What is so good about WAAPA!!!

Thu, 8 Dec 2005, 01:16 am

Walter Plinge59 posts in thread

Can i ask why there is so much fuss over getting into WAAPA.....?
Is it really the be all and end all of our insudtry?
Opinions.......!!!!

Thread (59 posts)

Threaded Flat

Walter PlingeThu, 8 Dec 2005, 01:16 am

Can i ask why there is so much fuss over getting into WAAPA.....?
Is it really the be all and end all of our insudtry?
Opinions.......!!!!

CeraThu, 8 Dec 2005, 02:08 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

If music theatre is where you want to be WAAPA is it. Industry professionals say WAAPA is the best in Australia. WAAPA grads always get work. It has the name and prestige.

Everyone wants to be there.

Walter PlingeThu, 8 Dec 2005, 09:31 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

I understand that it is considered to be "the" place for musical theatre. I have a friend who graduated 2000 who is a singing teacher and she is in contact with a lot of her fellow graduees from that year and I am sad to say that the majority of them are not performing in any shows and having to do other things.

If you want to pursue a career in musical theatre whilst WAAPA is a fantastic place there are many other ways to achieve your dream. How about going to Sydney, Melbourne even London and having a go.... thats how a lot of people do it. Dont think by attending WAAPA it will open any doors for you. Its a cut throat business out there and you have to get out there a do it.

Good luck to you all with your career aspirations

CrispianThu, 8 Dec 2005, 03:25 pm

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

Drama schools in general, is not a GUARANTEED way of getting you work.

Put it this way, every year you have 40-50 grads coming out every year from WAAPA/NIDA/VCA who are all roughly in the same demographic. In terms of how much work there is out there for that age-group in the industry - the grads are up against last year's grads and all the non-drama school actors and you'll find the competition is just as hard regardless of the degree.

Drama school is a great place to have intensive training that will make you a PROFESSIONAL performer.

Actually, a friend of mine in 2nd year Acting at NIDA told me his teacher told the class that only 2 from each group will get a fulltime successful career as an actor. The rest, will disappear into the woodwork.

Does anybody know what happened to Hugh Jackman's classmates at WAAPA? I don't remember reading any interviews about any high profile actor who said he was in Hugh's class at WAAPA

Like Rhoda said, its a cut-throat business.

Walter PlingeFri, 9 Dec 2005, 12:26 pm

Re: What is so good about Hugh!

Well Crispy... I think some of Mr Jackmans 1994 class mates have done very well for themselves...

1994
Matthew Aris
Lisa Baumwol
Ian Bolgia
Mark Constable
Wadih Dona
Alan Hayward
Hugh Jackman
Simon Lyndon
Natasha McNamara
Fiona Mahl
Marin Mimica
Jennifer Priest
Lucille Reynolds
Christie Sistrunk
Jeanette Taylor

Walter PlingeFri, 9 Dec 2005, 05:14 pm

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

WAAPA is far from the place to be. Troy Dodds opened this debate months ago on BroadwayAustralia.com and the debate it pulled was incredible. WAAPA is currently producing below-par performers and in the majority of shows you'll find about 50% are waapa grads, 50% aren't. It's not the be all and end all.

Walter PlingeSat, 10 Dec 2005, 08:07 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

And altho WAAPA has a very prestigeous name in Australia, the fact is in other countries no-one has heard of it unless they know someone from oz or who went there. To them it's just another drama school, and especially London and America. who have so many of their own, WAAPA, NIDA VCA etc.. are of no interest to them. I live in London at the moment and none of my friends in the industry here have heard of any of these places. As Rhoda and Crispian have said, yes it's a great training background but at the end of the day it's up to you. You are the only one who can make it happen, it all comes down to talent and sheer determination, yes you can fine tune your skills to make yourself a better performer, but in the end it's up to you, not where you studied!! If it's your passion and you have the will and drive to succeed you will. Just never give up on yourself and your inner belief!

CHOOKAS!!!!!

Walter PlingeSun, 11 Dec 2005, 12:03 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

I agree and disagree with some things said............................

