why I dropped out of drama school!

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[@MW53516]

When I was an MT, our ballet teacher pointed to the skinniest girl in class and said that’s what a “serious” dancer looks like. A week later she was hospitalized with an eating disorder and missed the rest of the semester.

[@HonestVocalCoach]

I totally admire you more now. What a journey! You made the right choices for you. Nothing - A chorus line x

[@AmyLovatt1]

Haha you’re so right about it being like mr Karl!!! And thank you love 🥰🥰

[@IrishFriendsFan]

Omg legends supporting legends!

[@faeltheforestgirl1438]

I thought of the same thing lol

[@quenepacrossing4675]

Soo much like chorus line wth awful

[@randylouie8704]

sorry to be so off topic but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me

[@onegirlarmy4401]

I have a very thin friend who was constantly told by dance teachers that she needed to lose weight. She was under 100 lbs (and she's also tall) and kept getting told to lose "just another 5." She quit professional dancing after getting told that over and over and realizing that anorexia and weight obsession wasn't what she wanted for her life. The fat shaming culture needs to change!

[@AmyLovatt1]

That’s so upsetting to hear! It’s awful isn’t it that people feel so comfortable to talk about other people’s weight!

[@megangroen2855]

Absolutely atrocious that a teacher brought up your weight like that!

[@AmyLovatt1]

Yeah :/ it wasn’t nice!

[@Kat-xy7fm]

Obviously that teacher had chosen the comedian route since she was acting like a clown. It was extremely inappropriate, especially in front of the rest of the class. Idk about the UK but in the US that's public humiliation and you can lose your teaching license for that.

[@auroraverkerk9946]

Unfortunately that happens a lot :/

[@kash8220]

The truth hurts.

[@Mitali]

I studied a BA in French. In my third year I had to move to France to work as a teaching assistant. I was there for 6 days. In those 6 days I acquired a stalker, had a panic attack that lasted solidly for four days and lost over a stone. I had to move home and drop out of uni. So many people said I had ruined my life. Ten years on I have a first class degree, a masters, a post grad diploma and I work in an industry I love. There are so many opportunities out there. It's okay to decide something isn't right for you and take your time to find something that suits. It was so interesting to hear your story Amy and I'm glad you still pursued performing!

[@idolevin8795]

Wow... Good on you!

[@jamies9040]

Good for you girl! It’s people like you who I love to listen to for motivation, not to mention these kinds of “rise up” experiences inspire people!!

[@chamallow989]

Wow, that’s really sad. That’s also crazy to me because I am french and it’s so far from what I experience here. I think you got really unlucky and got in a really bad place. Hopefully you don’t hate france too much after all of this

[@Mitali]

@@chamallow989 Oh yes. I don't blame France at all. I just got overwhelmed and it was the first time I was attempting to live abroad. I've been to France on holiday before and since and it is a lovely country with great people :)

[@Mitali]

@@jamies9040 Aw this is such a lovely response x

[@HopeWilson1]

When you’re applying to drama school this year: 👁👄👁

[@jamiehood850]

Going through the same thing right now. I hope it will be ok for both of us!

[@AmyLovatt1]

You’ll be amazing and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Everyone’s experience is super different and there’s a lot of positives!

[@hiimmloom]

i'll be doing the same soon👀

[@Pheobewjt]

When you applied to mountview and it’s your number one choice 👁👄👁

[@HopeWilson1]

@@Pheobewjt omg literally same but I’ve literally seen nobody get recalls so I’m not optimistic lol

[@jaimeesummer5334]

As a gal hoping to go to Mountview this is MAJOR YIKES

[@AmyLovatt1]

Nah I know so many people who had good experiences there so don’t let it put you off!

[@oliverpayne8863]

Imagine getting 100% on a test saying there you best and then a week later getting fired because they needed to fire someone

[@AmyLovatt1]

I know 😩😩😩😩

[@melissezgin4226]

As a mid-size girl starting Foundation at Mountview this year, thanks for making me aware of this stuff. I've been super unsure about my choice to do theatre as opposed to my other interests, and while i still plan on going in with an open mind, i really appreciate your honesty about it, cus now i feel more prepared just in case i have a similar experience. lots of love!

