Someone recently applied to ACS for our 2-year HND Acting and Acting course, and they were very young. In fact, they may not be 17 years old yet. They were still auditioning for RCS and were told it was a complete waste of time.
That man is an idiot. Because it’s not a waste of time at all. Let me explain why. This has nothing to do with the likelihood of admission as a 16 year old candidate will never be admitted. The chances are slim. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try.
Every opportunity to audition is an opportunity to learn something. Every opportunity to audition is a chance to experience other people, other places, practice what you love to do, make mistakes, screw up, learn from it, and enjoy it. You should apply to as many places as possible.
The more you practice at your audition, the easier it will be. Whether or not they offer you a spot is not within your control. And, statistically speaking, you’re less likely to get admitted. Places at London’s top drama schools and Scotland’s RCS are limited and there are thousands of applicants, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply.
One of my closest friends never gave up and on their seventh try they got accepted into the top drama school they wanted to go to. I spent those seven years saying, no, I’m going to keep going, keep trying, and I’m not going to give up. This courage and determination is absolutely admirable.
You may get lucky and there are factors that may increase your likelihood of admission, but unfortunately, being young works against you. But there are other things that will work in your favor. So you should embrace the process instead of worrying about the results.
Go to the audition, do it with an open mind and don’t expect anything. Just do it and see what you can learn from it. It will make you better and stronger the next time, and the next time, and the next time…and eventually, someone will give you a chance because your energy, effort, determination and attitude display means you are worthy of training.