I think there are some very fine performers who come out of WAAPA - more than just fine. I have seen some of them and have been blown away by their performances. But then I ask myself - is that all attributed to WAAPA? Some of the qualities these performers have obviously stems from a natural ability or training they have had elsewhere perhaps?

On the other end of the scale and perhaps in the middle, I have witnessed performances from WAAPA graduates I thought were more 'ordinary'. Whilst I have never heard of someone who has a poor performing ability get in, I have heard there is a tendency to accept strong dancers. I myself have witnessed this - some of the grads or even people who have been accepted have a strong dancing background, not necessarily a great voice. But then again, they are extremely lucky they have a chance to develop this voice and other aspects of performance throughout the course. I also know of people who I personally feel have talent, but who weren't accepted. That of course doesn't mean anything though.

Whilst it is obviously an achievement to get into WAAPA, as the course is sought out nation wide, it is not the only avenue to get into the performing arts industry and does not guarantee its graduates work.

SELL YOURSELF - come to terms with yourself and question whether you really do have some sort of ability and get some proper training in the right areas. Isn't that a good way to think about it?

charityMon, 12 Dec 2005, 09:54 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

lemon as a current waapa student about to go into 3rd music theatre in 2006 i find alot of what you said to be not only insulting but quite narrow minded. To say that waapa is currently only producing below par graduates is an extremely patronising comment and suggests your talents to far exceed ours. While studying at waapa i have come into contact (not only with people studying there in my time but past graduates as well) with some incredibly talented and successful people. People who have great work since graduating and who continue to uphold the standards the waapa name holds. And your comment about 50% being waapa grads and 50% being other people currently performing and working in shows, id say thats a pretty good percentage wouldnt you? I dont see that many vca or nida people working. Yes waapa is not the be all and end all of this industry and i happen to know people who have made it without waapa but nevertheless waapa shouldnt be discredited for the work it is doing. I sure hope youve seen all the recent grads perform before you make such harsh judgements. Or could it just be a case of sour grapes because u might have auditioned and been rejected? Give just a little credit to the hard working and unbelievably talented people who are currently at waapa.

crgwllmsTue, 13 Dec 2005, 12:28 am

Re: What is so good about Troy Dodds?

Driving a Lemon wrote:
>
> WAAPA is far from the place to be. Troy Dodds opened this
> debate months ago on BroadwayAustralia.com and the debate it
> pulled was incredible. WAAPA is currently producing below-par
> performers and in the majority of shows you'll find about 50%
> are waapa grads, 50% aren't. It's not the be all and end all.

Troy got a bit of a bad rap on this site for trying a publicity stunt for Broadway Australia that was seen to be in rather poor judgement. It probably was an incredible debate....just as arguments in this thread aren't necessarily credible either...!

(I'm not Troy-bashing here, his company produces a lot of shows in NSW...good on him. I just mean that debates on his website are probably no more or less definitive than anything here...so your argument doesn't really mean much.)

Neither am I batting for or against WAAPA...I haven't seen enough recent graduates to judge. But I find your argument incredible that you are criticising them because '...in the majority of shows, you'll find about 50% are WAAPA grads.." ..??!

Lucky for you I don't actually believe that statistic, because if I did it would make your argument even more self-defeating.

Cheers,
Craig

[%sig%]

Walter PlingeTue, 13 Dec 2005, 07:20 am

Re: What is so good about Troy Dodds?

Any institution is good value and it is what you make of it yourself. If you have the talent and gusto and belief you can go anywhere. A world reknown music theatre school in London has heard of WAAPA for everyones information. It is a huge school who has over 100 of its grads in west end shows and others all over Europe. WAAPA grad in London do get work

We are also looking at the WAAPA name with does mean alot in Australia. The young girl from SA who just got into WAAPA was told by Dein Perry that WAAPA is the only place to go for music theatre. When celebs know the benefits of WAAPA, to me that says it all.

BUT again you can only use the facility ultimately its up to you.

Walter PlingeTue, 13 Dec 2005, 07:24 am

Re: What is so good about Troy Dodds?

