did I do my acting at. I think they also found it interesting that I was doing Hamlet as well. Well they made an "ohhhh" sound when they read that I was doing it.
So I stood up and did my Hamlet first. It went soundly, it wasn't immaculate but I got across what I wanted to tell.
They I did Port. For this audition I decided to change my planned movement and did it all sitting down (I just thought that getting up and moving about wasn't the natural thing to do.) and not just for the first bit (like the times before). This also went well, much better then I have done in the previous auditions.
Then I sat down in front of them again. By now I was enjoying myself loads. They asked who was my acting idol, when and where I went to see the theatre, where else I had applied and what would I do if I didn't get in drama school this year. They then asked me to confirm that I was again 17 (I found this one interesting as I had said I was beforehand...)
Another shake of the hand and I was allowed to leave.
FREEDOM!
Have celebrated a good audition by buying myself a Starbucks ice latte from Sainsbury's.
Apparently I should receive the result in the post in the next two weeks.
If I am honest with you, if I don't get recalled I won't be too upset as I know I did all that I could.
But now, time to concentrate for the NYT and Italia Conti because they are so close and I don't want to get too laid back 'cause I did one good.
But it means that I am more than half way through my auditioning process!!!!!
BOOM
Cheerio,
Terri ;D
The day panned out as follows:
After arriving at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester - though not before getting hassled by three charity people on the way and getting lost in the Arndale then having a slight panic attack with all the nerves, - with half an hour before the audition. I was a bag of nerves. I was directed to go sit on a couch where a few other's were waiting. They were all very nice. And as we divulged in the social norm of awkward small talk we were called to come into another, smaller room away from the main theatre. I have to admit, even though by this point I was almost vomiting with the nerves now, it was a gorgeous room. You could see the shops outside and the room itself was surrounded by 1930's oak. In here we were given a jug of water and told to fill out two forms. One asking what pieces we were doing and the second asking general details ( I.e. do you have any difficulties (mental/physical) and where else have you applied.)
I was then called up upstairs where I was to wait until I was called in to my audition. I was a couple of minutes later. The panel was made up of a man and a women (who happened to have been in Doctor Who!) and both shook my hand (I never shake peoples hands so I found that part weird). I then sat down and they asked that, as I was 17 what I was doing at A level? They seemed interested that I don't do drama at college and they wanted to know where then, I did I do my acting at. I think they also found it interesting that I was doing Hamlet as well. Well they made an "ohhhh" sound when they read that I was doing it.
So I stood up and did my Hamlet first. It went soundly, it wasn't immaculate but I got across what I wanted to tell.
They I did Port. For this audition I decided to change my planned movement and did it all sitting down (I just thought that getting up and moving about wasn't the natural thing to do.) and not just for the first bit (like the times before). This also went well, much better then I have done in the previous auditions.
Then I sat down in front of them again. By now I was enjoying myself loads. They asked who was my acting idol, when and where I went to see the theatre, where else I had applied and what would I do if I didn't get in drama school this year. They then asked me to confirm that I was again 17 (I found this one interesting as I had said I was beforehand...)
Another shake of the hand and I was allowed to leave.
FREEDOM!
Have celebrated a good audition by buying myself a Starbucks ice latte from Sainsbury's.
Apparently I should receive the result in the post in the next two weeks.
If I am honest with you, if I don't get recalled I won't be too upset as I know I did all that I could.
But now, time to concentrate for the NYT and Italia Conti because they are so close and I don't want to get too laid back 'cause I did one good.
But it means that I am more than half way through my auditioning process!!!!!
BOOM
Cheerio,
Terri ;D
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
RCS: The Audition
Hey dudes, Sup?
... Yeah never let me say that at the beginning of a post again.
So yesterday I had my RCS audition and I'm going to break the tension in telling you that I did not get recalled. I blame this mainly down to throwing up 20 mins prior to the initial audition and just feeling awfully ill for the majority of yesterday. It cannot be helped but I'm going to fill you in on all the details so you can have some knowledge on what to expect.
So I started my wonderful day at 5 o'clock in the morning (a time quite unknown to me) and was out by 6:30 (am - I'm not that slow.) To get my train to Glasgow.
Although feeling pretty ill at this point I did have a fabulous conversation with this 45 yr old man for an hour on Doctor Who, a conversation which was started btw with his ringtone of the Doctor Who theme tune (the David Tenant one of course, as all Whovians should know that the tune is changed slightly with every new doctor.)
Off train with an hour to kill, I head towards my second home. Costa. Ordered my favourite "a small soya cinnamon latte" and sat there and drank. 10 mins later queue vomitorium (and panic on whether capable of actually doing the audition.) I trudged on to the school.
