Older MT students

Hi there, I'm interested to know if anyone - mainly women- only began formal training at any of the main music theatre courses in their 30s. Does anyone know whether people are accepted into many courses at that age, or if there are some courses that are more open to women in their 30s beginning training there? I imagine they would of course say they were open to any age, but realistically, has anyone heard of people being accepted after their 20s? ;-) R.

A grad in WAAPA BA music theatre last year was in his thirties!

Thirties isn't old! There ought to be places available for older students in the drama schools. Not every actor or role is for 20-30 somethings. And 40 isn't over the hill. My wife completed a creative arts degree in sculpture in her 50s. Jim

Many lead roles in musicals require actors with a bit of life experience and intelligence- go for it! Train and study hard and you will get as far as your abilites can take you, not your age.

I didn't do an MT course but did do a Performance based course at 38. From my experience it's harder to get on the course than for the younger ones, you really have to work hard to justify why you want to do it, and then I felt that I was in many ways under a microscope. I got frustrated because I was told often that I didn't deserve a higher mark because "you're older and have more experience so we judge you differently". I stuck it out and got my degree which was well worth while. I sincerely hope that the attitude to more mature students has changed these days. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

I'm the second oldest (by like 6 weeks) in my class at 24, but there's been successful older students who've gone on to do well. I only started training at 20, and I get a little freaked out at girls who've been singing and dancing since they were four or something.

Bugger, am I now officially old?! but seriously. I started singing again for the first time in a few years almost 2 years ago (at 30 yrs old), and was told my voice has shifted 'upwards' somewhat. 6 months later I was singing with the WA Opera co. as a tenor. Never too late to start/restart. With that in mind, I have begun investigating a slight career change (or directional shift) into acting. Extremely scary for me after close to 15 years in a successful music career, but worth the risk I think. Just a little humble pie going from 'expert' to beginner (like the experience of being around the 20 year old girls who have been dancing for 15 years already!) And certainly, not impossible! You simply cannot beat life experience for reality on a stage I reckon. It shows up in musicians, and is just as (or more) obvious in actors. That said, our society is actually still very agist, in that we are unwilling to 'tolerate' older people (especially women) on our tele's and stages, and are constantly producing and consuming more and more youth-idolising entertainment. It is changing a little (the interest in tracy Spicer's case is one small step), but needs to be more. enough from me Nev It's the simple things stupid...

By any chance are you related to Darryl Talbot, also a musician? Just reading your post which mentions that you have been a commited muso for 15 years... and I agree with you, it's never too late to start for all you like minded closet thespians out there - go for the dream. The stage is a great friend to have.

Don't know this Daryl, Until recent arrivals in Oz by my uncle a few years back fromt he US, and my bro from the UK a few weeks back, I didn't know any Talbot's in Oz. Though I'm sure there are some :-) Nev It's the simple things stupid...

Hi, im the guy Ben is talking about. I was 32 when i started the BA. I auditioned three years in a row to get into the course. Haven't been on this ITA site for a long time! If you are still reading this topic, im more than happy to answer any qu's if it helps. I'll keep my eye out for a reply. There has also been girls accepted into the course in their late 20s, not sure about 30s though. Just quickly, age is not the only consideration. There are many factors involved in the final decisions on offers being made to individuals. Good Luck! Paul

Hi, im the guy Ben is talking about. I was 32 when i started the BA. I auditioned three years in a row to get into the course. Haven't been on this ITA site for a long time! If you are still reading this topic, im more than happy to answer any qu's if it helps. I'll keep my eye out for a reply. There has also been girls accepted into the course in their late 20s, not sure about 30s though. Just quickly, age is not the only consideration. There are many factors involved in the final decisions on offers being made to individuals. Good Luck! Paul