Those who are not at waapa are jealous. Its just the best place to be. I worked london's west end and have made my money and enjoyed every minute

Walter PlingeTue, 13 Dec 2005, 07:58 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

I didn't say no-one in london has heard of waapa, i am sure many ppl have especially if they know ppl who have been there or are australian as it is a very prestigous name in oz, I said the ppl I knew in the industry. You mentioned a large music theatre school in london?? there are hundreds of them, much more than in oz, I know ppl who went to RADA, ARTS, GSA, Mountview, Laine, Royal Acadamy of Music, Royal Scottish Acadamy and others. All I was saying was each country has it's own prestigious performing schools which are more imprtant to them and rightfully so as our performing schools should be more important to us than any from overseas. But my point at the end of the day was that it's up to you, your talent and your drive if you want to succeed, you have to make a name and reputation for yourself, not rely on the name and reputation of the institution you trained at to get you through! And congrats to all successful auditionees for everywhere in oz this year!!

CHOOKAS!

Walter PlingeTue, 13 Dec 2005, 09:38 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

here, here charity. I agree with you and with Mimi on the london thing. Also there is the fact that Elaine Page actually contacted WAAPA to come and see us on her visit to Perth.

CrispianTue, 13 Dec 2005, 11:35 am

Re: What is so good about Troy Dodds?

mimi wrote:

> When celebs know the benefits of WAAPA, to me
> that says it all.
>

So...if a celeb was endorsing a set of steak knives....would you go out and buy them as well? :)

charityTue, 13 Dec 2005, 08:59 pm

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

thanks darling, us waapa kids have to stick together right?

cant have outsiders verbally bashing the family now can we?! ;)

seriously though im just curious which first year (or soon to be 2nd yr) you are? ps im also very excited about seeing the show, especially who is honoured enough to play the tree or teepee!! x

crgwllmsWed, 14 Dec 2005, 12:28 am

Re: What is so good about steak knives?

Crispian wrote:
>
> mimi wrote:
>
> > When celebs know the benefits of WAAPA, to me
> > that says it all.
> >
>
>
> So...if a celeb was endorsing a set of steak knives....would
> you go out and buy them as well? :)

A flawed analogy, Crispy....did this set of steak knives help turn the celeb into the popular figure they are today?

Cheers,
Craig

[%sig%]

Walter PlingeWed, 14 Dec 2005, 09:57 am

Re: What is so good about steak knives?

I think everyone knows that WAAPA is a good place to go, i just got excepted and i am realy happy. and i dont think anyone is stupid enough to think that just going to WAAPA will get you into shows, but after 3 years of training you have a much better chance. In the end it will all be up to us.

Walter PlingeWed, 14 Dec 2005, 10:10 am

Re: What is so good about steak knives?

You got "excepted" - so you were excluded then? Better luck on getting "accepted" next time.

Walter PlingeWed, 14 Dec 2005, 11:00 am

Re: What is so good about steak knives?

Maybe he was 'except'ional Tim

I was outstanding myself

Out standing in the rain

This is an entertaining thread to watch

People get very defensive about other people's opinions

Remember... opinions are like bums... evryone has one

(whether they need sharing is another thing)

Walter PlingeWed, 14 Dec 2005, 02:07 pm

Re: What is so good about steak knives?

Oops, my bad. spelling is not my thing, lucky i want to do music theatre not english teaching hey. mabey if they had a spelling test in the audition i would have been cut but thanks for the lesson all the same. If you have any more corrections please let me know, because i am sure everyone is just dieing to know how clever you are.

Walter PlingeThu, 15 Dec 2005, 07:14 pm

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

I think waapa folk are great folk. But who gives a folk. And I really like forum folks. People who like to chat/bitch/argue/out do and blah blah blah on each other.

So Charity, if that is your real name. (I heard that there's more than one of you this year.) and Hiawatha is WAAPA what you expected?

martyMon, 19 Dec 2005, 10:44 am

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

charity i love you.
fire up

Walter PlingeMon, 19 Dec 2005, 07:21 pm

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

S(m)oodaliss... have all your year found agents, lives or schools to run.... or anything else they were looking for??