Now the building itself is amazing, there's a definite magic about the place. Speaking of magic, I saw CHO CHANG (i.e. Harry Potter first lurve interest.) in a RCS classroom, training to be even better than she was in the franchise when we were on a tour of the building.
But back to the Audition. After going to two wrong reception desks I managed to get to the correct one and sign in. Already there were two girls there waiting. One of them was from Stockport and had auditioned at Manchester Met the day before like me... creepy. She was 19 and had bee recalled last year so she had high expectations of also being recalled again. The other was posh and from Windsor.
After ten mins of waiting two current first years showed us down to where we were going to be auditioned. As one girl hadn't turned up, I was to go first (gee thanks "not showing up girl", not.).
I was called in and saw one lady with a limp and an old man, who told me the running of the audition. They both were very nice. I had a glass of water before I started as my throat did not want to admit much sound.
I did both pieces in an average way. It was, to my standard not good enough, I already knew that. But I was not going to give up hope without a bloody good fight so I went head first into the interview.
I was asked the following questions:
1. You live in England, why do you want to train at the RCS?
2. How do you deal with you're dyslexia as an actor?
3. Why did you choose your Shakespeare piece?
4. What is the play Port about?
5. What are you doing at the moment?
All questions I answered well, maybe I could of modulated my answers better but overall it went ok. I was thanked and told that the list would be put up a 1:30 of all those they wanted to see at the recall. I then thanked them and left, then waited for the others to do theirs.
An hour wait, the tour (queue the sight seeing of Harry Potter cast members.) Then the list. I was not on it of course and it was slightly gutting but hey ho I would be back next year if I don't get offered anywhere else this time round.
A 4 hour wait then waited for me before I could get a train home back to Manchester. I filled it with yet another Costa (not a coffee, my stomach was not yet up for that.) a fashion magazine and looking at my options on where I was next applying and what different speeches I could do for the next one. (I did find a brilliant one in the character of Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream that I am very keen to try out.) and thinking in general about the year awaiting me.
I don't mean for this post to sound depressing. I really enjoyed the audition and the school, I would love to study there. I just wished that I could of showed them my true potential and not to ill version of me, that's all.
And what have I learnt from my expedition up north. Not to loose hope. Shown to me by one pupil there who applied 5 times before being offered a place. If you want it you'll fight for it.
As for the next audition, that in late February (RADA eek) so I get a decent break from a madness of it all.
Until next time folks,
Terri ;D x
... Yeah never let me say that at the beginning of a post again.
So yesterday I had my RCS audition and I'm going to break the tension in telling you that I did not get recalled. I blame this mainly down to throwing up 20 mins prior to the initial audition and just feeling awfully ill for the majority of yesterday. It cannot be helped but I'm going to fill you in on all the details so you can have some knowledge on what to expect.
So I started my wonderful day at 5 o'clock in the morning (a time quite unknown to me) and was out by 6:30 (am - I'm not that slow.) To get my train to Glasgow.
Although feeling pretty ill at this point I did have a fabulous conversation with this 45 yr old man for an hour on Doctor Who, a conversation which was started btw with his ringtone of the Doctor Who theme tune (the David Tenant one of course, as all Whovians should know that the tune is changed slightly with every new doctor.)
Off train with an hour to kill, I head towards my second home. Costa. Ordered my favourite "a small soya cinnamon latte" and sat there and drank. 10 mins later queue vomitorium (and panic on whether capable of actually doing the audition.) I trudged on to the school.
Now the building itself is amazing, there's a definite magic about the place. Speaking of magic, I saw CHO CHANG (i.e. Harry Potter first lurve interest.) in a RCS classroom, training to be even better than she was in the franchise when we were on a tour of the building.
But back to the Audition. After going to two wrong reception desks I managed to get to the correct one and sign in. Already there were two girls there waiting. One of them was from Stockport and had auditioned at Manchester Met the day before like me... creepy. She was 19 and had bee recalled last year so she had high expectations of also being recalled again. The other was posh and from Windsor.
After ten mins of waiting two current first years showed us down to where we were going to be auditioned. As one girl hadn't turned up, I was to go first (gee thanks "not showing up girl", not.).
I was called in and saw one lady with a limp and an old man, who told me the running of the audition. They both were very nice. I had a glass of water before I started as my throat did not want to admit much sound.
I did both pieces in an average way. It was, to my standard not good enough, I already knew that. But I was not going to give up hope without a bloody good fight so I went head first into the interview.
