r/ActingUK

Hi all, for context: I went to a London drama school (mid-tier, known more for MT) 2016-2019 to study the BA Acting there.

Since then my career has been... meh? I've had jobs, not as many as I'd like, and I had a 3 year stint with booking nothing. I've done some commercials, a couple of TV episodes & some theatre comedy. I have an agent who's probably lower-mid tier (up and coming, though) and I love him.

I went to drama school when I was 19, and I was SO naive. I thought every word the teachers spoke was gospel, and I thought I needed it so badly. It was my first time living away from home and in a city, and I look back now and wish I'd have waited a few years to get some life experience before training. I also had no self belief, and never even applied to RADA because I thought I wasn't good enough.

Around 10 years on, I'm thinking how much more I'd get out of drama school now, with the life knowledge I have. I'm so much more confident, and I'm in this industry for the long game.

I remember on my BA, the MA Acting course seemed... bad.... and more like a cash grab from the school than investment into the students as actors. So that's putting me off an MA. Although maybe other schools are better for MAs?

Long story short - should I apply to drama school again, 10 years on, to learn as much as I can with much more wisdom/industry knowledge behind me? (I can't stress enough, when I was 19 I knew NOTHING)

I feel like it might give me the invigoration I need to immerse myself back into it and become a student again. And it poses the question - BA or MA?

TLDR: Been to drama school already 2016-2019, should I go back now I'm older?

Advice appreciated please!!

edit: already on Spotlight, already auditioning (even though the industry is quiet! I just want to learn in an intensive environment to become an even better actor)

Hi everybody, looking to get advice on drama school.

I was lucky enough to get an offer from both Rada and Lamda for their 3 year ba hons acting program. I’m also onto the final for guildhall.

I was curious as to people opinions of the current quality of training at these schools, in an effort to help decide what would be the best choice for me. (I know I do not have an offer from guildhall, but if it makes sense to spend the significant amount of money to travel out there to London to complete the final, or if it’s better to just take up one of the offers I currently have?).

Thank you!

As a mum of five children, working in the cost of living epidemic, wanting the best for my children. I felt it was only right to speak on this acting class situation my child had attended a while back. My second child started going to one of these acting classes that were supposed to be special. these big pop-up events in Manchester and London. At first, she was hopeful; she kept talking about how they might help her get noticed, how acting coaches would be there and something about industry guests ( apologies, I don't have an idea of what that means, assuming directors etc) , and how opportunities could come from just being in the room at times. But every. single. time, it was just a major letdown. Her dad mentioned that she was terribly upset about her last pop up in London ( christamas class 2025) According to her they cram pack in around 70 kids for a workshop of about 2 and a half to three hours, which isn't a lot when you have to see everyone perform their pieces or rehearsed lines, ( you get watched for 2 mins if you are lucky and some sadly don't even get to perform AT ALL) and instead of real teaching or feedback, it’s just a chaotic crowd.

So, I want to be clear that I fully understand that representation is never guaranteed, and my child never expected it to be. she has to work for it, totally get it. nothing is easy in this world. But what really bothers me is how these classes dangle this scouting, 'intensive training' thing in front of hopeful, aspiring actors, like my daughter, who just want a real chance. They are promised proper intensive training, but how can that happen when the lessons consist of around 70 different actors in the space of 2.5 to 3 hours. So, my daughter mentioned that as a group, they do try to see everyone in that short space of time. They make an effort to let each student have a moment. But even though they see all these kids, my daughter still came away feeling like she didn’t get the value for what we paid. There wasn’t that real, personal feedback or guidance that she needed. so, in the end, even though they give every kid a glance, it just left her feeling like nothing new was learnt, discouraged, like she didn’t really grow or progress from it.

I felt like they seem to feed off that hope, and in doing so, they left my daughter feeling so upset. like she gave everything, and yet got nothing solid in return. Nothing upsets me more than when I feel like people take advantage or prey on needy actors who just want to make it in this demanding industry. I think it just feels a little exploitative. she had been doing these work shops since 2022, it did take her while to understand that maybe this place just isn't for her anymore therefore, she and her best friend ( i'm close with their mother, who ALSO agrees) will no longer continue with these classes. not to mention the extortionate prices where you don't even learn that much?