Hope your well

Walter PlingeMon, 19 Dec 2005, 08:08 pm

Re: What is so good about WAAPA!!!

Why hullo there. Well as far as i know 16 out of 18 have got agents. there are two that nobodys heard from. speak soon.........

Walter PlingeThu, 20 Apr 2006, 09:15 pm

the bullshit waapa thingy

okay ...hand over all your gold ....throw the bathwater out and follow it up with a you know what ...who was it who knew who the grads of 1994 from waapa were...the trustees of the jack human trust fund ..and all very good at dacking from all accounts ...A question that seems to be floating around, are you all that perplexed my cherubs???...is having been heard of in the lounge rooms of the dispossessed a necessary pre requisite of having " made it " and your time at a drama school having been worth it ???..i would like to think more meaningful yardsticks would be an appropriate measure of one's survival and contribution to the arts industry ...to hold on so tightly to ridiculous notions of success and self worth can only invite a self indulgence which mitigates against the very fundamentals of what some of those highly regarded dackers of 1994, held dear to them as they walked away and out of the doors of mount lawley, so many years ago. Its about the journey and all you sail with ...not just the destination ...hard to believe when enraptured with the narrow vision of stardom I know..which unfortunately many wannabees lock themselves into, to the detriment of their long term sense of self .. drama schools have their place and some of it is wasted space ...but not all of it ... The trappings of stardom I ponder ...osa ....as i lie quietly upon the green lawn ...what are they ..oh yeah ... heaps of cash, chicks, and heaps of cash and chicks and heaps more cash and chicks ... are a wonderful lure which only allows the very few to bite( major bummer) ...the rest just get on with getting on and trying to be true to themselves ...as the great one who ran waapa in those halcyon days of yore was oft heard to say....love the art in you ...not yourself in the art ....what a fucking bummer to have to hear that when dreaming of the big things ...oooh well, for many of us it worked and is still working and I am always stoked and proud for those with whom I shared that special time, when I hear titbits along the grapevine that they are perhaps achieving what they are hoping to do in any way shape or form and whatever the fuck it is ...it ain't easy ,that's why only a few of the besotted ones dare venture forth...but it aint making babies ... I didn't know that being talked about or praytell being mentioned around a skinny decaff flat white whilst catching a sideways glance at the size of your ageing arse was a green light for a self congratulatory pat on the back and a wistful knowing smile of saying " fuck man, i've kicked some serious arse " ,....but fuck ...I wish had Jackman' money!!!! at the end of the day ...i want to be hugh jackman ....and he wants to be me ...you dumb mutherfuckers ..its all about the glory ...nothing else really matters ...hold on tight kids ..its a hell of a ride ..... you can be the slave to technique ...or you can be its master ...

Tari-XalyrMon, 24 Apr 2006, 10:43 am

As a Student

As a student studying TEE (Tertiary Entrance Examinations) Drama at high school in my final year. Yes WAAPA is talked about alot and many people from my class are thinking of auditioning there. They want to audition because there isn't much opportunity to study performance theatre in WA. Only a few can afford to go over to Melbourne and Sydney etc to audition to study at say NIDA or other performance schools but in honesty I have seen many performances at WAAPA and no doubt people there have talent. You NEED it to get in but it is true it is a cut-throat industry and people understand that but if studying at a place with a good reputation can help get you a job then why not at least try. I'm not saying wAAPA is the best out there or in the country or anything like that but it has credit and i know people who have studied there and are doing quite well for themselves. On someone's comment that 50% are WAAPA students and 50% are not well if anyone saw the Lion King in Melbourne for example only two people. . .if i remember correct. . .from the whole cast and crew studied over here. They are examples of WAAPA's success but also that it isn't the only place alot of those performers studied either in the Eastern States or over seas. Sure WAAPA is good and has a good reputation but for people in WA like me and my fellow actors in my class WAAPA is the best option we can afford to have! I believe it is nor only quiality but also teh fact that WAAPA has little challengers over here in WA to contend with that helps make it more noticable. I am neither for nor against but just think that if you were 17, 18 etc and in WA with little money and little credit then WAAPA is the best option you have as a performer to develop. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

LabrugMon, 24 Apr 2006, 01:19 pm

>> Comment made was :Is it

>> Comment made was :Is it really the be all and end all of our insudtry?