[@codydyer]

Im looking into going to mountview next September, can I ask how you found the course, like what was your experience and was it worth it?

[@sianh]

I dropped out of a Musical Theatre course - I wasn't learning anything and felt so homesick. Turns out to be one of the best decisions I ever made as I went home, went to a uni nearby and did psychology instead. This led to me moving around the country to study (finally got over my homesick vibes!) I now have my PhD, I'm a Dr of research and have a job doing health psychology research, which I'm good at and I love! (still a musical theatre nerd at heart though!)

[@kyuw3248]

I totally get where you're coming from. Unfortunately, as much as I love theatre, the environment in some places are just super toxic. Especially with type casting, I'm Asian so more often than not I'm usually given the short end of the stick when it comes to opportunities compared to my peers. I love the theatre community with all my heart but sometimes people are just ugh💀.

[@onegirlarmy4401]

I'm so sorry that your school situation wasn't what you had expected. You're beautiful and capable. And I love hearing your "over analysis" of everything. Keep posting videos.

[@AmyLovatt1]

Thank you, you’re so kind!

[@DanReevelandTV]

Your drama school experience is SO similar to mine. I did a foundation and it killed my confidence. After that I had my worst round of auditions ever and decided to take a different route. I now write and perform my own shows which I love and have had a good amount of “success” with

[@ict-teacher_online6838]

Drama education, I think, is definitely one area where you need to really trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable in a class, that's normal. If the teacher notices that and only makes you feel worse, that's how you know that you're to move on. The best teachers don't push you into doing anything that's triggering or uncomfortable, they build you up first and encourage you to trust your gut.

[@lauragrey8611]

The last time I was this early, Jamie and Cathy were happy

[@rosiereadsalot8939]

this is probably my favourite comment in the history of comments

[@lauragrey8611]

@@rosiereadsalot8939 thank you so much!

[@selectedshipper8282]

Oof, too soon

[@bunnies17]

I’m a second year on the Mountview BA at the moment and I’m really sorry you had this experience.. :( it’s mad. this is completely the opposite experience that i’ve had at Mountview.. i think it may have changed a lot, i’m not sure when you went there but currently for me it’s nothing but a supportive and loving environment. i suffer with mental health stuff and they’ve just been incredible.

[@Lia.harlin]

Urgh I’m so sorry you had that experience! I went to Central for my masters and agree it wasn’t what you expect. I wish they would let prospective students observe for a day to get a feel of what to expect! It’s especially difficult being working class at drama school and struggling with money on top of the stress of it anyway!

[@tashlentine]

I did a summer school before auditioning for my drama school - I already knew on paper the school and course were the ones I wanted, but I also wanted to see what the vibe was like with the teachers and the admin and everything before I actually applied by working with them for a short course. Yeah you have to pay but i'd rather spend a few hundred quid for a short course and go 'well that place is toxic' than fork ££££ for a a ba/ma/mfa and be stuck in a hellscape for 1-3 years. Like the teachers at RADA were absolutely lovely, but the admissions person I spoke to gave me major ick vibes and I could tell there was definitely an aspect to the culture there because of her that I wanted no part of for an MA and I could tell that from just one day of being there.

[@anjirhiannon2912]

I've been planning to audition for drama schools for postgrad for years, when I came out of college, I was so stressed about being a plus size actress, not having the best ability, as well as moving far away from home. It's been 3 years and 2 unis (UCLan is 👏so good👏) since I first auditioned and I'm so glad I didn't go for drama schools back then, I think it would've destroyed my love for performing at the time I'm feeling more confident in my skills to try after uni now, even if I am plus size!

[@efe8085]

This is honestly so heartbreaking. People can be so shitty. I feel like for the sake of my dreams I just need to accept how awful people can be, or ill give up. I cant imaginw going through half of the shit you had to endure. I hope your doing okay now and I hope you know those experiences are a reflection of the cruel people that subjected you to them, and nothing to with you or your abilities.

[@TheHobbitsTale]

As a Mountview Grad this was so interesting to watch, and you are definetly not alone when it comes to your experiences there from the classes and bad casting. I've had some of the best times there, but my god the things that those teacher say and throw on you can be so damaging. The only thing that kept me sane was the amazing mental health support there. I think they've gotten a lot better, since they changed A LOT in my third year for the 1st and 2nd year students. (I'm glad you found out that it wasn't for you, as an international student I didn't really "have a choice" because of my student loan contract.) The biggest thing that still IRKS me is the "THIS IS MY SONG" because that happens way to many times. Just shows how insecure they are tbh.

