NIDA, advice etc

Mon, 31 Mar 2008, 11:50 am

Ayane7 posts in thread

Hello everyone, I'm not really sure where to post this, so I appologise if this is in the wrong category. I'm just looking for some advice. I'm in year 12 and I'm starting to think of perspective University courses. I've always loved acting, and have always been very interested in becoming an actor, but because I am also passionate about classical singing, I haven't had much acting experience besides leads in school musicals etc. My parents also don't think I have any confidence, which is untrue, and have never be too supportive of the idea. However, seeing as though I've never had acting lessons or been given the opportunity to do any dramatic acting, which is what I'm interested in (particularly Shakespeare), or acted for a camera, I am just going to believe in myself and the strong connection I feel to acting. Ultimately, I would like to be in movies like Moulin Rouge, Chicago or Sweeny Todd where there is a combination of both acting and singing, but I would also happily do other genres of acting for film. I was going to simply do a Bachelor of Music and specialise in singing, but now I'm thinking that that if I never try acting out properly I'll regret it for the rest of my life. So apart from auditioning from the major Universities in Melbourne (Melbourne University for singing, VCA) I was also contemplating auditioning for NIDA and Julliard to see if I have some kind acting talent. Julliard offers singing and acting, however NIDA is purely acting as far as I'm aware. I'm not concerned with distance or cost. My question is basically, will NIDA accept someone like me with little acting experience? Also, what are the chances of getting into Julliard? What other universities would people recommend that are highly eisteemed? Thankyou, ~Ayane

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AyaneMon, 31 Mar 2008, 11:50 am

NaMon, 31 Mar 2008, 12:09 pm

Simple answer: No. NIDA and

Simple answer: No. NIDA and Julliard are the cream of the crop, and you simply won't be able to compete with the high level of experience other applicants will have. ... Especially Julliard. However, by going to VCA, Melb. Uni, or any of the other theatre courses around, you have a better chance at applying later on. Having said that, VCA is also competitive. If you have literally no experience (outside of school classes/shows), then you are advised to apply at every theatre course you can in Melbourne; and cross your fingers you get into VCA. If you want a more balanced 'triple-threat' course, why not head over to WAAPA, and do a musical theatre course? Mini-monster puppets customised just for you! at Puppets in Melbourne

Walter PlingeFri, 4 Apr 2008, 11:44 am

Na, I totally dissagree. A

Na, I totally dissagree. A lot of talented actors do not need the millions of training session other performers undergo. I attended a year part time course with NIDA in Melbourne and we learnt a lot about the audition process. NIDA isn't looking for your average actor, no, but just because you have no experience does not mean you should not have a shot... The auditions are gruelling and the confidence factor may be an issue as your two monologues are performed to other auditionees not just the audition panel. The audition panel can be quite difficult to please but most of the time the will give you some sort of feedback in regards to your audition piece. My tutor (who has been on the audition panel in the past) was explaining that there are middle aged candidates that have rocked up every year since they were eighteen and you want to tell them to get a new career but they keep coming... my point there is... HAVE A GO... It can't hurt and it will give you a fair idea of how audition processes work. On a devil's advocate note... If your audition is not prepared or not as good as you think it can be... DONT PERFORM IT. The last thing you want is for an audition panel to remember your face because it was a laughing version of Juliets "Gallop apace..." monologue. My advice is prepare prepare prepare and bee 200% ready and give it a go

Walter PlingeFri, 4 Apr 2008, 11:49 am

Also the audition panel

Also the audition panel will ussually ask you to re do your monologue with a twist... eg. repeat your monologue but do it pretending you were walking along a tightrope. eg. Repeat your monologue while running down and up stage as fast as you can. This shows the auditionees versatility and creates a different feel for the piece. This can be a rewarding and educational experience. You have a while until applications are due so have a look over the suggested pieces from last years audition... choose a couple and start preparing

NaFri, 4 Apr 2008, 10:21 pm

Sorry if I've been

Sorry if I've been misinformed, but having read a lot of other posts on this site by actors and having known a lot of them, my information was that NIDA is extremely competitive to get into, and that you are unlikely to receive any attention if you do not have some experience and some maturity (ie. not taking people out of school). I'm well aware that particular talent can break that rule, but as there are so many applicants and very likely so few with outstanding (not to be rude) talent that that rule is not broken on a regular basis. I would also argue that I was simply trying to make clear that one should not pin your hopes on getting into your favoured course, and that you should check your options first and also build towards that favoured course. There's nothing wrong with a little realistic optimism. I'm also well aware that you don't need to be trained to be able to act: but that it quite often puts you above the rest, especially as it is a psychological advantage in that it shows your enthusiasm and dedication, as well as your willingness to learn and your participation in the local arts community. Mini-monster puppets customised just for you! at Puppets in Melbourne

AyaneSat, 5 Apr 2008, 01:27 pm

Thankyou so much everyone.

Thankyou so much everyone. You have all helped so much. I'm going to see if I can get involved in some local theatre to get a bit of experience. I'll just have a go and see how I do ^^ I told my parents, and they were shocked, but supportive. ~Ayane

Walter PlingeFri, 2 May 2008, 05:02 pm

Acting Schools

Hey umm NIDA is really hard to get into and they often dont take people who have had no acting experience because they're not sure if they're very commited to it. You may be a fabulous actor but they may not take you if you've had no experience because they dont know if taking you is a waste of time because you may turn around and say "i dont really like this." they do have an audition process though with an interview and if they think you are a promising actor and you say that you are commited then they may take you so i think you should at least have a go and if you dont get in oh well. I'd say you should go and try out for VCA as well but while it's not as competitive as NIDA it is still competitive so you'll have to work your ass off and i'd advise you to take an acting course before auditioning anywhere. Good luck!

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