We are always looking for interesting information to add to the Backstage area of frootful Talent and an article on the BBC’s news website about "parents warned over drama schools" caught our attention, as did a blog on the same subject from an Acting Coach in Scotland called Mark Westbrook. We suggest reading both articles, along with an interesting blog entry on The Stage website by Sarah about  "How important is going to Drama School?".

The article from the BBC, and intelligently considered by Mark Westbrook, centres around an interesting warning from the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT). Due to an increased number of reality television talent shows, it appears there has been a rise in drama schools that are not officially recognised. The NCDT warns that these schools are business operations aimed purely at making money, which is akin to gambling on success, unlike following a proper level of professional training.

The BBC article dates back to 2009 and is interesting because in 2011 the issues largely remain the same. Many companies hit by hard times will try to keep the market share they have by knocking new start-ups that are often born from a recessive period. A good many new schools are trying to gain NCDT accreditation and as such technically fall outside of the NCDT net, so they could be seen or at the very least considered to fall under the same warning - an interesting scenario.

What parents should consider is the validity of any training course, its merits, benefits to the individual and whether they can afford to send there offspring to such schools. As with any industry there will always be those that pray on the aspirations of others. It is the bad schools we should all be focusing on. Schools that have no background merit or track record. Simple common sense should prevail when looking at any drama course, training or coaching before engaging and spending good money.

As Sarah points out in her article of 2008, going to Drama school has no guarantees. In 2011, with an ever increasing base of un-employed it would seem that things are unlikely to get any better.  While training is crucial so is life experience. If you have the time and can afford it, working in your chosen craft for other young aspiring professionals with no financial gain is worth considering. Often a flat rate to cover expenses or a share of the monies taken is offered and is surely worthy of consideration - you only get out what you put in, and sadly that is not always true.

While no one can live on fresh air alone, a considered approach to your future is worth undertaking and sometimes hardship is needed before any reward is seen, or truly appreciated. Needless to say don't give up on your dream after all dreams are what drive us, and the art and skill of learning can help shape the dream into reality, with a little patience and a lot of perseverance.