[@faithhernandez764]

The other theatre KZbinrs: ratatouille the musical Amy: lol i droped out of school

[@rosiereadsalot8939]

me; **wanting to go to med school** also me; **can't act or sing and watches so many videos about drama school**

[@Jon-qi5ys]

Same!! I can act just can’t sing 😭😭

[@rainbowpearlvlogsandanimations]

I’m at a part time performance school, but even though singing and acting are definitely more my strong suit they put a lot of emphasis on the dance aspect which even after three years I’m still the weakest in, and I just feel like I’m the worst even though I’m the oldest, I also generally feel like I’m worrying about nothing, but I stay because I need to if I want any sort of future...

[@betulceyhan8519]

Hey, i realized my passion for theater as i am finishing med school and I just attend acting courses right now. I don’t plan on being a full-time actress and still enjoy it as an amateur. Not everyone has to go drama school to act imo. But if you really like drama you can give the school a chance too.

[@jamezsings6316]

I’m currently deferring from Drama School (although I may never go back) Due to not being conventionally attractive, and having other boys and girls being more attractive than me, I felt quite devalued and not seen or noticed. I know that “sex sells” is a thing and that attractive people get more opportunities and you have to deal with that if you wanna be in the industry. I felt like my work ethic and passion didn’t matter (which ppl told me that was all you needed to be successful. Liars.) And then, having issues with my physical appearance along with my mental health it just wasn’t worth suffering through the course and not leaving just so I didn’t look like a quitter, a complainer, envious, petty, etc. I don’t know, at the moment I’m looking into doing something else. But my passion and love for theatre is still so strong and I keep aspiring for it, but at the same time I’m loosing interest and love for it as it’s done damage to me. Also, MT is one of the reasons I’m contemplating altering my appearance/surgery and losing weight (even tho everyone tells me I don’t need to. My body is quite average.) but I’m still making a decision on that and making sure it’s rational. Sorry for the rant, the thought of leaving Drama School sparked it and I needed to get it down. Chances are everything I said made no sense 😂 Anyways, hope everyone had/has a great day 😊

[@IslaMcIntyre]

This was 2 years ago.. out of interest what are you doing now?

[@jamezsings6316]

@@IslaMcIntyre hey, oh my goodness I completely forgot about this comment. I finished my BA degree in Musical Theatre just about a month ago and then got signed with an agent and ended up straight into a job as a production vocalist right as I finished uni and able to move away from and live on sight where I work and get to do what I love as well as learn so many new skills and grow and develop as not only a performer but a person too. I will say that my mindset back then was awful and not healthy and taking the year out of Musical Theatre was the best decision ever and I recommend it to anyone struggling. Wow, this really has taken me back and made me seen how far I have come. Thank you much for the reply and bringing me back. Xx

[@NatalieBlenford]

I came across this by chance.. I relate. I auditioned for the MA musical theatre at Mview years ago... I was soooooo desperate to be accepted - I saw it a huge badge of honour to get accepted by such a prestigious school. I remember doing the dance call first - I did the “non dancers” track. Then I sang a song - There are worse things i can do, from Grease. Because I was warmed up from the dancing, the big notes flew out of me and I knew they liked it. Then I was asked to do my second song (if I were a bell) and they gave me a weird except we where I had to pretend to be singing into a camera (this was 2008! Waaaaay before self tapes and zoom auditions). They kept stopping me, telling me I was moving my face too much, trying too hard... but still I felt good. Like I’d proved myself. They made a cut and kept me for the afternoon. We did an acting workshop - it was good fun. Then they sat us down in a circle to talk to those of us left about fees. It was super expensive but there was some funding available if we were lucky. I left feeling like, yes, this is it - a non dancer is going to get into Mountview and become a leading lady. Two days later I got a letter telling me I didn’t get in. I also got dumped by my then boyfriend on the same day. I thought life was over. HEARTBROKEN! I didn’t apply anywhere else for a year. I was so affected by the rejection. I Yoni that place has slash HAD a special cache and ability to make you feel so powerful if you’re let in - and so crap if you’re kept out. Endpoint: I auditioned for the MA at Central the next year, got in, borrowed all the money for fees from the co-op bank, graduated, got an agent. Paid back the entire loan with money earned on an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical uk tour ☺️ I loved Central and felt like it fitted me much better as an actor/singer. I’m still in the industry now although mainly as a screen actor. Most people I know who trained on the 3 year BA courses have long since quit the business. So moral of your story and mine is: you gotta find your own path. And as Margaret Atwood writes in The Handmaid’s Tale: don’t let the b****** grind you down!! 🙏🏼

