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Post by No. on Oct 17, 2017 18:15:49 GMT
This might sound a bit ridiculous, can't be sure!
So I'm 14, in the 2nd year of a 3 year Drama GCSE (we started a year early for reasons I haven't been told) and I've been thinking a lot about how accessible theatre is for people in my position. I can't lie and say the people in my drama group enjoy theatre (I can name one that I'd actually see a show with, and even then it would have to be something very light, Les Mis is the most I could get away with at a push). For me it's my favourite place to be. It hit me the other day how expensive even local productions are for a teenager from a low income family, let alone shows in London.
What are your opinions on this? I can't tell if I'm being ridiculous or if there genuinely is a problem when a GCSE student doesn't have the ability to see even the cheapest shows. Surely there's some kind of discount programme out there that I'm missing out on?
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Post by Tibidabo on Oct 17, 2017 18:24:13 GMT
I don't know where you live No. , but there are opportunities if you know where to look. In London there is a young Barbican programme where you get cheap entrance to shows. You do have to pay to sign up I think, but I don't think it's much. Also, keep an eye out for the drama schools' productions such as RADA, where concessions are £12. (Sorry, I don't know what you would consider accessible.) You will see some amazing shows with actors of the future. They also do play readings you can go and watch. www.rada.ac.uk/whats-on/rada-productionsThere are many other drama schools, such as Guildhall, Mountview etc. (and also performing arts colleges) that put on some stunning productions. Many amateur groups put on some high calibre shows - even if you see a show you think if a bit of a rubbish production you are still learning how not to do it! Good luck with your GCSE! |
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Post by crowblack on Oct 17, 2017 19:19:39 GMT
Ask your local theatres, because several of them now do schemes to attract younger audiences. Manchester's Royal Exchange has cheap tickets for those under 26, up to 80% off, and the National Theatre has its Entry Pass scheme for cheap tickets, including for otherwise 'sold out' shows. Studio theatre productions and preview performances are also often very cheap - they can be the same price as a regional cinema ticket, and may be even less for young people: you are very close to the actors in these spaces too, which is great - my friend high-fived one during the show we saw on Sunday. London's Royal Court is cheap on Mondays and for previews, and 10 mins walk from Victoria coach station so handy if you can brave long distance coach travel.
It's also worth asking at the box office if you can get a last-minute upgrade from a cheap seat to the stalls if they have any seats free - in large theatres you may get lucky, and it's no loss if you aren't.
Many theatres do post-show discussions after one of the performances in a run, which can be with the cast, director and sometimes the writer too. These are usually really interesting and if it's a smaller theatre and a younger cast and crew (so less 'starry'), a chance to have conversations with them too.
Good luck!
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Post by Mark on Oct 17, 2017 19:25:32 GMT
Going further, yes, there are tonnes of schemes out there that give young people access to tickets, it's a case of finding them. Regarding cost, well, on that one, it's an old, old story. I think quite a few on here will say the same thing, though: they saved all their cash, worked loads of jobs for money (I usually had at least 3 or 4 on the go from age 14 onwards) and figured out all the tricks. "Figuring out the tricks".... this is it. Especially nowadays with dynamic pricing in full force there are some great bargains to be had. |
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Post by No. on Oct 17, 2017 19:29:08 GMT
Thank you all! I'm looking for some kind of job but that's a whole other story, I'll be sure to ask around at some of my locals
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 17, 2017 19:29:19 GMT
I can't lie and say the people in my drama group enjoy theatre I expect this is a really stupid question, but what are they studying drama for then? |
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Post by No. on Oct 17, 2017 19:33:46 GMT
I can't lie and say the people in my drama group enjoy theatre I expect this is a really stupid question, but what are they studying drama for then? I ask myself that everyday! Drama in lower school is essentially an hour of mucking about, hence why people wanted to do it at GCSE. The school weren't strict enough with letting people into the course either, it's an absolute wreck. |
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Post by Rukaya on Oct 17, 2017 22:11:42 GMT
It's a shame the National Theatre's Entry Pass starts at 16, I don't know if they'd allow you to apply if you got in contact with them? But that's one to remember to apply for when you turn 16 for cheap seats there. Good luck with your course!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2017 7:52:53 GMT
I expect this is a really stupid question, but what are they studying drama for then? I ask myself that everyday! Drama in lower school is essentially an hour of mucking about, hence why people wanted to do it at GCSE. The school weren't strict enough with letting people into the course either, it's an absolute wreck. As someone who quit drama at A level for that exact reason (people just using the time to mess about, generally be knob-heads) I can vouch for that being a pattern. Stick with it, find drama clubs etc outside school/perhaps at Uni or elsewhere and as the cliche goes 'it gets better' it took me until 19 to start finding my 'theatre people' but it worked. Conversely I somehow ended up with this lot on the board as my 'theatre people' don't know if that's a blessing or a curse most days  |
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Post by kathryn on Oct 18, 2017 8:08:13 GMT
Lots of people thought GCSE drama would be a doss when I was at school. They got a bit of a shock when they discovered the work that went into a practical exam!
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Post by No. on Oct 21, 2017 15:28:00 GMT
The REP in Birmingham do £5 preview tickets for 14-26 year olds, granted it's not a theatre that holds the world's biggest shows but it's something, might be giving 101 Dalmatians a go with a friend
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Post by No. on Nov 19, 2017 15:07:55 GMT
Okay, an update on this. I've managed to find a few deals for 2018, and if I save up I might manage to see some more stuff.
The main problem I'm having right now is work experience. Obviously I want to do it in a theatre which is proving incredibly difficult as my school have given us a week at a time of year where no places offer work experience. Some of the business students are doing theirs at Bedford Row because of teacher links, that's relatively close to the major theatres in London. If I can manage to bag something at a theatre there it'd work really well but I genuinely have no idea where to start.
If anybody happens to know anybody who could pass on some kind of advice or email please let me know! This school will be the death of me at this point 😂
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