WAAPA, VCA, NIDA???

I'm wondering what everybodys thoughts are on the three schools I mentioned in the title for a career in Musical Theatre and if you can make contacts there and how you get auditions for Professional productions(not cruise's or theme parks) after you have completed the course. And what the chances are of getting in, for example 5 in 500. I've heard nothing but greatness from WAAPA but I live in Melbourne:( According to my singing teacher NIDA is more for film & television. And she used to be a lecturer at VCA and it saddens her when I mention it because she says its "messed up" because Melb. Uni is trying to make it more academic. Please click on my username to see my experience. I've just turned 15 so I still have a bit of time to prepare. My Musical theatre repotoire is greater than my classical repotoire right now so I think I'm on the right track. And I've been dancing since I was 4.

As far as I am aware, the musical theatre course at VCA/Uni of Melb does not exist anymore. It is one of two courses that are not being offered now that the big changes have been made. (Please don't take my word on it, because I'm going by memory) Goddess Shadow Puppet on sale at Puppets in Melbourne

Have you ever thought of CQUniversity - Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music? They offer a Bachelor of Theatre - Music Theatre program within a purpose-built theatre training facility. The graduates from the program are going on to great things...you have access to industry experts and the lecturers are some of the best in Australia - it’s worth considering.

Aah okay thanks:) I'll ask my singing teacher about it. Amelia:)

Hey there!! I saw your post and was wondering whether you've considered attending LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore? I know it sounds like it's far away but in reality moving there is not much different to moving to Perth, you're gonna have to relocate anyway. I graduated from the musical theatre course there 2 years ago and I promise you it was the best 3 years of my life!! I know that auditions are coming up soon for the next years intake (as it works with the American schooling system so semester one starts in August). I'd be happy to put you in touch with the College if you wanted to know more. E

I have just graduated from the Arts Academy at the University of Ballarat. Many successful people have also gone there including Josh Piterman who has been cast as Tony in the upcoming professional production of West Side. You shuld definately look into it if you are considering studying music theatre as it is one of two places that offers the Bachelor. I learnt so much from my time there. Good luck.

Don't just look at the "big three", and it depends on what you want to get out of it really; i.e. what career do you want to move in to (musical theatre, film etc)? Then call around and see what agents/companies think gives the best education.

That has to be one of the sillier ideas - calling agents and companies to find out what educational opportunities they like is absolutely useless. First, most agents/companies will think it's a waste of their time (and it is); second, agents/companies don't care all that much about your education, so long as you can actually act during an audition; third, it's more important to figure out which university offers what you need and want, than to try and cater your education to what other people think is 'best'. Just because agents/companies think NIDA is the 'best' doesn't make it the best for you. Who wants to attend a course and hate it just because you take the advice of an agent anyway? You have no guarantee of landing that agent, and when it comes time to try for a different one they won't care about which place you studied at either. Furthermore, plenty of people successfully land pro roles and agents without any type of formal education anyway; and plenty of people also land pro roles and agents WITHOUT attending the 'trinity' courses but from 'lesser' courses that are at other unis and TAFEs. Your source for handmade shadow puppets at Puppets in Melbourne

I have looked into it quite a lot as I am also looking to study Theater in the future. Basically you have two options, NIDA or WAAPA. WAAPA has acting and musical theater programs tailored to specific careers in theater, musical theater, TV and film. Students at NIDA obviously have to undertake extensive vocal training during the 3yr course, however, they don't have a musical theater program - only an acting one. WAAPA on the other hand has both! -And from my understanding, even in the Acting course students still have to train in singing and dancing as people wanting careers in the industry have to be able to sing, dance and act ECT Personally I am auditioning for both because both schools have amazing programs and either will support me in my desire to be a performer... Just know that they don't often let people in on their first auditions (especially just out of school). SO don't give up!