I just want to be clear that on the agency side, I do believe they have a strong reputation. They have some really established connections, and I know they’ve placed a number of actors successfully. But when it comes to the acting classes themselves, that’s where things fall apart. These sessions feel rushed, disorganised, and they just don’t give the individual attention that young actors need. I want to leave this saying that I am in no way trying to bash the agency AT ALL. But please cap your lessons and limit the amount of students, it is only fair everyones gets a chance and the run for their money. Also please try to make the lessons actually productive.

This summer sometime (the exact date will be communicated) between July and September a shoot for a short  movie will be happening in Thessaloniki in Greece. It will be a student based project so no funding but it is a good way for anyone to gain experience and add it to their resume.

To participate fill in the form below. I know I could have done it through a website like enCast but a subscription is needed and we want to give the best chance to every one to apply even if they don't want or can't afford to subscribe to a casting website. It will be fully in English. To apply all you need are a photo of yourself. no need to be professionally taken, or full body, just a plain photo (good lighting is advised), then you'll need a video of you introducing yourself (so name, age, where you are based in and where you are from) that's it! Again no need to be professionally taken or full body just a plain video of you saying that. Lastly a self-tape, it is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL and NOT submitting it WILL NOT count against you (I promise :)). Last a way to contact you preferably email and phone, WhatsApp will also work. Instagram handle is also optional but will help to create a community with everyone working on set so if you have one and are willing to share it will be greatly appreciated. The name of the movie and script i am not allowed to share yet but I can say it will be a teen drama, however that's all I can share so far, sorry! The video of you introducing yourself is simply a means of getting a basic understanding of you and your English level.

Not being able to speak perfect English will NOT disqualify you. Do not worry!! The film will mainly be on YouTube but the chance to play in theatres in Greece is still open. It will also likely play in theatres outside of Greece as well. This form is mainly for acting jobs BUT you can also apply for another job (like director, editor, makeup etc) as well. Just select the "Other" option and list your preferred job. All and i mean ALL of your self tapes will be evaluated. If you don't know how to pick a monologue don't worry, you are not the only one. Simply go to the "Daily Actor" website and pick a monologue that you feel expresses YOU.

The inability to perform a perfect monologue will for sure NOT disqualify you. We are students, we are not perfect, so you also don't have to be!! If you have any questions you can message me or leave them below. If you are interested please apply! You miss all the shots you don't take as they say. We definitely don't judge because you are most likely better than all of us (me roasting my team - sorry guys love u).
So here is the link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9Xv20P4C\_fTxRkoQR4FijQIwAXrU2KK4aXNMlv6Z\_7iCHDw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

I’ve just finished my biomedical degree at 23, while practicing drama and getting some dentistry work experience, my initial plan was to apply to do a dentistry degree, which could potentially help me earn more, and I’d be in a better financial position by the time I want to settle down/have kids at 30-35.

But I’ve always wanted to be on west end or broadway atleast once, and it feels like the only feasible way is to get into a good drama school. I know it’s difficult but I’m willing to work hard and atleast give it a shot. I’d love to do screen acting a little bit, professionally too, but I know it’s not a stable career so I just want to pursue my passions now while I’m still youngish, and while I can still live at my family’s house in London (it’s expensive here and my parents want to move out the country soon).

My idea was that, after drama school and trying as much acting as I could, I could maybe apply to dental school again? Is that unrealistic? My dream role is Euridice and she is usually played by someone mid 20s, so I can’t really pursue that role after dental school, if I were to do that instead of the drama school route.

Am I going about this the wrong way? Are there other ways onto west end? Am I being spoiled/naive?

I just love the script, I'm also female so hoping comparisons won't be drawn. I also won't mention his name, just the character name and film.

hi everyone, i recently found out that i’m on the reserve list for acting at GSA. does anyone have any positive experiences of a reserve list or any insight into how they work? thanks in advance!

any alumni of east 15 foundation course care to chime in on the quality of this course? and advice on funding would be appreciated too, as i am unsure if it is available for maintenance loans. i have been offered a spot and am considering it, as i have a three year offer at a less reputable school.