I was asked the following questions:
1. You live in England, why do you want to train at the RCS?
2. How do you deal with you're dyslexia as an actor?
3. Why did you choose your Shakespeare piece?
4. What is the play Port about?
5. What are you doing at the moment?
All questions I answered well, maybe I could of modulated my answers better but overall it went ok. I was thanked and told that the list would be put up a 1:30 of all those they wanted to see at the recall. I then thanked them and left, then waited for the others to do theirs.
An hour wait, the tour (queue the sight seeing of Harry Potter cast members.) Then the list. I was not on it of course and it was slightly gutting but hey ho I would be back next year if I don't get offered anywhere else this time round.
A 4 hour wait then waited for me before I could get a train home back to Manchester. I filled it with yet another Costa (not a coffee, my stomach was not yet up for that.) a fashion magazine and looking at my options on where I was next applying and what different speeches I could do for the next one. (I did find a brilliant one in the character of Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream that I am very keen to try out.) and thinking in general about the year awaiting me.
I don't mean for this post to sound depressing. I really enjoyed the audition and the school, I would love to study there. I just wished that I could of showed them my true potential and not to ill version of me, that's all.
And what have I learnt from my expedition up north. Not to loose hope. Shown to me by one pupil there who applied 5 times before being offered a place. If you want it you'll fight for it.
As for the next audition, that in late February (RADA eek) so I get a decent break from a madness of it all.
Until next time folks,
Terri ;D x
Monday, 6 January 2014
Manchester Met: The Audition!
Hey guys.
So today I've just done my initial audition for Manchester Met (or actually Manchester School of Theatre). It was rather fun and I deffinatley would not mind getting a recall there.
So now I'm just going to have to tell you how the day went.
After being woken up at ridiclous times by family members this morning wishing me good luck I ended up waking fully at 10:45, giving me only 20 mins before I had to get the bus (Dun dun duuuuuuun). After shaking my cats off I peged it off out and just managed to run like Forest Gump to catch the bus and get on the train. Hair and Make up done on the train I stepped out of the station to find tyrancial rain and wind. Brilliant the second bad omen of the day.
Still I plodded on to the University (I'm so glad that I live in Manchester and know my way round quite well or I probbably would of got so confused and lost.) And had plenty of time to nip and get some water and chocolate from the local Tesco and answer another call from my mum, wishing me again good luck - making me feel like I needed it - as I headed to the school.
Now my only negative comment about the school is that it reminds me of my old high school with the low celings and weird spaces. I registred and went into the room where I was directed into and saw about twenty other young shaking individuals. Thankfully unlike my Guildhall audition there were more guys then girls and there were not many my age.
Finnaly after many minitues of small talk we were ushered into a large white drama room where we were introduced to the people conducting the audition.
We started with a warm up which I found pretty intense after such a lazy holiday season, but thankfully so did many others by the looks of it so I didnt feel too bad. After about 30 mins of that we were seperated into four different groups of around 6 and we all headed into different rooms for our speeches. Thankfully I got the nice looking lady instead of the staring man (I call him that because he kept staring at all of us when we were doing our warm up.)
Anyway so we went into this other big white room where the chairs had been set up into a square shape with a side clear at the back. We were told by the woman (Karen she was called) this was where we were to perform. First we were to do our Shakespeare (YES!) then either one of our others (ooooohhh big decision to make on which monologue to choose.) Thankfully I was neither first or last but second to last, always a good place to be in my opinion, not last so the pressure does not mount up too much but not forgotten at the beginning.
So four came before me, three boys and a girl. One of the lads was excellent at the Shakespeare, he seemed dead quiet when we were doing the small talk but boy he can act. The others were okay ish, not amazing but average.
Now my turn. I do it well. Not too over dramatic but enough to show that I am very moany and emotional.
Done. Not one cock up. I am very pleased with myself. Now have to decide which of the two monologues I want to do next. The Serpent from Back to Methuselah or Rachel from Port.
Next girl, also doing a monologue of Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream but a different part to mine. Has her whole convocation with a chair, I think Hermia is meant to be sitting in the chair but to me she is talking to a chair, in Shakespearean.
Then we do a shake out and let ourselves relax a little. Have decided that I going to do the Serpent one. I'm kinda bored with the Port play so I need to give that one a rest, plus the Serpent one is a vast contrast to the Helena one.
Again we go in the same order. Another boy is brilliant with his contemporary with a monologue from the play Chatroom (defiantly googling at a later date.)
Now me, Knock it out of the bag. Good. Sit down. Done.
Other girls does her's, done. We are allowed to leave the room.
After entering the original white room the Head of Acting give a talk on what the course entails. I did kinda switch off at this point as I have heard this talk twice on both the open days I have attended.