[@lalalalaaAa123]

Sounds like Mountview foundation is filled with bad teachers 😌❤️ I went to drama school and to a good teacher, the idea of a student not being able to grow is laughable.

[@hannahdefrates]

That's really awful what those teachers said to you. My heart goes out to you Amy. You are a star and a hard worker and you will succeed. I believe in you!

[@user-hr7ju1ek1w]

Please help tomorrow I have a drama assessment I'm really worried that I'm going to mess it up and because I'm 11 it's actually my first time performing one stage. So yeah I'm really nervous! Edit: I didn't end up actually doing it today because my partner (who is playing Peter Pan) was sick. So we're going to do it in about 2 weeks time which does give me some time to get all my nerves out of me. Thank you so much for all love and support you are the nicest most loveliest people ever! Thank you!!

[@historyonics]

I'm sure you'll do great! Best of luck xx

[@Natalie-101]

I believe in you!

[@clarishorakova]

Wishing you luck! ✨❤️

[@amyhall1670]

Good luck❤️❤️

[@AmyLovatt1]

You’ll be awesome! We’re all backing you!!! 🥰🌟♥️

[@mollynarbey5359]

Me applying to drama school this year and being really scared

[@AmyLovatt1]

You’ll be awesome!!!

[@garfieldweezermug4975]

You will do amazing

[@raphaellaphilcoxtheatre]

I had a similar experience somewhere else. I auditioned for drama schools for 4 years and wait from being on wait lists one year to getting immediate no's the next. In the end I realised it wasn't serving me and now I'm studying to be a set designer and the happiest I've been. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@willmelhuish5453]

Here's someone who went to drama school: Saw the same thing every day with tutors saying students need to lose weight to be more castable (usually only on musical theatre courses); ridiculous how foundation course students auditioning for BA course have to audition within the first 3 months of starting - how the hell are they expecting you to master your craft after just a short time period?! Then the ones who havent got into BA courses have to finish the foundation anyway knowing they've not got anywhere to go after spending upto £16,000 on one year. Take my advice, the only thing worth crediting about going is that you meet some great people and the showcase is an opportunity for a bunch of industry professionals to see your work who wouldn't otherwise. Keep your head up and keep proactive

[@QuarterMoonRachel]

This is resonating with me today. I'm currently debating strongly whether to drop out of my online distance learning master's. I absolutely hate it; it doesn't suit my learning style, it's not something I'm passionate about, and I am getting behind on my work because I'm struggling to self-motivate. Apart from hating failure and not wanting to disappoint people, the only real things keeping me in is that I'm invested in my dissertation idea and the modules next semester look more interesting but I can't really see myself ever really doing well with the style :/ This was not my first choice of course which makes me feel a bit better about hating it but I was hoping to be able to use it to help me do other things I am passionate about in the future. Idk

[@strawberrycheesecake5502]

Maybe you could transfer schools after Covid is over? Still, good luck with your thesis, you'll come to a decision.

[@sarahandacamera4445]

Can we please talk about how she got a sponsor??? Congrats Amy!!

[@user-zc3ms4qi5x]

Thank you so much for this video I’m from Ireland and have high hopes to come to London and study musical theatre but this video gave me a lot to think about we often believe that the places we want to go are perfect but sometimes there not and if I do get the opportunity to come to London and study I will make sure to my well-being into account what that drama teacher said to you was disgusting and not true in the slightest you are gorgeous🥰 Your videos have honestly helped me so much they give me a insight in the type of industry I want to go into keep doing what your doing girl can’t wait to see you someday on the Westend 🤍x

[@Lobxx1]

That person had no right to call you out in front of everyone about something that wasn't any of their business.