"Your agent works for you, not the other way around" - something i'm sure we've all heard or told ourselves at some point. After all, they live on commission from our work.

Yet I can't be the only one who has felt (for many years) like there is a serious power imbalance. It's a common theme amongst actors as the power and opportunity really does lie with a good agent having good contacts and getting good briefs sent their way. We know sometimes that having a bad agent is worse than having none at all.

I suppose I'm asking among my peers for how they address this themselves? What do you do to empower yourselves, and have you found agent relationships that feel something close to equal?

Hi!
Okay, straight up, not to waste anyone's time: this is a zero-budget hobby project. I'm a freelancer myself so I know how valuable time is, and I completely get that an unpaid project isn't going to be for everyone. But this is a genuine hobby I really want to make work, one I plan to put real long-term effort into, so if you're looking to build on-camera experience or add something to your showreel, I hope this might be something interesting.

I'm in my 30s and have previously run a pretty successful YouTube channel for 4 years. I recently realised how much I actually miss making videos, so I'm starting a new channel and hoping to find someone to be the onscreen personality, because I'm way more of a behind the scenes person 🙃

I'm looking for someone to be the face and voice of short videos, around 5 to 10 minutes, mixing mini info-dumps with puzzles and IQ-style questions. Rather than being you, you'd play a 'character' whose channel it is. She's dry, sharp, a bit sassy. No fake enthusiasm, definitely not an influencer, just someone who talks like she's actually having a conversation. There's real room to develop her and make her yours.

I've built this around a character for two reasons: if circumstances change she can live on, and honestly the internet has too many weirdos, I'd never want to put anyone in a bad situation.

I'd love this to be a proper collaboration where you can shape the character, format, and help build what this becomes, but if you'd prefer to just perform scripts as written that's totally fine too. Either way, a genuine partnership.

I'm in Hertfordshire, so local(ish) would be cool so there's a chance we could film together in person, but if not, and you're happy to, then filming yourself is absolutely no problem. Obviously we'd chat first to get to know each other a bit and hopefully figure out if we actually click.

I'm not expecting overnight success. If this ever did take off, any revenue would unquestionably be shared. Realistically though, the road could be disheartening and even getting a handful of views is a challenge, so the main goal is just to make something we're genuinely proud of and have fun making.

If this has interested you at all, or you have any questions, please drop me a message :)

Does anybody know any monologues for the north/north west uk, struggling to find some definitively online but my agent has asked me to find some that shows it off

Hello I am 17,and I would like to do any gig really in acting in Inverness. Paid or not, as long as any travel that involves journey that are more than an hour or away. And would only need transport assistance on a Sunday. I am an experienced actress,and have been on stage and in camera since I was 6.

Does anybody know anyone who could help me out, unfortunately I don't have Facebook but anybody looking for someone,is free to message me, their email or someone's else's or even a phone number.

Thank you

Hello!

I am an aspiring actor. I have received my BFA in acting. I am currently doing an educational Shakespeare tour and i absolutely love it! I'm looking to find more work like this.

I am having difficulty finding anything. I am looking for any internships focused on acting. Or any other educational tours for the fall. I would also be interested in any interactive museum work. Or any job that could get me in with a resident theatre company. I'm not too picky.

I would need housing if possible. If it is a long term project then I have no problem moving to a new city or even country. (Just so long as the pay is pretty good).

Let me know if there are any internships/apprenticeships/tours that I am missing.

Hiya! Looking to speak to other Scottish actors on here. I graduated last year and have not had a single Scottish theatre audition yet, and I’ve only had 1 Scottish TV audition. Despite this I’m making it to final rounds for West End shows and English TV programmes. I’ve been emailing all the casting directors and artistic directors of theatres in Scotland (There’s only a handful), I even have taken part in one of the Scottish casting network workshops but nothing has come of it as of yet.

I (foolishly) thought that because the Scottish theatre scene is less “high profile” than down south, that it would be less competitive but it seems to be the opposite. It feels like the doors are completely shut on me and I rarely get a reply from all the emails I have sent out, while certain friends I have are being seen for pretty much every new production National Theatre Scotland puts on.

Anyone else in the same boat?