VCA?

I disagree with Labrug's comment about all schools having the same mindset. I auditioned for NIDA and VCA last year, didn't even get a call back for NIDA but got into VCA. They both have very different styles of training and look for completely different things in applicants; at the end of the day it depends on the training you're seeking. The changes that are occuring at the VCA, implemented by the University of Melbourne, won't affect students until 2011/2012 (the introduction of the Melbourne Model). So if you audition for next year you will receive the training outlined on the website. That's not to go without saying that the changes leading up to the major changes aren't being felt already (i.e. staff cuts). Everything is being done to stop these changes, currently the climate at the VCA isn't great, but there's a great feeling of unity among all the schools here and it makes you realise what a truly special place it is to go. One of the changes that we were, and are, disgusted about is that they're not auditioning in all capital cities any more. They saw it as financially flippant which is a sign of the University of Melbourne's ignorance. A lot of students are from interstate and to me it seems ridiculous to lump costs onto prospective students, especially to a course which is so competitive. In the grand scheme of things it's not a lot of money for them. I'd highly recommend not ruling the VCA out as an option IF you believe the training suits you. All major acting schools in Australia are SO different in their teaching methods and it boils down what kind of actor you want to be. The last thing we want, that is the people fighting these changes, are people being turned off coming to the VCA because they are afraid they won't be receiving the training that the VCA are, and always have been, renowned for. And if you end up here you'll realise it's worth saving for the people post-2012! Good luck!