<p>I have always loved the culture of England, especially their film and theatre industry. I'm a rising senior, and I've started to go over school options with my parents/counselors. Going to school in London (or any UK city with a good program and arts culture, such as Cardiff, etc.) would be my dream, as ideally this is where I would want to live after college. Unfortunately, the only programs I have seen that are really accesible to American students are at LAMDA and RADA and Guildhall. These are all excellent programs, undoubtably, but they are two/three year, strictly conservatory programs, which is not really what I'm looking for. The US schools I hope to apply to are generally audition-based BFA's, with a few BA safeties, but all of them are at universities or colleges that incorporate academics in addition to acting studies. I fully intend to devote my college years to theatre study, but I would prefer to get a more well-rounded education. Any suggestons, or anything about LAMDA or RADA that may contradict what I said earlier, would certainly be helpful!*</p>
<p>(particularly less-expensive schools, as you can imagine that flying back and forth would be expensive enough!)</p>
<p>*Also, any UK Summer theatre programs would be wonderful to learn about. I attended MPulse at University of Michigan last summer, but would love a reasonably-priced overseas program!</p>
<p>There are a lot of universities in the UK that have strong drama programs. You could look at the University of London system in which many schools take part in. Queen Mary and Royal Holloway are good examples. There’s also the Central school of Speech and Drama but that is more of a conservatory. You could look at University of Manchester, Warwick, Kent, East Anglia, Liverpool Institute of the Arts, Bristol, Kingston etc. as they all have strong programs. </p>
<p>If you search for the University Leagues table on the web then you’d find a list ranking the best universities in the UK. Additionally, on the same website you could find a list for the best drama schools (most of which are not conservatories) in the country.</p>
<p>The only thing to be aware of is that most non-conservatories in the UK are radically different to the BA programs offered in the US. There usually aren’t separate classes for acting or directing or tech etc. It’s usually all incorporated into the same course. </p>
<p>Just to let you know as well, the UK system in general is very different to the American one. You barely have any electives and the idea of a minor or double major is quite unusual. You apply for a certain program and throughout your university experience you will mainly be doing classes that are directly related to that specific program. For instance, if you apply as a theatre applicant, you probably won’t do any math or science classes at all. Additionally changing your program/major is a very difficult process. In some cases you might even have to re-apply to the school itself.</p>
<p>Also, pretty much every university in the UK has only three years as opposed to four in the States. </p>
<p>Lastly, the schools are all generally around the same price but the fees have dramatically increased. Tuition can go as high as 11,000 pounds these days.</p>
<p>Just to add to the above comments: You are also responsible for your food and housing. Typically there are no ‘dorms’. I studied at University of London and really enjoyed it, but it was definitely several years ahead of what I was doing at my college in the US, more like beginning graduate school. If you like challenges and independence, and have the money (a big one!) then English schools can be amazing.</p>
<p>However - and this is another big one- you will not be permitted to STAY in England once you graduate. You would be on a student visa. After you graduated, you would have a limited time (not sure how long; I’ve heard one-two years max) to stay. On a practical level, therefore, you might get excellent training, but you run the risk of losing your British theatre connections when you come back to America. </p>
<p>Another important consideration is that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world in which to live. Although your student visa will expire, you can extend it by doing graduate study and if you land a job, your employer will help you apply for a work visa.</p>
<p>The British educational system is VERY DIFFERENT from the American one. Normally, any Bachelor’s degree program only lasts three years–no matter what the subject, not just the arts.</p>
<p>English children study a much broader range of subjects then American ones until they are sixteen. Most then leave school–most jobs do not require more education than this. Those who stay begin to “narrow down” their list of subjects, then if they go to university they will pretty much be focusing just on ONE subject–not running around a campus taking an eclectic smorgasbord of subjects like an American college student.</p>
<p>British students who are concerned about “breadth” often take a “gap year”, a year off before starting university. This year is often used for travel, for volunteer work, or even getting work experience.</p>
<p>For what its worth, my daughter did the Guildhall summer program and loved it. It’s not cheap- 5,000 ( or maybe more now) for everything, but she won a grant at her college to go so that was the way she did it. Also, you would want to wait a bit before going- the students were generally a bit older at least her summer there- not just out of High School, and the subject matter and play choices were on the mature side- nothing over the top but not Our Town:))))- for one of her showcases she did “Closer”, for example.</p>
<p>Actually studying there- while a wonderful choice by all means is so expensive and scholarships are very hard to come by for non- Brits. If money is not a problem though by all means give it a shot- the schools are very focused, not academic and geared towards becoming a working actor. Living expenses are extremely high though so be warned. </p>
<p>Another thought to consider is a junior year abroad. My daughter did that also and studied at Newcastle where she did loads of theatre- you could get some great experiences that way, even if its not the Guildhall:)</p>
<p>@TheRealKEVP Taking a gap year is exactly what I’m doing right now for those exact reasons you listed as well as to apply to American Schools and then once I get all my acceptances, choose between the US and the UK.</p>
<p>Studying in the UK can be great, as I’ve heard from several of my friends that didn’t take a gap year. However, the UK University system is different and very difficult for them, and they studied under the British curriculum since they were children. To the OP - you should definitely think about applying to the UK but be prepared for a bit of a culture shock. </p>
<p>Also, just to let you know, if you do apply to the UK, you will most likely have to use UCAS for your applications (which is somewhat similar to the Common Application) but beware as you are only allowed to apply to a maximum of FIVE schools, so choose wisely.</p>