He's done. We are allowed to leave.
Freedom!
I'll find out if I've got recalled within the next seven days apparently.
Now at home I need to get ready for my Audition tomorrow at the RCS which I am very nervous about because they do the recall stage tomorrow as well in the afternoon and I will be greatly disappointed if I don't get recalled tomorrow as I really do like RCS, it's up there with the best in my opinion.
But you know, what will happen will happen.
Anyhow, see ya,
Terri ;D
So today I've just done my initial audition for Manchester Met (or actually Manchester School of Theatre). It was rather fun and I deffinatley would not mind getting a recall there.
So now I'm just going to have to tell you how the day went.
After being woken up at ridiclous times by family members this morning wishing me good luck I ended up waking fully at 10:45, giving me only 20 mins before I had to get the bus (Dun dun duuuuuuun). After shaking my cats off I peged it off out and just managed to run like Forest Gump to catch the bus and get on the train. Hair and Make up done on the train I stepped out of the station to find tyrancial rain and wind. Brilliant the second bad omen of the day.
Still I plodded on to the University (I'm so glad that I live in Manchester and know my way round quite well or I probbably would of got so confused and lost.) And had plenty of time to nip and get some water and chocolate from the local Tesco and answer another call from my mum, wishing me again good luck - making me feel like I needed it - as I headed to the school.
Now my only negative comment about the school is that it reminds me of my old high school with the low celings and weird spaces. I registred and went into the room where I was directed into and saw about twenty other young shaking individuals. Thankfully unlike my Guildhall audition there were more guys then girls and there were not many my age.
Finnaly after many minitues of small talk we were ushered into a large white drama room where we were introduced to the people conducting the audition.
We started with a warm up which I found pretty intense after such a lazy holiday season, but thankfully so did many others by the looks of it so I didnt feel too bad. After about 30 mins of that we were seperated into four different groups of around 6 and we all headed into different rooms for our speeches. Thankfully I got the nice looking lady instead of the staring man (I call him that because he kept staring at all of us when we were doing our warm up.)
Anyway so we went into this other big white room where the chairs had been set up into a square shape with a side clear at the back. We were told by the woman (Karen she was called) this was where we were to perform. First we were to do our Shakespeare (YES!) then either one of our others (ooooohhh big decision to make on which monologue to choose.) Thankfully I was neither first or last but second to last, always a good place to be in my opinion, not last so the pressure does not mount up too much but not forgotten at the beginning.
So four came before me, three boys and a girl. One of the lads was excellent at the Shakespeare, he seemed dead quiet when we were doing the small talk but boy he can act. The others were okay ish, not amazing but average.
Now my turn. I do it well. Not too over dramatic but enough to show that I am very moany and emotional.
Done. Not one cock up. I am very pleased with myself. Now have to decide which of the two monologues I want to do next. The Serpent from Back to Methuselah or Rachel from Port.
Next girl, also doing a monologue of Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream but a different part to mine. Has her whole convocation with a chair, I think Hermia is meant to be sitting in the chair but to me she is talking to a chair, in Shakespearean.
Then we do a shake out and let ourselves relax a little. Have decided that I going to do the Serpent one. I'm kinda bored with the Port play so I need to give that one a rest, plus the Serpent one is a vast contrast to the Helena one.
Again we go in the same order. Another boy is brilliant with his contemporary with a monologue from the play Chatroom (defiantly googling at a later date.)
Now me, Knock it out of the bag. Good. Sit down. Done.
Other girls does her's, done. We are allowed to leave the room.
After entering the original white room the Head of Acting give a talk on what the course entails. I did kinda switch off at this point as I have heard this talk twice on both the open days I have attended.
He's done. We are allowed to leave.
Freedom!
I'll find out if I've got recalled within the next seven days apparently.
Now at home I need to get ready for my Audition tomorrow at the RCS which I am very nervous about because they do the recall stage tomorrow as well in the afternoon and I will be greatly disappointed if I don't get recalled tomorrow as I really do like RCS, it's up there with the best in my opinion.
But you know, what will happen will happen.
Anyhow, see ya,
Terri ;D
Manchester Met Audition: Night Before Nerves...
Soooooooo, I've got my Manchester Met Drama School audition tomorrow.
AND I AM STARTING TO BRICK IT!
Not because I'm not prepared. But because I'm so prepared that I now have nothing else to do except do it. (Queue "Like a virgin", thanks Mdna.)
Here I am, sat in bed. Shaking like Shakira's hips. And no not in the "perfecto" way she does.
