Lenny Henry presented a programme, Class Act, on Radio 4 today.
He explored some of the ways young people from less privileged backgrounds (plus those from ethnic minority groups) could 'make it' in the predominantly middle class world of acting.
I have a personal interest here, because a member of my family...a young person...is desperate to 'make it' in the profession, and yet has limited funds. It appears the Drama Schools cost a lot. And my question is, why do students wishing to go to drama school not qualify for the same Student Loans as those reading for a degree?
It appears that only those institutions which offer a degree course, which can be in [what are sometimes referred to as] Mickey Mouse subjects [ducks for cover] will attract official Government funding for themselves and their students, whilst august bodies such as RADA do not. Yes there are 'career development' loans and other bursaries available, but these are generally not adequate for a drama student, especially if they have to live in London.
If anyone has any thoughts or advice on the subject I'd be grateful to hear. It is notable that most [all?] of the Music Colleges now offer degree courses, thereby overcoming the funding problem.
He explored some of the ways young people from less privileged backgrounds (plus those from ethnic minority groups) could 'make it' in the predominantly middle class world of acting.
I have a personal interest here, because a member of my family...a young person...is desperate to 'make it' in the profession, and yet has limited funds. It appears the Drama Schools cost a lot. And my question is, why do students wishing to go to drama school not qualify for the same Student Loans as those reading for a degree?
It appears that only those institutions which offer a degree course, which can be in [what are sometimes referred to as] Mickey Mouse subjects [ducks for cover] will attract official Government funding for themselves and their students, whilst august bodies such as RADA do not. Yes there are 'career development' loans and other bursaries available, but these are generally not adequate for a drama student, especially if they have to live in London.
If anyone has any thoughts or advice on the subject I'd be grateful to hear. It is notable that most [all?] of the Music Colleges now offer degree courses, thereby overcoming the funding problem.
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