Turmoil in the Drama Schools

It's a sweeping statement to cite 'de-colonizing of the curriculum' as the definite reason for specific staff (one named, others implied) leaving their institutions (also named). What's factual is that some staff have left drama schools you haven't named due to: failure to tackle abuse allegations from students (allegations of a racial, sexual, or body-discrimination nature).

I think it's fair to ask if there's a trade-off between decolonizing the curriculum and time spent on craft training, but if you don't want to start a political debate this thread will be very short.

There shouldn't need to be any reduction of craft training simply because schools change the texts or performance modes to be more widely inclusive of the world around us.

Intake is another matter. If you're widening the intake of drama students to be less focused on the child who did Guildhall or Lamda exams from the age of 7 and has some elocution lessons under their belt, then 'craft training' time may well be spent levelling up today's diverse intake on use of voice, diction (clarity in any accent), and textual interpretation. I can see that for some longstanding teaching staff they may feel that students aren't going to rise as high as they've been used to producing over decades - due to what may feel like 'catch-up' teaching at the start. For others, the definition of 'rising as high' may be outdated, and like comparing apples with oranges. For everyone's comfort a turnover of staff is a good thing in these circumstances - invite them back as specialist visitors when the students if/when the students are as they've been used to encountering them (in attainment level).  It's not about things 'getting worse' necessarily, just about them 'getting different'; like the world has been getting different for a long time without drama training noticing (or wanting to notice).

It comes back to quality and standards. Some schools have excellent reputations and standards, others don't. Certainly when I was studying at drama school 25 years ago, some practices were dubious, there was obvious institutional bias, passive racism, and big question marks over the capability and quality of some of the teaching staff. These in turn were led by "old school" leaders, placed in role either through longevity or nepotism, desperately clinging on to their little gravy train and fiefdom by their finger nails. When malpractice was cited and raised, it was brushed under the carpet. Many students were fearful of speaking out because of the intense competition to get in, as well as the fee caveats which effectively rendered funds paid unrefundable in the event of conflict, dissatisfaction or dispute.

I have little reason to believe that things have changed that much, though my particular school didn't know what to do when we mobilised ourselves to take internal action and drive change against the flaccid leadership, many of whom ruled by stealth and bullying. It's amazing what a few energised students can achieve when they know things are rotten to the core and need to change.

To answer the question, the turmoil seems to be perpetual and I believe there is a knock-on effect in the quality of teaching (and therefore the calibre of graduates). That said, most young actors I see on stage in musicals or play seem to be exceptionally talented, so I have faith that the cream will always rise to the top, regardless of the mediocrity that surrounds them during training (staff and students).

Are you a journalist? 🤔

I don't know anything about drama schools so excuse my ignorance...I just wondered, as some posters are saying there is a big range in the technical ability of new students, do drama schools do what a lot of universities do in other subject areas, and offer foundation years for people who have aptitude but need to do some catching up on skills/knowledge before starting their first year? That is surely something that could be done for levelling up - offering ways to catch up for students from less privileged backgrounds who haven't had all the extra-curricular opportunities as children. Maybe not a whole foundation year, but a term, or part-time catch up tuition, or partner with other institutions around the country who could offer catch-up tuition in a way that would be affordable.

To answer the original question, no I have not seen a decline of the standard of the drama school graduates who reach a professional stage.

Please remember though that unfortunately there are many times more graduates than there are spaces for new talent to replace people who are leaving the business etc, so producers still have their pick of the crop. Graduates do generally need to stand out in some way (not necessarily by being the best actor). That's nothing new.

More diversity in the school intakes and on professional stages is something to be applauded.