I just want to have a quick moan at the hierarchy within our field with regards to 'accredited training' or not.
I had a rather 'lively' conversation with a lady the other week claiming that because she has done a one year course at an accredited drama school that she is a more reputable and trustworthy choice for a role. One year. ONE YEAR!!!! (she was previously in recruitment) How the hell does that make you a good actor? I didnt go to an accredited school, and neither did friends of mine i studied with who are (for want of a better phrase) 'smashing it!' within the UK acting scene.
Point being, (and this is by no means a damnation of those who were able to go to accredited schools) but those of them (and there are a few)who feel they have a g-d given right to be higher up the pecking order because of 12 months training.. get off your high horse!
i just want to stress again that I am NOT saying training is pointless at all. not in the slightest.
I just want certain people to stop thinking that because the word 'accredited' is associated with the name of your learning institution, it does NOT automatically mean you are a better actor/performer than someone who studied at one which is not.
Right, im takin my un-accredited ass off to bed! lol
My first profession was as a journalist for a major worldwide news agency, starting in 1969. I got my training ON THE JOB, learning by watching, listening and being guided by the experienced old hands. No journalism school could have given me what they gave me.
My second profession was as a television news producer, for one of the UK's main channels, stating in 1986. I got my training ON THE JOB, learning by watching, listening and being guided by the experienced old hands. No media studies school could have given me what they gave me.
My third profession is as an actor, starting in 2006. I decided against full-time drama school, preferring to attend a wide range of short courses and classes to address my needs and weaknesses. Three years in, I'm still doing that. But, surprise, surprise, once again my best training has been ON THE JOB, especially by working in fringe theatre and (hooray!) even some paid productions - learning by watching, listening and being guided by the experienced old hands; and I have to say that many of those old hands have been wonderful in that respect; indeed, much moreso than in journalism. Of course, I can't be sure of this, but - I suspect - no drama school could have given me what they have given me.
BUT: I do fear that a lot of casting directors may be binning my CV instantly simply because it doesn't say, "Trained at .... Drama School."
The Accredited "status" is just that- status... I dont think any really well working and honest person thinks that just cos you went to an NCDS that you ate better- however, the fact is that is DOES open doors that wouldnt open otherwise. Having RADA, LAMDA etc attached to you CV does get you auditions you wouldnt otherwise get.... its totally unfair and it isnt right, but sadly, thats what we all have to cope with.
There is a class concious british elitism that makes out that we are better than anyone else and have better training and better everything... it also shuts out those that have traiend at excellent schools in the States, new York, Australia etc etc.. who in some ways are even more capable actors than the counterparts here.
The problem is that people assume that a drama school will automatically ensure success.... it will possibly ensure you are CONSIDERED for the jobs you want, but that is all ultimately.
I can also say that I ahve met two very top notch industry people and they have said that you do NOT need to go to a big drama school.
"it will possibly ensure you are CONSIDERED for the jobs you want".
The trouble is, that can be an insuperable and extremely frustrating barrier. If you can't get in front of 'em in the first place, you never get a chance to show 'em you're good enough.
I am glad I trained. I always knew I could act, but drama school taught me how to be fit enough to work the long hours etc. and to use my voice correctly. I also grew 1" after 3 terms of Alexander Technique and got rid of the backaches I sometimes had. On my course we had a one time singer in a rock band who told us that for some 25 years he always lost his voice after a gig and had, on occasion, dmaged his throat. After the voice and singing lessons at drama school he learned how to sing, and use his voice "properly". I would never knock training but agree - acting is a natural gift - but all gifts can be further developed, nurtured and extended.
p.s. in my former life I am a commercial accountant - never trained - qualified by experience, but then accountancy is not a "gift" is it.
Christine, accountancy IS a gift! Maybe if i had some of those skills i wouldn't be Skinty McPoor !!!
But what I am saying is (although I am not a singer) I had voice/singing lessons at my Acting Uni Degree which was not an accredited course. Still completely beneficial and no doubt similar in its content to yours.
Ollie, My Dear Boy…I knew Skinty McPoor, fine man…stood 6' 3" from the top of his head to the bottoms of his Cuban Heels. He had a thick lip, a cleft ear and always talked with a limp. No matter what casting he went for he always got the lead (From the back of the kitchen door)
I knew Skinty McPoor, fine man…Sadly, no longer with us…moved to his own house a few years back!!!....fine man, fine man (He used to collect debts for the Council - he was their Fine Man, Non-Accredited)
Sorry Ollie…hope you didn't mind, couldn't resist it…hehe
This has been a great thread, with some excellent points of view, argued 'for' and 'against'…I can see, rather strangely, everybody's point of view and fully understand where everyone is coming from…and for me the thing is they are all right…whatever method we as individuals decide upon to get to the end result is all that matters.
Sorry to be picking on Allan for my ending again…but his words for me are so true "You just have to get on the Set .. do your stuff, walk off ... and say 'Follow that' !!!!
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