semperfly

My daughter is in an enviable position of trying to decide between her first and second choices of MT schools. She was accepted at Boston Conservatory and Guildford School of Acting in Surrey, England. We are well aware of the reputation (and price tag) at BoCo. Guildford (GSA) would be about 20k less per year and it is only a three year BFA program. Dad sees the cost savings at GSA and the rare opportunity to live and study abroad. My daughter's dream would be to be able to break into London's "west end" theater scene. So, we see a lot of benefits to studying MT in England. However, turning down the chance at BoCo feels foolish. Does anyone have an opinion on the training over there vs. here in the states? Would studying over there provide any advantage to studying here? Should she just flip a coin?

alwaysamom

Two things to investigate and think about:

- the dates of the school year. Many UK schools are on a different schedule than those in North America and thus it can be difficult if you want to work in the U.S. during summers. Many options will be closed because you won't be available during a typical summer season.

- as for breaking into theatre in London. You will need to check the immigration/working visa situation very carefully, for ANY work there, not just the West End ( which carries its own challenges).

p.s. Studying abroad is not really a rare opportunity. Many kids do it.

Mynemezzo

Study in England!!! It IS a once in a lifetime opportunity. While it is true that many college kids study abroad, most MT BFA programs do not allow students to!! Of course, if your daughter LOVES BoCo and thinks it's worth the money, then that is the right school. But she should really think her options through; don't let her get caught in the trap of choosing a "top notch" school simply for the name, as many kids on this forum do. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against these amazing programs, but these simply aren't the best options for every student (as I have found throughout this process!). That's why it is so important to investigate BA or other options, as your D did with the school in England. If your D is anything like me (and she sounds like she is!) she would have an AMAZING time studying/living abroad. Plus, she will gain international awareness, independence, and connections, and of course possibly get a leg up in the West End. Coming from a student who has family in Europe, it is SO important to gain these experiences while you're still young! Let your D's instincts (and possibly financial aid ;] ) guide her to the right school. Best of luck wherever she ends up!!

CCer2014

having considered studying overseas at one time and talking to different people about it. i've heard that getting MT jobs in the UK is less competitive than it is here if you have the training to get you work. Also, all students upon graduating from a program that grants a degree in Acting/MT are given the chance to join British Equity. So international students, I was told, would join equity and be able to get a work visa that would last for a year or two (not sure about the specific facts) that can and will be extended if the person gets work during that time and continues to get work.

While studying abroad is not the rarest opportunity...a semester of study abroad vs 3 years at a conservatory in the UK are completely different definitions of studying abroad. One only begins to experience life in a foreign country within the span of 4 months--there is still the element of being a "tourist" and foreigner in the experience. 3 years will truly teach someone about living in a different culture. Don't even mention summer opportunities to study abroad that last for a month or two. That's not really study abroad by any definition--there is no time for real immersion.

But really. Instead of trying to think what is wisest to choose or the folly behind a decision, listen to your daughter. Where does it seem her instincts are telling her choose? As difficult the decision is probably for her at the moment, I'm sure there is a program beneath all the pro and con weighing that she really feels is really calling her.

semperfly

Thank you all so much for your input. I think her instincts are to go abroad. Will try to post an update.

fnpmom

She should go with that instinct. The opportunity to be educated abroad as opposed to spending a semester, should not be passed up, especially if it will be less expensive. Seeing other countries and other perspectives, broadening her view of the world will only help her as a performer.

typecast

I am the same boat going across the pond to check out Lipa and late audition at Guildhall,best of luck to all making these hard decisions!

semperfly

Some of the other UK schools that she looked into; Central School of Speech and Drama, Arts Educational School of London, Guildford School of Acting, and Guildhall. She heard great things about the Royal Scottish watch-a-ma-callit, but wanted to be closer to London.

monkey13

Did she not look into Mountview? I know one CC student got in....I am very interested to hear more about these UK programs.

semperfly

Mountview rings a bell too. I will try to get her to post on here after school to add some detail on her search of UK schools.

pey1234

The schools I had heard were the best for music theatre in England were: Arts Educational School of London, Guildford School of Acting, Mountview Academy, as well as Laines. I know an acting student at Central School of Speech and Drama so she gave me a big list with stars next to the top ranking drama schools in the UK. I also went to Arts Ed this past summer for a music theatre course and absolutely loved it (although it was very intense)! I like how GSA's program is only 3 years, and I will be ready to get work sooner. I am still wondering whether Guildford has a cut system? I know Boston Conservatory has a tough cut system. My impression is that at either school, I would get great training and be ready for work after graduation. I just can't see how the debt from study at BOCO would be worth it.

semperfly

^^^^^^That her! Welcome to the conversation Pey1234 ^^^^

beenthereMTdad

^^^^Point of clarification. Boco does not have a tough cut system, they have sophomore promotionals. And many warnings are given first, including 6 months of probation. Most if not all that are cut are just not working hard. Rarely and I mean rarely is anyone cut for lack of talent or lack of any real progress.

If I was you, I would reach out to some of GSA current and past students and ask them how prepared they felt after attending. Also, do many of the graduates have success here in the states or just in London? I searched GSA website to see what kind of work the graduates were getting and I did not see any work outside the UK.

Do you live here in the US or UK? One major expense to consider is international travel for either the parents or student.

luvzthe8r

@semperfly

"the Royal Scottish watch-a-ma-callit" used to be known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) but about a year ago they changed the name to The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). They added film and dance and I guess did not want to make the name even longer. I'll be attending their 3 year program for MT starting this fall. When I graduate, I can get an extension to work in the U.K for up to three years. I would imagine your daughter would qualify for the same if she chooses Guildford.

hoveringmom

Before making this very big decision, I would make certain I'd know about the work visa rules for foreigners in England. I've heard that it's extremely difficult to get any jobs once the student visa runs out, and that getting a work visa is also very challenging. Also, that it's unlikely to last more than one year, two at most--if true, this would force her to come back to the U.S. on graduation or a year after. I'm most definitely NOT saying your D should not go to England; I'm only saying you should make your decision with as much information as possible. I guess I'd ask the school for references of American actors who've graduated from the program. Where are they now? I'd contact them and talk to them about their work experiences.

I lived in England for a year while going to school there; it's definitely different from here on many levels and while certainly a wonderful opportunity - I think the training is excellent and the cost difference is considerable - your D should also be aware of the many differences. For instance, many of the students there are much more independent, in separate flats, than students here. If your D is the independent sort, great. But definitely make sure this would be good for her.

Do you have the resources to visit? Can she get a sense of what it's like there before you commit?

BoCo and GSA are both top, but have very different atmospheres and probably (I'm guessing) different training.

Good luck--