I am now sick of my pieces after practicing them so many times so there ain't no way I'll be doing them again until tomorrow.
Need to sleep, yet cannot. Need to drink, yet cba going to get one.
Very glad that the audition is in the afternoon, means I get a decent lie in while everyone else my age has to go to college at ridiculous o'clock in the morrow.
Right, I've decided what to do. I will keep on reading blogs and eat chocolate until I fall asleep out of boredom.
Wish me luck! (For the Audition, not the blog reading.)
Adios,
Terri ;D x
AND I AM STARTING TO BRICK IT!
Not because I'm not prepared. But because I'm so prepared that I now have nothing else to do except do it. (Queue "Like a virgin", thanks Mdna.)
Here I am, sat in bed. Shaking like Shakira's hips. And no not in the "perfecto" way she does.
I am now sick of my pieces after practicing them so many times so there ain't no way I'll be doing them again until tomorrow.
Need to sleep, yet cannot. Need to drink, yet cba going to get one.
Very glad that the audition is in the afternoon, means I get a decent lie in while everyone else my age has to go to college at ridiculous o'clock in the morrow.
Right, I've decided what to do. I will keep on reading blogs and eat chocolate until I fall asleep out of boredom.
Wish me luck! (For the Audition, not the blog reading.)
Adios,
Terri ;D x
Friday, 18 October 2013
Guildhall Audition preparation
Yo gang,
So this morning I'm finding it hard to type as the man of my life - i.e. my kitty Noo Noo - has decided that I am a very good bed so I've got the laptop perched at the edge of my knees to accommodate both the laptop and my man. #worldproblems
Oh and the other one - Smudge - is yowling because she wants more food...
Anyhow enough of my cat problems I wanted to discuss where I am up to with the whole Drama School thing. So I will tell you.
Now that both the play I was in has finished (tank the frigging lord) and collage has broken up for half term for a week + a bit, it has allowed me enough time to get several things sorted.
Firstly I have sent off and paid for my UCAS and CUKAS applications. That means that Manchester Met, Italia Conti and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (!) should be sending me information soon on what I need to do next! And of course I'm happy that everything is moving now in the right direction in comparison to a few months ago where I was just dithering about with nothing to do on the acting aspect. (I re-read my posts from a few months ago and I sound like a plonker.)
But for the major part of this is where I am at on my preparation for my audition at Guildhall which is on the 6th of November so not that far away really.
Now I know my Shakespeare and contrasting piece off by heart, I could literally say them in my sleep but I am still trying to learn my modern monologue which is proving a problem. I guess it's because I'm trying too hard to learn them that they won't stick.
But I think that by the time of my audition I will know it, or be very familiar with it.
And then the song choice. Now from all the blogs that I have read with people who I have auditioned at the Guildhall, they have all said that they were not asked to sing at the first round. Now I am not a very good singer, I mean I can hold a tune alright but when people talk all the technical rubbish about singing then I get very confused. I have chosen a song and if I have to sing it (please please no) then I will be singing the second verse and chorus of David Bowie's life on mars, OR the song I stand alone from the Movie a Quest for Camelot (man I love that movie). As I know both and I like both so there.
The interview part though... is nerving me out. Mainly because Guildhall hasn't specified what sort of questions they would ask... if any. So I have gone to the over love of my life (2nd to the cats and family I mean) of the Drama UK website. And the advise they give is...
I have thought about those questions a great deal actually. My question to them would be about their learning support side of things (since I am dyslexic this is a major part of my decision making side of things.) I already know that they offer accommodation (!) to first year students and that they have a library full of helpful books (I do love a library). In terms of my basic answers for the questions they are likely to ask me are:
Why do you want to act? - Because acting makes me happy (cheesy I know but true) and I want to do a job that makes me happy so acting is the obvious choice.
What sort of actor do you want to be? - Shakespearian mainly but wouldn't turn down a TV or Film role.
What are your ambitions? - To be performing as a Shakespearian actress with the RSC within the next ten years.
What play have you seen recently that impressed you and why? - I have recently been to see Midsummer Night's Dream (well I will have, it's next week!!!!!) at the Noel Coward Theatre, I was impressed with it because... (I don't know yet as I still need to see it.)
Who is your favourite actor and why? - Ben Whishaw (Too easy). I love him because he never over plays a part and he acts with his eyes. I particularly enjoyed his performance in Peter and Alice (yes I did go see that) and The Hour.
Are you applying to any other drama schools? - Yes I am applying to six in total but you are the first and I have enjoyed it immensely. (Latter a possible lie but will go with it anyway.)