[@vindikat1093]

Greetings from Seattle WA USA! Whenever somebody (a teacher or supervisor) feels the need to use people for target practice in a public setting. (especially with sensitive subjects like weight or looks) things won't get better. GO! RUN! DON'T LOOK BACK! DON'T pay for people to treat you like crap. When things like this happen a part of you dies. For me,I never find the enthusiasm and motivation again. It gets depressing and truly a waste your time and talent. Find other avenues that hone your skill and fulfills you. You are quite engaging and your talent is quite evident in your videos. I always look forward to your videos and I'm a Gleek too! Take care and good luck!

[@katemarshall6488]

I relate so hard to this! Flashback to dropping out of CSSD when the last project rolled around because the whole course was shambolic and I was like why the hell am I forcing my miserable self to stay!

[@CurtisIsacc]

This is one of the few videos that I’ve found which details the nitty gritty of life as an upcoming actor - I think a lot of people like to only show the whimsical, bright side of it but are not willing to share the hard work they did to actually get there, so I applaud you for your honesty and bravery in telling the truth! I actually wanted to know how easy it is to get an agent to notice you without any credits or without going to drama school? If you could give some perspective on how you got your agent that would be fab! Love your channel! 🎉🎉🎉✨

[@emmagreenman206]

I’m doing the MT foundation course at GSA at it’s amazing. They are so supportive and kind and I have gained so much confidence ready for auditions. So sad that the teachers on your course made you feel like that. Hope you feel better now x💗

[@eleanoryoung9755]

I left my foundation musical theatre course after 3 months, due to mental health, seeing someone else that has dropped out made me feel a lot better about my desision of leaving, thank you so much x

[@lucymckain834]

I struggle with overthinking too which is why I hate improv stuff. Like in a show and something goes wrong or whatever - sure I can think of something. But I hate improv games! 😭

[@SugarAndSmiles]

We played "What's In The Box?" in my foundie year at drama school, safe to say I'm scarred and very triggered 😂😂

[@LuciferWye]

I've just had to take a year out of uni because it was getting too much, though it's not the same situation this video has made me think more positively about it so thank you.

[@sarahharris5135]

I've been struggling recently with college and my depression has been getting worse, so this video came at the perfect time. I'm studying hospitality, but my passion is with musical theatre. I think I'll work on getting a job and try to audition on Backstage for a bit. I've never been in a show before (I was really shy as a kid), but it's my dream job. Given how difficult this year has been, I might as well go for it.

[@kellygarrett4262]

Reading the comments here on this video have made me feel immensely better. I left an acting school in NYC due to a shakeup in the faculty and just COVID overall.. long story short, I have a lot of doubts and feel like I’ve totally messed up… but hearing that people have followed their paths in different ways here have made me feel so so much better. You all are so much more helpful than you know!

[@madlad4686]

as a drama school applicant this scares me

[@AmyLovatt1]

Please don’t let this worry you! Everyone has different experiences and this was also a long time ago!

[@alexandredumbass2240]

I'm in drama school in London just now, but for the backstage side of things. It's a difficult course in terms of long hours, and sometimes 6 days a week if they need you during build or tech weeks. And I'm also feeling pretty isolated and lonely in London - it's such a full on course I don't have much energy to do anything else when I do have time. I want to try and make it work because it is good training and the school I'm at is very good, but sometimes I wonder if how bad I can feel now will be worth it in the future. Especially when I can see myself maybe just being happy working in a library and enjoying theatre as something I watch as an audience member or do as a hobby on amateur shows! But I also don't want to let everyone down or have to tell people I dropped out, if I did. Anyway, it is a horrible thing to go through and worry about, so I'm happy for you that you got out the other end and it was the right choice. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@insertnamehere3971]

I've had to drop out too. No one ever pointed out my weight but I am curvy / plus size and they did express concern on my ability to handle the cardio. I guess that's also because I sucked at Ballet, lol. I am still super bummed about basically being asked to drop out. I also expressed some social anxiety (I am autistic) that concerned them, too. So I guess they didn't wanna deal with me anymore.

