[dreamer111]

Hi,
My daughter is currently auditioning for several Musical Theatre courses. She has received an offer from Thames Valley University. Has anyone else completed this course at TVU or know somone who has nad if so can you give us a review please?

[Red Momma]

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[Red Momma]

In my considered opinion -- and bearing in mind that there will always be exceptions -- I would say that in order to give herself the best chance, in what is already a very difficult industry, it's really only worth concentrating on the main colleges. I know that I'll forget one or two, but I would rank (in no particular order) Arts Ed, GSA, Mountview, Laines, Studio Centre, Doreen Birds and Performers as being the only places worth bothering with for MT training (with the obvious addition of the Royal Academy for the one year option). This isn't meant as a slight on anywhere else, as there will always be exceptions (and those who didn't train at all, of whom there are many) but I do think it's important to be realistic. Obviously each of these have their own strengths and weaknesses (Laines is stronger on dance for example).

Ultimately a quick glance through any West End programme will give you the answers you need -- and to be honest, I've never come across a graduate from TVU -- either having seen them in anything, or auditioned them for anything (and I've been in this industry for a lot of years).

Obviously if she has aspirations in MT beyond performing, the situation may be different -- but if this is the case, I suspect she'd find the qualification itself very limiting.

A very good answer
The West End programmes are the best indicator of who is working, A good musical theatre course doesn't stop when the students have achieved their competence level. Experience in performing given by the college is essential.
I have never been able to understand how a college can just survive by giving the students an end of year show. The better colleges will be offering two shows a term and a West End showcase.
A good question to ask is "Is there a West End showcase and how many agents attended? Or "what was the take up of students who achieved representation, and do you have a list of first jobs for last year's graduates.

This information should be freely available, so beware a college thta is wary of giving you answers.
Good Luck

[Red Momma]

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[Red Momma]

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[Red Momma]

Sorry about the multiple posts.
A touch of digitalis!!

[Mark_E]

If they can't guarantee an agents showcase at the end of it, I would consider the course useless im afraid. If she is wanting to be a performer she is much better off at a drama school or conservatoire.