Transport and the hotel is mostly paid for. Since my Audition starts at 9:15 I intend to set off at 7 ish as the tube takes around an hour at that time of the morning from where we are staying so we (i.e. mum and me) should make it in good time.
Then a train back home and back in sunny stockport (depending on my mood as at Guildhall they tell you the results of the recall on the day.)
I am going to bugger off now as my cats are annoying me.
Toodiloo
Terri :D
So this morning I'm finding it hard to type as the man of my life - i.e. my kitty Noo Noo - has decided that I am a very good bed so I've got the laptop perched at the edge of my knees to accommodate both the laptop and my man. #worldproblems
Oh and the other one - Smudge - is yowling because she wants more food...
Anyhow enough of my cat problems I wanted to discuss where I am up to with the whole Drama School thing. So I will tell you.
Now that both the play I was in has finished (tank the frigging lord) and collage has broken up for half term for a week + a bit, it has allowed me enough time to get several things sorted.
Firstly I have sent off and paid for my UCAS and CUKAS applications. That means that Manchester Met, Italia Conti and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (!) should be sending me information soon on what I need to do next! And of course I'm happy that everything is moving now in the right direction in comparison to a few months ago where I was just dithering about with nothing to do on the acting aspect. (I re-read my posts from a few months ago and I sound like a plonker.)
But for the major part of this is where I am at on my preparation for my audition at Guildhall which is on the 6th of November so not that far away really.
Now I know my Shakespeare and contrasting piece off by heart, I could literally say them in my sleep but I am still trying to learn my modern monologue which is proving a problem. I guess it's because I'm trying too hard to learn them that they won't stick.
But I think that by the time of my audition I will know it, or be very familiar with it.
And then the song choice. Now from all the blogs that I have read with people who I have auditioned at the Guildhall, they have all said that they were not asked to sing at the first round. Now I am not a very good singer, I mean I can hold a tune alright but when people talk all the technical rubbish about singing then I get very confused. I have chosen a song and if I have to sing it (please please no) then I will be singing the second verse and chorus of David Bowie's life on mars, OR the song I stand alone from the Movie a Quest for Camelot (man I love that movie). As I know both and I like both so there.
The interview part though... is nerving me out. Mainly because Guildhall hasn't specified what sort of questions they would ask... if any. So I have gone to the over love of my life (2nd to the cats and family I mean) of the Drama UK website. And the advise they give is...
What happens at the interview?
Most schools interview candidates. There will be a different procedure at each school; some interview all candidates, others only those who have successfully completed another part of the audition. The interview is an opportunity for the audition panel to find out more about you and for you to ask questions too. It is worth thinking about some of the typical questions you may be asked:
- Why do you want to act?
- What sort of actor do you want to be?
- What are your ambitions?
- What play or film have you seen recently that impressed you and why?
- Who is your favourite actor and why?
- Are you applying to any other drama schools?
It is important to think about questions that you may want to ask the panel as well.
I have thought about those questions a great deal actually. My question to them would be about their learning support side of things (since I am dyslexic this is a major part of my decision making side of things.) I already know that they offer accommodation (!) to first year students and that they have a library full of helpful books (I do love a library). In terms of my basic answers for the questions they are likely to ask me are:
Why do you want to act? - Because acting makes me happy (cheesy I know but true) and I want to do a job that makes me happy so acting is the obvious choice.
What sort of actor do you want to be? - Shakespearian mainly but wouldn't turn down a TV or Film role.
What are your ambitions? - To be performing as a Shakespearian actress with the RSC within the next ten years.
What play have you seen recently that impressed you and why? - I have recently been to see Midsummer Night's Dream (well I will have, it's next week!!!!!) at the Noel Coward Theatre, I was impressed with it because... (I don't know yet as I still need to see it.)
Who is your favourite actor and why? - Ben Whishaw (Too easy). I love him because he never over plays a part and he acts with his eyes. I particularly enjoyed his performance in Peter and Alice (yes I did go see that) and The Hour.
Are you applying to any other drama schools? - Yes I am applying to six in total but you are the first and I have enjoyed it immensely. (Latter a possible lie but will go with it anyway.)
Transport and the hotel is mostly paid for. Since my Audition starts at 9:15 I intend to set off at 7 ish as the tube takes around an hour at that time of the morning from where we are staying so we (i.e. mum and me) should make it in good time.
Then a train back home and back in sunny stockport (depending on my mood as at Guildhall they tell you the results of the recall on the day.)
I am going to bugger off now as my cats are annoying me.
Toodiloo
Terri :D
P.S my man say hi.
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Another brilliant Drama School blog
Hey,
Wow I really seem to be writing loads on here atm compared to the last month (probably because of my sheer panic about the whole Drama School audition in a THREE WEEKS thing.)
