LAMDA-like training in the US

College Majors Musical Theater Majors
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<p>My D loves her list of schools, but she also kind of laments the fact that we haven’t found a school that offers LAMDA-like training: diverse training (stage, screen, audio, MT, classical, new works, playwriting, etc.), vocational yet results in a college degree. We’ve thoroughly researched at least 55 schools (no exaggeration) to arrive at D’s list. Did we miss something, or does this type of training truly not exist in the States? I know some touch on certain aspects besides MT, but are there any that do so as thoroughly as LAMDA seems to? </p>

<p>LAMDA seems out of the question financially for us, and, although D would like to spend a semester or year studying abroad, she’s not sure of the whole time. </p>

<p>As I said, D really likes her list already. We don’t want to have missed one like this if it does exist, though.</p>

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<p>I think UNCSA is most similar to LAMDA. It has many of the qualities you’re looking for. But in general, the UK approach is a bit different in some key ways. This is one of the reasons my S chose to apply to mostly UK schools. Of course, it’s not for everyone and of course I"m not saying US schools are less good in the slightest (of course not). Merely different. And the UK approach was what my S was looking for. </p>

<p>But when you say it’s out of the question financially, what do you mean? They do take FAFSA. Remember also that it’s 3 years, not 4. You can pm me with questions if you want. </p>

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<p>I do not know LAMDA very well. However, simply going by what you mentioned in terms of offerings (though it has an academic component and isn’t 100% “vocational” as you put it)…but it is quite possible for a student at NYU/Tisch to spend four years and encompass much of what you described. You mentioned: “stage, screen, audio, MT, classical, new works, playwriting.” At Tisch, a student can study in more than one studio during their four years of college. For example, a student could do the MT studio for two years, do a semester in Classical studio and/or a semester in Stonestreet (which is screen acting), and/or spend time in either Playwrights Horizons or Experimental Theater Wing, where he could engage in creating new works, as well as playwriting. My own child didn’t opt to do Classical or Stonestreet (but could have)…but she spent five semesters in a MT studio and 3 semesters in Experimental Theater Wing, where she was involved in new works, as well as wrote and staged her own original musical. Also, students in acting studios can be cast in musicals at Tisch. A Tisch student can craft their four years to include the various disciplines you mentioned and not be locked into just one, as is the case in many BFA programs. </p>

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<p>The New School might also be good for that. I know their curriculum covers a lot of different areas and has room for you to do a lot of creative things, the only problem is that they don’t really offer a ton of MT training.</p>

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<p>As someone whose son is going to LAMDA but whose D goes and other S went to US schools (Northwestern and Tisch), I can assure you that the UK system is different. There is no US program that is the same as the UK system, but as I said in my view, UNCSA comes closest. It is not possible to replicate the UK system at Tisch or New School or many other US schools. </p>

<p>Once more I’m <em>not</em> saying that as a criticism of the US schools (my own D <em>loves</em> NU)!! I am just responding to the OP who asked if there were US schools that were similar to what the UK schools provide. The short answer is not really, partly because the degree system is different (my S takes no academics at all; it is 100% craft). But also because of the UK approach, which doesn’t separate the training as US schools do. Again, my D <em>loves</em> NU so this isn’t a negative comment on US schools at all. But it’s good to know what the schools provide so you can figure out what approach is best for you.</p>

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<p>I’m going to chime in here… this more to do with finances, rather than program offerings. My S attends the MT program at RCS in Glasgow. (I do not know how RCS’ program compares to LAMDA…this was something I have not researched.) But-- In regards to cost of the program, it was cheaper for my son to attend the 3-year RCS program then it was for him to attend several of the 4-year programs in the states that he was accepted to. (He received scholarship $, too, to RCS). We crunched the numbers again and again before the final decision was made. Was RCS the cheapest school? No, but it also wasn’t the most expensive, either. </p>

<p>Now, I know that London is more expensive than Glasgow to live in. And, yes, plane tickets are expensive, but don’t write these UK programs off so quickly. Read thru the RCS thread that is active here on the MT board…there is a lot of good information on regarding the pros/cons of a UK education/training. If the LAMDA program is one that your daughter is really interested in, let her pursue it. (But, as we say here on the CC MT board-- don’t get your heart set on any 1 program!)</p>

<p>My S loves being in the UK, and loves his training-- so far-- at RCS. He’s meeting folks from all over the world (but mostly the UK) and travelling (or planning to travel) locally and to other European countries. An actor draws from personal experiences…he’ll be getting lots of those!</p>

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<p>Is RCS MT a bit more similar to a US MT program? Was the OP was talking more about the ‘regular’ drama programs–I’d assumed so since she talked of playwriting, screen, audio, voiceover, etc. I’d love to hear more about the MT studies at RCS.</p>