No of course not. There is no be all and end all, but that is not to say that WAAPA is without any worth either. May I draw all your attentions to an article posted September Last. Follow the link.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/the-stars-rising-in-the-west/2005/08/31/1125302623838.html

Check out some of the profiles in this Black Swan Productionline up...

http://www.bstc.com.au/go/be-active-bsx-theatre/the-hotbed-artists

Or this Blue Heeler's star...

http://www.aussietv.net/ukbhw/ditch.htm

Then there is this posted back in 2002

http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_people/Transcripts/s650684.htm

Shall I go on?....

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

tammy-wTue, 25 Apr 2006, 11:06 pm

i luv waapa

Waapa is awesome, i'm doing the musical theatre cert this year, and it's great. really good place to start if you wanna be in the industry, and ecause i'm still young i want to stay in perth, so waapa is the place for me. xoxo

Walter PlingeFri, 28 Apr 2006, 10:51 am

Spelling

I'm afraid a bit of a pedant myself. I am actually horrified that young people who have qualified for University require a spell checker and presumably a grammer checker to ensure that their written work is coherent. And remember as far as I am concerned Grammer checkers are usually wrong and a spell checker has no idea whether you have used the right word or not.

Paul TreasureFri, 28 Apr 2006, 01:20 pm

SPELLING?!

"I'm afraid a bit of a pedant myself. I am actually horrified that young people who have qualified for University require a spell checker and presumably a grammer checker to ensure that their written work is coherent. And remember as far as I am concerned Grammer checkers are usually wrong and a spell checker has no idea whether you have used the right word or not." Then of course you would know that the word is GRAMMAR not GRAMMER! :-)

Walter PlingeSat, 29 Apr 2006, 10:22 am

True, My sincere apologies,

True, My sincere apologies, I should have used my spell checker.

Walter PlingeMon, 1 May 2006, 07:43 pm

im new to this chat forum!!

Hi all!! Firstly, of course the people in here make a big fuss over nothing - the spelling mistake(s) saga I mean - they are into "drama"!!!! Ad, congrats on getting into WAAPA - well done! Hope you enjoy it there! (I felt rather sorry for how your spelling was fussed over!) My parents were so incredibly pedantic about grammar and spelling and all - you would think the world turned on it!! Fortunately, I did well at English from it all - (my biological dad was a journalist, mother a secretary and had fantastic english, and my step-dad was my English teacher at school and recited "The Highway Man" for us at home - just for fun - we had spelling competitions at the family dinner table as well as harmony singing sessions!!) I love musical theatre!! I studied BA(Music) at QUT - Kelvin Grove in Qld and loved it. I wanted to study drama at uni also but didn't audition for some reason and did an English minor instead. I've been learning dance since I left uni - ballet, tap, and such - flamenco is really my forte. I love to sing and act and be a complete idiot just for fun!! Been in amateur musical theatre groups - jolly fun and good for experience. I think getting into a musical theatre course full time would be amazing!! I totally love MGM musicals and the like - growing up on them, and used to dance with my folks in the loungeroom - learning to do Pride of Erin, and to jive along with listening to heaps of 50s and 60s music which I grew to love - so energetic!! Anyhow - I talk stacks!! (especially when excited!) Very happy to meet everyone and have the privilege of chatting with you all on such a great topic - MUSICAL THEATRE and DRAMA!!

Walter PlingeTue, 2 May 2006, 09:23 am

who's around?

Who else has graduated from Waapa that we can actually talk to about it?? I want to audition (i live in perth), but i dont know of any graduates who still live here. I think that it would be good to get some idea about the place from those who have experienced it. Hopefully not every person who comes out of waapa gets swallowed up over east, never to be heard of again. I would love to get into Waapa, and even stay in WA afterwards if it is possible to get work. We can all dream !!