Anyhow a couple of days ago I came across a relatively old blog by a guy called Tom, and it's basically a diary of his experiences with Drama School auditions. And he got in! (To Guildhall too!) So no surprises I have devoured the entire thing to see if it could help me get in as well (perhaps not but you have to try).
But I thought I might leave a link here for you guys to look at, as I know I found it interesting sooo
http://anotherlondonactor.blogspot.co.uk/
Tadahhh!!!!!! ( #jazzhands )
^And yes I did just do a hashtag on a mac #score !
^ Yeah I really need to stop that now.
In terms of Preparation for my Guildhall audition (which is in less than THREE WEEKS) I showed my drama teacher all of my three pieces (but not my song choice - which btw is David Bowie's Life on Mars, risky I know but I know all the lyrics and I enjoy singing it) and she gave me notes on how to improve. Like some actual movement for my Port monologue as before I was just awkwardly standing there and saying it.
I am going to do another post later but at the present time I want to drink my latte.
Adios
Terri :D
Wow I really seem to be writing loads on here atm compared to the last month (probably because of my sheer panic about the whole Drama School audition in a THREE WEEKS thing.)
Anyhow a couple of days ago I came across a relatively old blog by a guy called Tom, and it's basically a diary of his experiences with Drama School auditions. And he got in! (To Guildhall too!) So no surprises I have devoured the entire thing to see if it could help me get in as well (perhaps not but you have to try).
But I thought I might leave a link here for you guys to look at, as I know I found it interesting sooo
http://anotherlondonactor.blogspot.co.uk/
Tadahhh!!!!!! ( #jazzhands )
^And yes I did just do a hashtag on a mac #score !
^ Yeah I really need to stop that now.
In terms of Preparation for my Guildhall audition (which is in less than THREE WEEKS) I showed my drama teacher all of my three pieces (but not my song choice - which btw is David Bowie's Life on Mars, risky I know but I know all the lyrics and I enjoy singing it) and she gave me notes on how to improve. Like some actual movement for my Port monologue as before I was just awkwardly standing there and saying it.
I am going to do another post later but at the present time I want to drink my latte.
Adios
Terri :D
Sunday, 23 June 2013
More Monologues...
Hello there people.
Since I have had an extremely busy week this is the first chance that I have had just to sit down and write on the blog for a while.
Manchester Met was A-MA-ZING! I really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really want to go there as there is such a buzz feeling there and I know Manchester like the back of my hand so it won't feel like I'm entering a foreign country.
Anyway in other news I have bought a play called Port by Simon Stephens (by the same man who co-wrote the west end show A curious incident of a dog in the night-time.) Basically it's about this girl who comes from Stockport (like me) and just wants to get out, it tells her story from 1988 to 2002. The main reason for buying this play was for my auditions in December/January because when I went to Manchester Met in the lecture they gave on the Acting course the man said that they wanted pieces which related to you in some way, especially with the contemporary one.
And for me, coming from Stockport and feeling similar things about the place to Racheal (the main character in the story) I just got her and could relate to her on many levels.
From it I have chosen tow bits from the play to try out tomorrow with my Drama teacher to see what she thinks. One of them technically isn't a monologue but it can easily mash together to make something like a monologue.
Now this second one is when Racheal is 24 years old and it is 2002. She has been living in York for the past 10 months to get away from her abusive husband. She is in a beer garden and is talking to her old friend and ex Danny about what she sees what has changed in stockport while she has been gone.
(Please note people that I have edited this slightly so it will flow well as a monologue.)
Racheal - When I was a kid I used to think the clock tower in the Merseyway was massive. Fucking big skyscraper. I couldn't understand how come, when they had programmes about the tallest buildings in the world, I could't understand why they never mentioned the clock tower in the Merseyway. I went back there at the weekend. It's tiny. Very Squat. Really short. I was quite disappointed.
Noticed the Viaduct. I'd never really paid any attention to it before. I never really noticed it. But I was looking at it, on my way into town. It's actually, y'know, it's quite impressive. There's something about it.
I noticed how many pubs there are. Pub's fucking everywhere in this place. A lot of the shops have changed. Smartened up a bit. Some of them are all right. And I was up at the station. Looking down. Noticed the way the valley curves down. When I was little, Used to love geography. All about continental drift. And the ice age. Stuff like that. And looking at the town centre I could just have imagined what it must of been like. All the ice and that. How it would of settled. See all the curves of where the water was like underneath the sea. That was a bit mad.
