Advice

[phkennedy]

Hi all,

 

After reading numerous posts on blue room I have finally decided to post a topic for which I would appreciate any replies to. I am currently 20 years is age and have finished my second year at the university of Ulster Northern Ireland studying electronics and computer systems. Before I took up my current degree I had applied to the central School of speech and drama for doing lighting production and went to London for the interview and was successful in obtaining a place. Only I run into quite a major family problem, also quite a lot of problems in finding accommodation in London. I think that this is probably the biggest regret I have faced to date and it is always still in the back of my head what if?

I have not a totally extensive knowledge of lighting but have used rigs of movers generics etc usual stuff on a small scale in northern Ireland, I have done my best over this past while to learn and work as much as I can, but as I have mentioned I cannot help but think what if?

I am wondering does anyone know if there would be any problems with me re-applying to go again to the Central School, as this seems to be the best way for me to get good grounding knowledge. Does anyone know what kind of role or job you could expect at the end of the degree if you were good at what you do, and generally just your opinion on what you might the best course of action would be for me to take in order to get my foot on the ladder in a professional manor.

 

I appreciate any advice you can offer me.

 

Regards

 

Peter

[BenWall]

Hello Peter,

 

I have just finished my 3rd and final year at CSSD studying theatre sound design & production. Central is a very friendly and professional environment with lots of helpful people. Your best bet would probably be to contact the undergraduate administrator and explain your situation to her. I have a feeling they will make you re-apply via UCAS (this is if you wanted to go to Central), if you have all ready been accepted once there is no reason that you would not be excepted again. This would mean preparing for your interview again, re-constructing your portfolio and doing the work they set you pre interview... but now you know the way it works on interview day there should not be a problem (it has not changes in about six years!).

 

Obviously family all ways comes first, but if you could have, differing for a year would not have been a bad option. However, looking back in retrospect there are all ways better ways of solving problems!

 

If you want anymore information regarding contacts at CSSD please drop me a PM and I will help where I can.

 

Regards,

 

Ben.

[Simon Lewis]

Peter,

 

Without wishing to push you too hard the other way, I would suggest you consider the loans situation (you are not likely to be funded beyond 4 years) the time situation (another 3 years) and the academic situation - you will revert to year 1 degree status, which may appear relatively easy in terms of mental effort.

 

You may wish to consider finishing your present course (many aspects are very useful in the entertainment industry) then attending training courses, get live work, do voluntary jobs, do a practical based vocational course etc. Having done two years, it seems a shame to stop now, and your present degree should provide excellent transferable skills.

 

Just my 2p...

 

 

Simon

[StevieR]

I always say that experience counts more than any academic qualification. In fact, I personally (as an amployer) don't really rate them at all these days - too many places available and (seemingly) too easy to pass.

 

My advice would be to forget tying up more time and money in academia and go knocking on doors of local (and non-local) companies and try to get a job in the business. It may simply be monkey-work to start with but you do have some experience and also a qualification in electronics and IT which are both in your favour. Once, you have your foot in the door, keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to move up the ladder. If you're good, that should be relatively easy.

 

However, please bear in mind that this isn't exactly the most highly paid industry sector. You really have to want to work in this area. If you want better money, go get a job in IT!

 

HTH

 

Steve

[phkennedy]

Guy's I appreciate your relpy and thankyou very much you have provided me with something to think about. Ben I think I will PM you further if that is alright as I would really like to know more about the actual life at central as this seems to be the only place where you get really hands on learning.

 

Thanks again

 

Regards Peter

[w/robe]

as this seems to be the only place where you get really hands on learning.

 

Peter

 

I'm not going to push any particular institution but it is certainly not the case that you do not get hands on learning at other places.

 

To alleviate the financial and time burden of taking another degree you may want to look at post grad courses. Contact the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) for details of who runs them in your subject and how to apply.

[BenWall]

Peter,

 

Feel free to PM me, thats no problem. As others have said CSSD is not the only place to study, but after visiting a fair few institutions I personally found it fitted my criteria best. Money is a major consideration, there are no halls of residence, and to be fair Central are not brilliant at assisting with housing solutions. Be prepared to be spending in the region of �£70+ per week to find somewhere to live.

 

HTH,

 

Ben.