Janine MenzTue, 2 May 2006, 01:22 pm

Who's Around

Cisco, I totally recommend you do the Audition Masterclass and Explore Music Theatre Course that will be on this year. Contact WAAPA. They are great and well worth the money. You are taught by the teachers who teach the BA/Cert and you will get a better insight into the place, what is expected and future prospects. Why dont you go to WAAPA and speak to current students about the course etc. They are a great bunch and would only be too hapy to help.

Walter PlingeTue, 2 May 2006, 02:09 pm

Re: Whose around

Hey cisco, There are quite a few waapa grads doing their own work in Perth, as well as working for the professional companies. Think Renae McKintosh for one. i am sure there are heaps more which dont come to mind as i write this. Just get out and see as much theatre as you can, talk to people, get involved. You will learn heaps. Simone

Gilli BTue, 2 May 2006, 05:44 pm

Attn: Cisco re: Who's Around?

Cisco wrote: "Who else has graduated from Waapa that we can actually talk to about it?? I want to audition (i live in perth), but i dont know of any graduates who still live here. I think that it would be good to get some idea about the place from those who have experienced it". Here are just some (ie: the ones I know about and can recall at this particular moment) of the WAAPA Musical Theatre (BA) and Theatre graduates who are currently residing in Perth, and in most cases working in the arts in some way or other: Gillian Binks, Sharon Wisniewski, Jeremy Levi, Helen McFarlane, Timothy Schoenmakers, Paul McKay, Ann Adlem, Naomi Hanbury, Morgan Smallbone, Helen Searle, Brendan Hanson, Peter Webb, Paul Peacock, Larissa Gallagher, Rhoda Lopez..... ***Come on Balthazar I refuse to let you die, Come on fallen star I refuse to let you die, 'Cause that's wrong and I've been waiting far too long***

Walter PlingeWed, 3 May 2006, 07:23 am

Heading East?

Hey Guys, I know that most people who graduate from the BA and Acting do end up heading east, thats what the course is aimed towards. Showcasing in both Melbourne and Sydney in order to get the best possible agent and the best chance at getting commercial/touring work, or TV etc. But there is nothing that says you have to do this... In the end its your choice, you can quite easily do the course and then move back to Perth and set up your own company or work with companies here. I will admit though, after 3 years of very long days, weekends full of homework and basically working your ass off, you really do feel like you have sacrificed a lot for your art and therfore should give yourself the best chance at a successful career. Or at least this is how I feel.

Walter PlingeWed, 3 May 2006, 11:55 am

Perth may not have the same

Perth may not have the same reputation as the east, but i have spoken to grads who have been over in syd & Melb and they reckon that the industry is in such dire straits at the moment - and that there is just as much opportunity for acting work in perth !! I have seen heaps of shows that have had waapa grads in perth, both independent and professional company ! As Gilli B wrote: "Here are just some (ie: the ones I know about and can recall at this particular moment) of the WAAPA Musical Theatre (BA) and Theatre graduates who are currently residing in Perth, and in most cases working in the arts in some way or other: Gillian Binks, Sharon Wisniewski, Jeremy Levi, Helen McFarlane, Timothy Schoenmakers, Paul McKay, Ann Adlem, Naomi Hanbury, Morgan Smallbone, Helen Searle, Brendan Hanson, Peter Webb, Paul Peacock, Larissa Gallagher, Rhoda Lopez....." These are just a few of the names that are making the perth scene a more viable and exciting place ! Rock on ! Jezz Work is work is work...wherever you can get it, take it. The perth theatre/film & tv scene is really taking off.

HopefulSat, 27 May 2006, 09:06 pm

On the subject of WAAPA...

Just a question: I want to audition for Music Theatre at WAAPA this year, and I was just wondering if anyone knew how many students get in, and/or how many audition? Even if you have a stab in the dark, it would be more than I know :) I'd really appreciate any info you have. Thanks!