Funny going back into manchester. All that rain. Went in with Billy. It was pissing down. Felt, kind of, it felt all right. Felt like it was meant to be raining here. Felt OK.
^Both these monologues will be on the monologue page if you want to get access to them more easily.
I understand that I don't write many monologues for males and Im sorry guys if you feel like I have a limited sources when it comes to that but I am a female so I will be looking for me.
No I need to get some food to get the alcohol which I consumed last night out of my system.
Cheerio,
Terri ;D
Since I have had an extremely busy week this is the first chance that I have had just to sit down and write on the blog for a while.
Manchester Met was A-MA-ZING! I really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really want to go there as there is such a buzz feeling there and I know Manchester like the back of my hand so it won't feel like I'm entering a foreign country.
Anyway in other news I have bought a play called Port by Simon Stephens (by the same man who co-wrote the west end show A curious incident of a dog in the night-time.) Basically it's about this girl who comes from Stockport (like me) and just wants to get out, it tells her story from 1988 to 2002. The main reason for buying this play was for my auditions in December/January because when I went to Manchester Met in the lecture they gave on the Acting course the man said that they wanted pieces which related to you in some way, especially with the contemporary one.
And for me, coming from Stockport and feeling similar things about the place to Racheal (the main character in the story) I just got her and could relate to her on many levels.
From it I have chosen tow bits from the play to try out tomorrow with my Drama teacher to see what she thinks. One of them technically isn't a monologue but it can easily mash together to make something like a monologue.
The first one is when Racheal is 22, it's new years eve in 1999 and she has just been physically assaulted my her Husband in a posh hotel room. He leaves her on the floor.
Stage directions - Stands up after a while. It hurts. She goes to pick up the wine glass. Drains it. Gets the wine bottle from the fridge and refills her glass. She goes where Kevin (The Husband) has dropped her phone and picks it up.
Sits back on the bed. Drinks from her glass. Phones her brother.
Racheal - Billy? It's me, Racheal. How are you? Good lad. Are you? That'll be good won't it? I'm ok love. I'm fine. I don't know. I don't think so. Kevin's had a bit of a bad one mate, you with me? No I'm fine. He's just. I hate him Billy. I want to kill him. I think I might. I fucking could. I bet you. No. I won't. No don't worry about that. I'll be fine. I will. I'll be be magic. I just wanted to talk to you. I was thinking about yer. Got yer perfume on. I have and all. I like it. It's really nice. Oh, fuck him. I think it's lovely. I just wanted to wish you Happy New Year. I now well. I'm doing it early aren't I? Happy New Year. I know. Happy New Century. Happy New Millennium. It's mental int it? Listen Mate, I'm gonna fuck off. I just wanted to, you know, I just wanted to talk to you. No I'll be fine. I'm cracking. Yeah I know. I love you Bill. Well. I do. I'll see you later. You have a good night mate. See you later.
She turns the phone off. Sits up on the bed. Staring out of the window.
Now this second one is when Racheal is 24 years old and it is 2002. She has been living in York for the past 10 months to get away from her abusive husband. She is in a beer garden and is talking to her old friend and ex Danny about what she sees what has changed in stockport while she has been gone.
(Please note people that I have edited this slightly so it will flow well as a monologue.)
Racheal - When I was a kid I used to think the clock tower in the Merseyway was massive. Fucking big skyscraper. I couldn't understand how come, when they had programmes about the tallest buildings in the world, I could't understand why they never mentioned the clock tower in the Merseyway. I went back there at the weekend. It's tiny. Very Squat. Really short. I was quite disappointed.
Noticed the Viaduct. I'd never really paid any attention to it before. I never really noticed it. But I was looking at it, on my way into town. It's actually, y'know, it's quite impressive. There's something about it.
I noticed how many pubs there are. Pub's fucking everywhere in this place. A lot of the shops have changed. Smartened up a bit. Some of them are all right. And I was up at the station. Looking down. Noticed the way the valley curves down. When I was little, Used to love geography. All about continental drift. And the ice age. Stuff like that. And looking at the town centre I could just have imagined what it must of been like. All the ice and that. How it would of settled. See all the curves of where the water was like underneath the sea. That was a bit mad.
Funny going back into manchester. All that rain. Went in with Billy. It was pissing down. Felt, kind of, it felt all right. Felt like it was meant to be raining here. Felt OK.
^Both these monologues will be on the monologue page if you want to get access to them more easily.
I understand that I don't write many monologues for males and Im sorry guys if you feel like I have a limited sources when it comes to that but I am a female so I will be looking for me.
No I need to get some food to get the alcohol which I consumed last night out of my system.
Cheerio,
Terri ;D
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