robhall3192 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Share Posted December 9, 2009 OK well to update this I have currently had one offer of an interview day at Mountview on the BA Technical Theatre course. However on the paperwork it says that for 50mins there is a written piece of work...Does anyone know what this consits of or how much this really matters, especially when if it is hand written, most assignments would be done via the computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamchristuffin Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 I realise this may be a bit late, but can I say something about Guildhall? I've just finished my first term, and I've loved it so much! As you pointed out, the West End DOES make a huge difference. It's amazing being able to say "I'm bored - I'm off to see a show." I've been to see about 30 shows already (No student loan left though!), and from all the times I went to get a Student Standby, I was successful every time. Next year the course is changing, to be more in line with other establishments. There is a separate Stage & Costume Management (We don't make the costumes) 'pathway' as they're calling it, as well as Electrics and DRP (Paintshop, Workshop, Props) pathways. From what I understand of the new SM pathway, you will spend nearly all your time on SCM (It's just easier to type!), and then you will spend 2 or 3 1-week 'taster' sessions in other areas, such as Painshop, Video, or Lighting. You can then carry one of these on to the second or third year. It's amazing being so close to everything, and it's a bit of a shock when you realise how close everything is - I can walk to Shaftesbury Avenue within 30 minutes, even during rush hour, and I'm getting better at knowing my way round every day. First years are guaranteed a place in the Halls or Residence, Sundial Court, at some point during their time at Guildhall, but there isn't one person who applied from our course and didn't get it. It seems as though they give Stage Management and Acting students a bit of priority, because ours is a 3-year course, compared to the 4+ years from Musicians. Sundial Court is quite literally over the road - it's a 4 minute walk from the door of your flat to the SMTT corridor, at most. You also are renting the flat from September to July, including holidays, which is incredibly helpful if you're working in London over Christmas or Easter. I've rambled on for quite a bit, so I'll shut up now, but if there's any questions, please feel free to ask. You've missed the Open Day, but if you're in London between Christmas and the 11th January, I'll try and show you round the place before you apply. Guildhall is outside UCAS, so there is an extra fee for the admin and interview work. One thing I will say is that it is very expensive - unless you are extremely good at managing money, you will probably need the full student loans you can get, and more. Hope this helps Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lxdad Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 I would also suggest Guildhall. I was a student there a little while ago and I have done alright for myself. In my opinion you won't find better facilities or staff anywhere else. LXDad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robhall3192 Posted December 10, 2009 Author Share Posted December 10, 2009 Thanks guys. I was considering applying to Guildhall aswel, as UCAS so might get on and do that, although a bit unsure of the costume making bits. Woudl prefer the electrics courses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamchristuffin Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 There is no costume making - costumes are either hired or made off-site. You do learn how to use a sewing machine - making your dresser's apron is one of the first things you do. However, it is nearly all (bar a few small alterations) dressing, measuring, sourcing and hiring - Stage Management is the closest thing on the course to it, that's why they are thrown together. Chris EDIT: Extra info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w/robe Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Stage Management is the closest thing on the course to it, that's why they are thrown together. Speechless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamchristuffin Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Stage Management is the closest thing on the course to it, that's why they are thrown together. Speechless Sorry if I've offended you! (And I can see why I would be) But I'm just passing on what we (the current students) were told at the end of term course meeting. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w/robe Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Sorry if I've offended you! (And I can see why I would be) But I'm just passing on what we (the current students) were told at the end of term course meeting. Chris Chris I'm very sorry that you thought that I was offended by what you wrote, you were just passing on the information. I was offended that someone thought they were subjects that are similar and should be taught together and that it would help the student's job prospects to have done a join Running Wardrobe/Stage Management course. We are, of course, only speculating on this until any of us have seen details of the course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychedelic Theatre Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 OK well to update this I have currently had one offer of an interview day at Mountview on the BA Technical Theatre course. However on the paperwork it says that for 50mins there is a written piece of work...Does anyone know what this consits of or how much this really matters, especially when if it is hand written, most assignments would be done via the computer. I went for an interview at Mountview last year, the written piece is really easy. It's something along the lines of a quick review of something you've seen recently as far as I remember. To be honest, the written work is just to see how you evaluate theatre, and to show that you can actually write a balanced piece which is both critical and points out some good bits too! They also like to know that you do actually go and see a bit of theatre! I was offended that someone thought they were subjects that are similar and should be taught together and that it would help the student's job prospects to have done a join Running Wardrobe/Stage Management course. We are, of course, only speculating on this until any of us have seen details of the course. From what we understand of it, they've tried to put the 'people' bits of the course together, along with putting the 'technology' bits together, and the 'realisation' parts. We were told that wardrobe would have gone with the realisation if it were a 'making' course, but as it is more sourcing and dealing with people, they thought it would fit better with stage management. I can see the thought process they went through, whether or not it makes sense I think we are yet to see! Personally I would be completely turned off the Stage Management course, because I'd have to do Costume for at least a year, some people it will be ideal for, others it completely won't...I'm not sure if the balance is right though! For me, the attraction of Guildhall was that it was a completely broad based course that allows you to specialise the further in you go. Unfortunately a little bit of that is lost; hopefully not all of it. Everything I've said is completely my own opinion and my understanding of the changes, apologies if I'm wrong. Tim (also at Guildhall!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamchristuffin Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 For me, the attraction of Guildhall was that it was a completely broad based course that allows you to specialise the further in you go. Unfortunately a little bit of that is lost; hopefully not all of it. I assume that's why they've added the week-long 'tasters', although obviously it's not going to be the same as it is now. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brittle Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Just as a little correction, Guildhall isn’t changing the course to be in line with other establishments, the course is changing to accommodate a quickly growing industry, the course as it is leaves very very little ' white space' for extra subjects such as AV, Automation etc, therefore the course is changing to offer these. and the SM and Costume Management pathways haven’t been 'thrown together', its as Tim said, there the people and paperwork jobs seen as Guildhall doesn’t have the facilities or the staff to make the costume for each of the four main house shows we do each term. I Have also just finished my first term at Guildhall and have loved every second, ive found being in London a big advantage, however it can be expensive so its a good idea to put together a budget before you go with money set aside for luxuries such as seeing shows, having the West end so near is especially handy for work experience. I personally have done three nights Shadow SM on wicked, have more coming up on automation, and more Shadow SM on We Will Rock You. The shadowing I have done so far has been very beneficial indeed to see how west end professionals work (a big difference from my hometown theatre) and shows that there are more jobs in the west end than just stewarding, on Avenue Q there are 8 SM roles, and on Oliver there are 76 crew in total. The best advice I can offer for finding a good university is to go to as many open days and interviews as you can, a Uni can offer the best things in the country but it has to be right for you, I know that I wouldn’t have applied for some of the courses I did if I had gone to the open days. As Chris said the Open day for Guildhall has passed but you can ring the Technical Theatre Department on +44 (0) 20 7382 6127, or email tt@gsmd.ac.uk and arrange a tour round Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamchristuffin Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 When I said thrown together, I didn't mean it was because there was nowhere else for it, I would have said Lighting and Sound were 'thrown together' if I'd had to explain why they were put together!! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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