VCA - good or bad?

I've just been offered a place at VCA (and found out I didn't make it into NIDA from the shortlist) and would love some more info/advice about VCA as I've heard many mixed reviews.

I know any school is better than none but I'm 25 and have only 1 year left of my current performance course. I'm considering trying to get work myself in Sydney after I graduate rather than institutionalise myself for another 3 years in a course that some say isn't too great.

So basically any info, or things you've heard/seen, or personal experience with VCA would be much appreciated! :-)

Opinions vary...some hate it, others love it...and if you do hate it what's to stop you from dropping out after first year and trying your luck with the other schools again or pursuing an acting career?

I know quite a few people who have been through the VCA acting course, or are currently going through it and the majority have loved it. Ofcourse it isn't going to be the best place for a lot of people, from what I gather the VCA methodology is quite rigid, as opposed to somewhere like WAAPA where they teach you a little bit of a lot of different acting styles.

It has an excellent percentage of actors who get agents as well as fostering a "self starting" approach to theatre making.

But I imagine many will disagree....

Good luck with whatever you choose to do

It would be wrong to accept a place when their are people desperate to get in and you are half-hearted. Imagine if the place you just missed out on at NIDA has been filled by someone who will drop out in 6 months time, and it could have been you.

Cheers,

LJ

this is a toughie. I had really really wanted to get into the VCA this year, but no luck this time - and am, of course, green with envy!

Whilst i do sympathise with LJ, it really shouldn't come into your equation i don't think.

The reasons i wanted to go to the VCA was from what I could tell it opened the door to not only acting, but creating theatre as well. You are able to improvise and create works for yourself and are used in devised productions with other students. And this is because i am interested not only in acting that drew me to it.

And, yes, whilst the graduating students have a high employment rate: there are fewer of them who do graduate. I think the continual assessment does add pressure, and not everyone suits it, so it may not be for you.

Why don't you give them a call and see how they describe the course in their own words & see if you have any rapport with them?

But if your heart is set on NIDA - nothing is probably going to replace that & one year isn't all that long in the scheme of things.

best of luck!

Thanks for the comments guys. I decided to accept the position after some careful thought. I certainly wouldn't enrol if I thought I'd be dropping out after 6 months as I don't really have that kind of time to just throw away.
It's good to hear their graduates have high eployment rates. I didn't know that and that's important to me.
So now I'm getting ready to pack up my stuff and move across the country. Once again, thanks for the comments :-)

Congrats Perth Girl

My Adelaide Girl is off to Mackay (Musical theatre course at CQCofM)and I know that's a tough decision no matter the age... my girl is 17... it's an adventure
We've heard lots of good things about the VCA
break a leg

Thankyou :-) And the same goes to your Adelaide girl.

hey there's a 66% chance you'll be kicked out within 2 years! that'll take care of any dilemmas...

embrace the experience, listen to what they tell you, don't talk back and then throw the stuff that doesn't work to the wind

be bold, be brave. good luck!

mick