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Crafting an impactful personal statement for drama school can be quite a daunting task. It is disheartening to observe that many applicants often receive inadequate guidance, leading to the creation of lackluster personal biographies rather than compelling statements. In the pursuit of gaining admission, applicants frequently resort to the “pick me, pick me, pick me!” approach, which fails to make a lasting impression. What most schools fail to realize is that they often lack the expertise to guide students on how to write an effective personal statement. Thus, many candidates end up with a subpar submission that does not effectively showcase their true potential and passion for drama. Aspiring students need to recognize the tremendous impact a well-crafted personal statement can have on the admissions panel, and they must strive to make their submission stand out as a powerful testament to their abilities.
THE WEIGHT OF YOUR DRAMA SCHOOL STATEMENT
Undoubtedly, one of the most common misconceptions among auditionees is that the personal statement’s significance pales in comparison to their acting abilities. While it is true that acting prowess holds substantial weight in the evaluation process, discounting the influence of a compelling personal statement would be a grave mistake. The moment an applicant places that sheet of paper before the admissions panel, they essentially offer a glimpse into their personality, aspirations, and potential. Given that this piece of writing can significantly influence the panel’s decision, it is crucial to ensure that the personal statement is nothing short of remarkable. By infusing the statement with authenticity, passion, and confidence, candidates can increase their chances of leaving a lasting impression on the evaluators.
OPPORTUNITY
The task of writing a personal statement is not to be underestimated; it presents an unparalleled opportunity for an applicant to speak for themselves. However, this opportunity comes with great responsibility. As a prospective drama student, one must ponder over the message they wish to convey through their personal statement. The first step in this process is to ask oneself, “What do I want the reader to know, think, feel, and do after reading my statement?” By employing a thoughtful approach that aligns with the know/think/feel/do framework, candidates can strategically plan the content and structure of their personal statement. Articulating specific objectives for the reader’s takeaway ensures that the writing remains focused and impactful.
CREATE A NARRATIVE
Aspiring drama students should also consider a few essential questions to answer in their personal statements to create a well-rounded and compelling narrative. Firstly, why are they applying for a particular acting course at a specific school? If possible, candidates should conduct thorough research on the course and offer specific evidence to support their choice. A vague response such as, “It’s a practical course,” lacks depth and conviction, as every drama school typically offers practical training. Therefore, candidates must delve into the unique aspects of their chosen program and articulate their reasons for pursuing it.
Another critical question to address in the personal statement is the reason behind the applicant’s profound interest in acting and their aspirations for a future career in this field. While it is understandable that many have nurtured dreams of becoming an actor from an early age, it is essential to elucidate what aspects of acting and the profession particularly intrigue them. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the profession and the journey ahead is a powerful way to showcase one’s commitment and passion.
SHED SOME LIGHT
Furthermore, the personal statement should shed light on the candidate’s suitability for the chosen course. This goes beyond simply recounting high school experiences in a musical or theater production. Instead, applicants should focus on identifying and highlighting the specific qualities, skills, and background experiences that make them uniquely suited for the course. Admissions panels are interested in candidates who possess the qualities that align with the demands of a rigorous drama program.
PAST EXPERIENCE
In addition to discussing past experiences, the personal statement should provide insights into how the candidate’s current or past education relates to studying acting. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the decision to pursue acting is not a spur-of-the-moment one. By illustrating the progression and commitment to acting thus far, applicants can provide a compelling narrative of their journey and showcase their genuine interest in the craft.
SHOW YOUR PASSION
A candidate’s passion and dedication to acting should be evident throughout the personal statement. To emphasize this commitment, applicants can detail the various steps they have taken to demonstrate their interest and devotion to a future in acting. Whether it involves reading plays for pleasure, attending theatre performances, delving into books on acting, or immersing themselves in documentaries related to the performing arts, showcasing their active engagement with the craft can strengthen the statement’s impact.
Finally, an exceptional personal statement should delve into the candidate’s unique personality traits that make them especially suitable for the chosen course. Whether it is maturity, creativity, imagination, resilience, or any other attributes, providing specific examples and anecdotes that highlight these qualities adds depth and authenticity to the statement. By showcasing these personal attributes, applicants can illustrate how they align with the requirements and expectations of a rigorous drama school program.
SELF-MARKETING
As applicants navigate the process of composing their personal statement, they must keep in mind that this piece of writing is, in essence, a marketing tool for themselves. Therefore, honesty, directness, and authenticity are paramount. While it may be tempting to craft a statement that caters to perceived expectations, such an approach often results in generic, wishy-washy content. Instead, the personal statement should reflect the applicant’s true self and provide the admissions panel with an intimate and genuine insight into their character and passion for acting.