<p>The tricky thing about finances with London is the housing situation. Except for Guildhall, you are on your own. We did find a great house and several LAMDA students live there. But it is typical to have to pay 6 months’ rent in advance if you have no UK guarantor (cosigner). Most Americans don’t have this, so we had to pay 6 months plus a month security up front, which is a lot of money. This comes before you get loans disbursed, so it was stressful. You also have to pay for a visa, although that’s one time. Airfare varies depending on where you live in the US. Housing in London is also quite expensive. We were happy to get a house that is 135 pounds/week plus utilities/heat to total around 150 pounds/week. This is for 12 months. It ends up being around $1100/month or so, which is around what it costs in Manhattan to rent your own place (this includes heat, internet etc), although you can get cheaper in Manhattan (London is the most expensive city on the planet right now!). You also have to factor in transportation and food. Finally, to be in the UK in most programs (except for RCS and Royal Welsh and Guildhall,which have dorm like buildings the first year), your kid does have be the more independent type who is not interested in a dorm experience and who can handle cooking etc. </p>

<p>But remember everything is 3 years, not 4. Our state university costs $25K/year in state, or $100K total. Many schools are more expensive. So the UK schools can end up being the same or less than US Schools. (Or slightly more expensive).</p>

<p>The biggest difference is the lack of need based grants. My D goes to NU for less than the cost of an in state university, because of the need based grants (do not have to be repaid). My other D went to Williams for even less. So if you feel you will get need based grants, that is going to change the financial comparisons.</p>

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<p>Connections, my D is a 3rd year student at RCS and her training has been similar in content to your S’s at LAMDA, I think.</p>

<p>The RCS program (and LAMDA, too, if I am not mistaken) focuses on “The Artist in Development”. They believe each student is unique and they nurture their strengths and interests while supporting the areas that can be improved. Below is her training in a nutshell: </p>

<p>First year at RCS focused on Acting, Music, Dance and Voice/Singing + Instrumental Studies. Students also signed up for a choice module/class (exploring an area outside the MT discipline) which could be in acting, production, dance, digital film & television or in music. They also had collaborative projects and were placed in groups of students from other disciplines. My D and classmates had practical experience, too: They performed for a televised BBCTV charity event “Children In Need”, performed in the RCS Christmas Cabaret, worked with the RCS drama students and the BBC to create a short film, and either performed in the spring main stage show, “Carousel”, or performed an original musical theater piece created by the first year students. RCS also offered Master Classes featuring industry professionals from several different disciplines. </p>

<p>Her second year focused on refining skills from year one and added in collaborative instrumental labs, songwriting, producing and budgeting, acting for media, musical theatre scenes and an opportunity for public performances of devised musical theatre work. RCS also offered a one week drama Master Class for the 2nd year MT students with an actor currently appearing in Game of Thrones. Practical performance the second year: Workshopped “Brigadoon” for the National Theatre of Scotland, performed in the RCS Christmas Cabaret, performed in either Betty Blue Eyes, A Man of No Importance, or Legally Blonde. During breaks, the conservatoire also funds student projects. One of the MT students and one of the Drama students hosted a talk radio show and many students write and direct their own plays, musicals, or concerts during the breaks.</p>

<p>This year is my D’s final year. The focus this year is on their profiles, marketing, audition techniques and developing industry connections. They have two main stage musicals (Our House & West Side Story) and one actor-muso show (Godspell). All 3rd year students perform in all 3 shows - usually a combination of leads and supporting cast (but there are a few that are straight supporting cast.) They will all have showcases in Glasgow + London & American students will have a NYC showcase on March 23, 2015 just days after West Side Story closes.</p>

<p>I am not aware of any US Program which replicates the UK approach, but my D really liked many U.S. programs as well (and NYU was on her list, soozievt). RCS was the only UK school my D researched and auditioned for. There are many excellent UK programs, though, like LAMDA & Guildhall, etc. - so if interested in studying abroad, do research all the great options. </p>

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<p>I completely understand that US programs are not like LAMDA or RCS. I’m just saying that if you want to have some of these types of experiences, they can be had in Tisch’s Experimental Theater Wing (likely in Playwrights Horizons studio as well). You mention studying various disciplines. That can be done in ETW. You mention writing, producing and directing their own plays and musicals…these are called Independent Projects that seniors can do in ETW (my D did this). They also have courses you can elect to take in songwriting (which you mentioned) and now my D is paid to be a songwriter. So, the UK programs are unique, I’m sure. But for someone seeking some of the elements described above, they may wish to explore ETW studio at Tisch. </p>

<p>By the way, you mention instrumental studies. I think it is great that these are included in their program. My D did not study that in college, but she studied three instruments prior to college. She also learned a fourth instrument as a requirement for an Off Broadway show she was in. Currently, she is in her 5th theater production in a row in the past year where she has to play an instrument onstage. She also was recently a finalist for a Broadway lead role that required instrument playing. So, all of those kids who are reading and looking to go into MT, the ability to play one or more instruments comes in very handy in casting. </p>