[@sofia5210]

Hey where are my fellow theatre kids at?! Love you Amy! 🎭❤️

[@sansmaedacanon700]

im finishing my gcses this year and now that ive been thinking about what i wanna do after a levels, this has really opened my eyes about drama schools

[@Hannah-ck8ko]

That is so unbelievably out of order to tell her about choosing between comedy part or leading lady due to her weight- furious!

[@Dancestar1981]

It needs to change the industry is so biased skinny people getting lead roles and everyone else missing out when they’re more capable but normal size

[@livridley3515]

When I was training (literally last year, 2019) we had a theatre professional come in and I overheard her say the exact same comment about weight to a boy in my class. Thankfully not in front of everyone, but still?????? This mentality is absolute shite and its horrendous that it's still prevalent today

[@marya234]

I wish I had seen more stories like yours last year when I really wasn't enjoying uni but it was so scary to drop out, and everyone else seemed to be doing fine so I waited until I just couldn't take it anymore. but it really isn't that big of a deal, everyone's journey is so different! thanks for sharing, I'm pretty sure you helped some lost 18yearolds out there

[@sallyfellows959]

I went there the second year it was fulltime and the only year we had the BA course teachers. It did seem to change a lot content-wise and the audition pushed back to January but I was told the exact same thing that I'd never be good enough with no evidence of this whatsoever by the head of course and kept getting told I needed to lose weight ( I was a size 14). The whole thing was so bizarre and felt like a fever dream and about 6 people got onto the BA and 6 of us on the reserve and the head of the year AGAIN said he couldn't believe I got that far!! I'd never regret it and made some incredible friends and teachers but wonder if my experience would have been different if I class trained myself. It made me choose to do something else in theatre and trained at Central instead but I wonder if I would still be in MT if it wasn't for this experience! But still, seen Mountview produce some incredible work and talent so I'm not bashing them either! just my experience :)

[@jeferies2227]

This video has come up on my recommended as I'm considering dropping out of musical theatre. At my previous place I always found MT a stressful but enjoyable thing to do, even as a mid-size girl who hadn't danced before. Now I'm in a new place and I'm the only bigger girl in the entire school, and even though the teachers aren't like the horror stories I've heard of, its still an incredibly damaging experience, especially as I do struggle with disorded eating and my gender struggles as well. There isn't one day I haven't felt miserable and I keep getting told "we know its hard but push through and its worth it!" But I keep thinking why am I putting myself through this if I'm not happy, its not worth it. At least not for me.

[@professorthread]

I ended up leaving acting for costuming. I've thought about getting into voice over work (now that I have blue hair, tattoos, and a septum piercing lol), but the stress and body shaming and weird hours weren't worth it to me.

[@JeJeJeremy]

I went to Mountview 11 years ago when it was still in Wood Green. I think the musical theatre course there is amazing. I did learn a lot. I am so sorry to hear that you had a terrible time there, I can totally see where you come from. Sometimes what the teachers say can affect one's confidence for life. As a Chinese student, I had never touched any Shakespeare materials before Mountview, and of course I'd struggle with it, and one year wasn't enough for me to learn it as well as the others. The director was someone external, and I am sure he has done a lot before teaching us, but his classes were so old-schooled and boring. He didn't bother to dig deep into the beauty of the Shakespearean text, and instead demonstrated everything. So for a whole term, all we learned was copying his steps and way of delivering the lines. I challenged him once, questioning what he could actually learn from being 'robots', and he must have been offended. After the end of term project, his comment to me was something like "if you want to pursue acting as your future career, I wish you lots of luck as you need it." I just laughed the tore that paper into pieces and threw it in the bin. Luckily I was more mature when I went there and mentally I wouldn't be influenced buy any of this, but I can totally imagine if I was 18 and how this could have damaged my confidence. And now I have left the college for 11 years, I have seen and done enough to say that whatever harsh things people say to you, just absorb the good bits from them, and get rid of all the negativity. After all, it is your own life and your own future, and no one else would have a say about it. I am not acting anymore, but I am having a career that is equally as interesting and rewarding, and I don't regret going to drama school at all. Hope this helps and all the best!

[@ania7086]

you're amazing!! that took a lot of courage to do!!