In conclusion, crafting an exceptional personal statement for drama school is a multifaceted task that requires careful thought, introspection, and honesty. Aspiring students must seize this opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions panel by showcasing their passion, commitment, and suitability for the chosen course. By addressing critical questions, highlighting relevant experiences, and infusing the statement with authenticity, candidates can create a compelling narrative that sets them apart from other applicants. As they embark on their journey into the world of acting, a well-crafted personal statement can be the key to unlocking the doors to their dreams. For those seeking guidance or coaching throughout the audition process, reaching out for assistance from professionals, such as those at [email protected], can prove invaluable in refining their personal statement and enhancing their chances of success.
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How To Write A Drama Personal Statement
Posted by Naomi | Aug 17, 2016 | | 0 -->
Places on drama school courses are over subscribed to a ridiculous level so being offered a course interview is a real achievement and your personal statement can be the key that opens the door to this.
Your 4,000 characters/47 lines personal statement, when you spend time on it to polish it to shine brightly, should gain you an interview (including an audition piece) a course place and ultimately help you start your performing arts journey.
But how do you thoroughly polish it? You want to come across as creative, passionate and eloquent, so what’s the best way to achieve this?
1. Explore, investigate and discover
Before you write your personal statement make sure you know exactly which drama school you want to study at, as the course modules may be a tad different as well as slightly varying entry criteria.
It’s vital to remember that you write one personal statement on your UCAS application for all your drama school choices so really try to shape what you write to match your choices.
If possible, phone and chat with your course admission tutors and ask them what they’re looking for on their specific personal statements.
If this isn’t possible the drama school social media accounts and websites are jam-packed full of valuable material.
2. Highlight your talents
Within your drama school personal statement show how much you love drama by highlighting your performing arts experience.
If you’ve been in a school play, say what you’ve learned from it and why it ignited a passion in you. Be honest, and be personal; don’t over exaggerate but show how you want to learn more about the creativity and craft of drama.
Have you helped out at a local community theatre in the evening or at a weekend, even if just collecting tickets or prepping costumes back stage? Think about the team work and customer interaction experience you’ve become a dab hand at. These skills are also needed at drama school and show your enthusiasm for wanting to be a part of performing arts.
Have you taken part in any drama competitions, public speaking at presentations/events or chatted on local/community radio? Are there village drama groups or am-dram groups you’ve joined or acted in? This is all relevant and should be included to show what you achieved and learnt.
Only write about your hobbies which you can link to drama and explain how. For example, if you and your friends have made short videos and films even with your mobile phones, and posted them on YouTube or other social media channels, say what you’ve learned from them and why it’s relevant to a drama school course.
If you link any of your personal statement to specific directors, actors, film makers etc., show how your fascination with them links to the professional aspects of your drama course and shines a light on your analytical and critical thinking skills. These are core attributes for drama courses.
It’s worth noting that you may be asked to chat about these comments in your interview so you do need to know your subject inside out.
3. Practice makes perfect
Drama involves a lot of practice and rehearsal to make it perfect. Your personal statement is no different.
Plan in sufficient time to reread, proof, sense check and redraft your personal statement until it’s the best it can be. Focus on lively and engaging content, accurate grammar and precise punctuation and spelling.
Ask family and friends to check it over for you. Your school/college tutors have worked with students in previous years on similar drama school personal statements. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience. You can also check out our drama school personal statement examples as great templates to guide you.
Treat your personal statement like the monologue audition of your life.
As the star of the stage, own it and deliver your monologue with an impactful opening, thrilling and honest content with a sucker punch closing statement. You’ll then have stolen the show and the floor will be all yours at your course interview!
Further information
For more tips and advice on applying for a Drama degree, please see:
- Choosing a university
- Russell Group Universities
- Personal statement writing tips
- How to write a personal statement
- University rankings
- Applying to Oxbridge
- UCAS deadlines
- International UCAS applicants
- Mature UCAS applicants
About The Author
Naomi Lofts
Going through school and applying to university myself in 2002, I know how difficult it can be to make the right choices regarding your academic journey, especially when you're uncertain of where you want to be in the future.
Student Underground was created to provide reassurance to those students currently going through this period, as well as an outlet for sharing extra, up-to-date advice on a range of further and higher education topics.
These include choosing GCSEs and A levels, filling out the UCAS application form, taking a gap year, postgraduate study options, starting a business and more.
We hope you find it useful, and if you have any feedback, please leave a comment or email us directly at: [email protected]. Thank you,
Naomi Lofts,
Managing Director
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