It’s a game of two halves

Ages 14-16/ key stage 4

Approaching 14, in theory you’ve got three choices–GCSEs, an NVQ level 1 or 2, or a young apprenticeship. But realistically most schools currently only offer GCSEs so looks like you’re stuck with them for now.

GCSEs

Our best advice about GCSEs is don’t worry too much about your subject choices. If drama just doesn’t timetable with your other options, it won’t have any impact on whether you can go on to work in theatre. It really won’t. Our general rule is to do the subjects you’re best at and enjoy the most. Nobody ever didn’t get to work in theatre because they made the wrong choices at 14.

The only exception we would make is that if you’re thinking you might want to work in theatre design (lighting, costume, make-up, props etc) then getting an art or art and design GCSE is probably a good idea. It may be difficult to do an art A-level without having taken it at GCSE and an art A-level will help you to build the kind of portfolio you will need when applying for higher education or training.

But remember, many people go on to get extra GCSEs later on, so no decisions made at this stage are irreversible.

NVQs

An NVQ 1 is equivalent to three to four GCSEs at grades D-E, and a NVQ 2 = four to five GCSEs at grades A*-C. But your school probably doesn’t offer them anyway. If you mess up your GCSEs, you could start an NVQ at 16. Speak to your local college.

Young apprenticeships

You can do young apprenticeships in art and design and performing arts. On a young apprenticeship you will study not just in the classroom but in college and in the workplace as well. A young apprenticeship can be followed at 16 by a full apprenticeship.

Find out if you can do a young apprenticeship in your area. (Before you get too excited, you probably won’t be able to as they’re still very rare)

Arts Award

The Arts Award is a national qualification for ages 11-25 that you can do outside of school at a recognised Arts Award centre. Levels 1 and 2 are at the same standard as GCSEs, whilst level 3 is at A-level standard. Whilst not counting as a formal qualification, it will certainly make your CV look better.

Ages 16+

After your GCSEs you’ve got more choices to make. If your school has a sixth form, you could stay on there and do AS-levels and A-levels. If it hasn’t and you want to do A-levels, you could join another school’s sixth form or go to a sixth form college. You could go to a local further education college and do a BTEC. You could apply for a creative apprenticeship.

You are pretty unlikely to be able to walk into a job in a theatre at this stage. We’re not saying absolutely not, just probably not. The most likely role you’d be able to get at 16 is as an usher or perhaps as a trainee technician.

Prove us wrong–did you get a job (paid) in a theatre at 16? Tell us about it and we might feature you on this website.