[@indiajessierocks]

This is making me feel so much better about not getting into drama school. I’m on a practical (drama school style) course. The tutors are so amazing and supportive and I love it

[@redfrog45]

Ok but why is there such a culture of creative arts teachers just rampantly bullying their students? Because I *also* dropped out of my music program because one professor and I had an utterly toxic relationship that resulted in me crying after every class with her (which one semester was four days a week😬) and I KNOW that I was not the only student who had a problem with said professor NOR was she the only professor who had complaints like that in the music department. What is it about a creative arts program that just attracts abusive behavior?

[@damaris3807]

I remember my first semester at architecture school when a professor told me "an architect should know this" and many other things, I wanted to cry, I arrived home, told my brother and he said: "maybe because you're not an architect", I was like 👁️👄👁️ I hate when people like to make you feel you're not gonna make it when you're just at the beginning.

[@caseymoore1427]

I can relate to this so much! I did the foundation course at SLP college 6 years ago and went through a very similar experience with it. I ended up leaving just before end of year show too. However I was also told I hadn't tried hard enough because I had a month off. I had elbow surgery and couldn't dance and they used that against me. I havent done any performing since which is devastating as I loved it so much. Good on you still having the confidence to work for your dream.

[@reenemorrison7139]

Only half way through your video and completely shocked how you were treated in your foundation year. No student should be made to feel like that especially in a vocational training where things can be physically and emotionally taxing. Drama school is all about making mistakes, being open, generous and most importantly being playful and having fun. We’re all over thinkers, we all have habits, we’re human beings not robots. You should never feel ashamed for being a human! A good drama school will teach you, you are enough , you’re interesting enough, you don’t need to do anything! You should be in an environment which makes you feel relaxed and playful. Drama school is all about gaining experience and learning a foundation of techniques or tools so whenever inspiration isn’t there, or when you’re not very relaxed then you go through conscious means to get to the subconscious. Being in an environment like the one you have described takes away any feeling of being relaxed to explore and being open to even participate in discovering what works best for you! I hope you continue your journey in acting and don’t let this experience stop you from applying to different drama schools in the future. I admire how courageous you are, and please know you are enough, you are beautiful, smart, playful and open and any other drama school would only be lucky to have you one their course! Xx

[@ameliajeancrabtree]

i'm 16 and currently go to the brit school and a lot of the teacher's don't endorse drama school (not that i personally think it's bad, just repeating what they said). it's not for everyone and i'm glad you left when you did and that you're happier because of it, but what they said to you sounds horrible and should never be said to anyone

[@moth1365]

I'm so glad to hear someone talking about how okay it is to drop out! I have a very turbulent past with education - it took me three years to get to uni after I finished sixth form due to not knowing where I wanted to be, and I still ended up dropping out because I realised the course I was on wasn't going to lead to a career I truly wanted. The knowledge all my sixth form friends would have graduated and started their masters by the time I would have been starting on the foundation year of my dream uni course almost made me not apply, but I did and fuck. I'm so happy. The fear of falling behind is so real at first, but it genuinely never crosses my mind anymore now I'm where I want to be. I've met so many other mature students on my course too, and I just can't express how much it was worth it. Dropping out does not equal failure, no matter where you end up after, and the concept that it does needs to be destroyed.

[@ludvigsundell9]

Drama schools are hard, and it’s always a tougher than we’d expect. However different things are hard on different people! We are all different and my experience with MV is that they cherish that. This vid was really a major wake up call that even if I find something easy or not to be a big deal, it can be a real heaviness on someone else. It is also truly devastating that money has such a huge impact on the ability to enjoy or even attend a drama school. That really has to change in my opinion! Thank u for this Amy, so important to remember that life isnt a sprint. Its not likely that many of us will end up where we’d expect, but when all is said and done, I think the paths we’ve taken will take us to where we belong💕🌟

[@anthonyL1995]

I was in a performing arts high school program through a public school district. It was definitely prestige for what it was but regardless... It was very much either you lend all your free time to helping out after school OR you buy 50+ tickets (that was an actual thing for some people) OR your parents volunteered all their free time if you wanted a decent role. That's not to say that was the case for everyone cast even the leads but their were definitely students who had no business being on stage for certain shows be part of the show. I dealt with theatre teachers who would use forms of acting exorcises to emotionally break down an actor and then build them back up slowly but only when the teacher was ready (and this is a real method used in many acting schools and companies, here is the issue... Half these kids are just there for fun and they are 14-18 years old...) As much as I love theatre and I miss acting, I don't miss theatre politics.