Walter PlingeFri, 16 June 2006, 12:04 pm

Whats so good about WAAPA

I am amazed that there is so much debate about the success of one school and its students. Hugh Jackman's success is incredible - but many of his students of 94 are still working actors. Their faces may not be splashed across the international screen but most are treading the boards, working in TV, writing etc. Dominic Purcell (began in class of 94- completed studies later) and is now forging a successful career U.S. Marty Dennis (did not complete the course) is a successful Film writer (Erskinville Kings etc). Wadih works largely in theatre - STC etc. Lisa Baumwal was a regular cast member of TV - Big Sky. Jenny Priest was a regular on TV - Pig's Breakfast. Christie Sistrunk is a regular in TV-Lockie Leonard due to be released. All of these and more have been working since graduating. The school is a brilliant training ground - so if you aspire - go for it! However, there are many who have found alternate paths in schools overseas or within Australia. There is no right way!

Walter PlingeWed, 19 July 2006, 10:10 am

U'r a bloody idiot mate And

U'r a bloody idiot mate And whats with that Make-Up ? You a musical theatre boy as well ? Figures

CrispianWed, 19 July 2006, 11:25 am

Yup indeed...

Nope - not a musical theatre boy....I'm just an bloody idiotic actor.

If you were in any way informed of world theatre, you would have known that my make-up is a partial Chinese Opera mask - playing a 'Sheng' (male) character.

Cheers,

Walter PlingeWed, 19 July 2006, 08:40 pm

waapa

i want to get into waapa...the music theatre BA....rekon i will get in??

Walter PlingeMon, 28 Aug 2006, 01:39 pm

WAAPA

we think that getting into WAAPA would be the best accomplishment ever. you would learn so many new things about dance and theatre that no other school could offer!!

Walter PlingeMon, 28 Aug 2006, 04:10 pm

Friend of mine went to

Friend of mine went to preview 2nd year WAAPA MT perfomance on the weekend OMG she said it was just the best thing ever

Walter PlingeMon, 4 Sept 2006, 08:36 am

Any help at all....

is wappa the best thing to go for if i live in perth? i want to audition for the Advance Diploma of Performing Arts course not necissarily this year and i was wondering if it is extremely difficult to get in? anything from anyone would be appreciated :-) thanks

Walter PlingeMon, 4 Sept 2006, 08:40 am

I was wondering if there is

I was wondering if there is any other courses i should do first? thanks again

LabrugMon, 4 Sept 2006, 08:48 am

Spoilt For Choice

WAAPA is quite clearly the BEST choice in Perth, but it is certainly not the ONLY Choice. I would try for WAAPA certainly but do not pin your hopes on it. There are very selective - small classes - many applicants. It's akin to the IDOL Auditions. Hundreds turn out for a handful of places.

Keep your options open and look toward the Universities also. Curtin Uni. (while having a few political issues over theatre space) is still one of the better courses in Perth along with Murdoch. There are also several smaller Theatrical Training organisations dotted around Perth.

Personally speaking, I found the best training came from actuall involvement. I did some of the Curtin Course after having been involved in Community Theatre for some years already. It taught me a few new things and most that I had already picked up along the way were refined a little.

I auditioned for WAAPA Several Times and on the third time I worked up the courage to ask about my performance. I was told that I was "too well trained" to be considered, that there was "little they could teach me." Now I am not sure if they are positive comments or not, you decide. I found them to be simple statements of fact with out colouration.

They want people they can teach specific skills to. They do not USUALLY take students straight from High School. They can afford to be very picky with who gets in.

Still, if you don't give it a go, you will never know. Also, take leaf out of my book, even if you get accepted, follow up with your audition and find out exactly what you did right or wrong. Helps prepare you for the next audition the following year.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer who can also sing
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

LabrugMon, 4 Sept 2006, 08:49 am

What comes first

Helen, it's not a matter of what to do first. Go for it now, as well as other things. Do what you can. If you try an order it, you could very well miss out on other opportunities. You just take your future by the horns and run with it. It's all about you after all.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer who can also sing
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

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