[@elzmelz]

Last year I started my PGCE to get my qualified teaching status. I had to quit because of finances and support at the school I was working at. I unfortunately had a horrible mentor who told me no one liked me. It's a long story but I really struggled with it and thought it would end my carer and my dreams. I ended up TAing in a local school, fell in love with the place, started covering some lessons and now they're looking at training me in the next few years. Sometimes you need to take a longer route to get where you want to be, but you'll get there ❤️

[@rosennadstygia9890]

Hello Sweetie! I feel you. I'm older than you and ended up growing up in Australia but I have a somewhat similar experience. As a teen I was cast in a couple of musicals. I was very slim back then and my voice was strong. A couple of years later I was *curvy" and unable to land even a amateur role. I turned my focus to directing. I was privileged to direct an award winning (Rock and Roll Eisteddfod) production and assistant director/drama coach position for an Adelaide production of "The Maids". I also completed a short theatre direction course with NIDA with great feedback from the lecturers. Like you, it didn't pan out financially and I ended up working at a bloody bank! I still love live theatre, particularly musicals but will never audition for a part again, nor do I think I'll ever direct once more. It is a super bitchy industry and I'm over it. I love your videos and desperately need to know where you got your awesome green and pink hairbands. You are gorgeous, thank you for your videos. xx

[@ClaraJansson96]

I haven’t dropped out of any of my previous educations. I have taken two educations which prepare you for higher education in musical theatre and one university course in dance. But right now I’m not studying anything because I want to save what’s left of my student loans until I can get a vocational education. And what really sucks is that so many of my friends are already in drama school and I just have been stuggling for two years. This spring will be the third time I will be auditioning and if I don’t get in this time I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself. But that’s just my journey I guess.

[@MW53516]

Also when I was an MT our school took about 15 kids per year and was very selective. But recently the department changed heads and decided they needed more money. So now they are a cut program that accepts every student who applies and cuts most of them before junior year. It seems like they always cut everyone who isn’t a size 2. It’s terrible.

[@Userrrrrrr789]

I can’t believe an acting teacher actually said that. A lot (not all) of those “acting exercises” are totally worthless/don’t teach you anything at all, so it’s hilarious to think someone “being bad” at those would make them a bad actor 🙄 This is exactly like Nothing from A Chorus Line! Love ya, Amy! Glad it didn’t keep ya down! :)

[@twilightsquire]

Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision picking my BA Acting Course, the uni is still relatively new and not prestigious at all but I didn't want to leave home. However my teachers are nothing but friendly, most still work within the industry so they can tell us what it is like now and no one would ever dream of commenting on anyone's weight. Stuff like this and the recent controversies surrounding some top UK Drama Schools made me glad I chose somewhere relaxed, modern and local for my training even if it's not the best at least when I've been going through tough things mentally I've had good people and support around me. 😅

[@lucygrayson6034]

I'm very luckily going to a drama school in Nottingham which is closer to me rather than London because I don't think I could bear being that far from family. I'm 20 going straight onto the 3 year MT course which is not what I was expecting considering I don't have much of a technical background in dance and singing. I'm hoping I have less of a toxic environment, only because it's the only drama school I visited pre-covid and the only one I could afford to audition for with the fee. Having signed all the contracts and being on an assisted place with a sponsor to afford the fees, I'm basically already all signed up for 3 years with no way out unless I completely breakdown and hate it. But in my assisted place auditions, the teachers were lovely and made me (a very naturally anxious person) very comfortable and one of the dance teachers is someone I've learnt from before and admire so much. I come from a low-income family (not enough for benefits, but somewhat annoyingly some people that are unemployed with benefits get more than us per year) so I've worked real hard and this has been my dream school for around 4 years. Sorry for the rant but I'm hoping and praying I'll have a good experience!!!!

[@steviec3737]

I struggled so much during my uni course, I hated every single day but I felt so much shame for even considering leaving so I just stayed and was so miserable... all I ever hear is people who had the time of their lives so it’s nice to hear someone’s real experience that’s more similar to my own 😬

[@JadeJohnsonheyjade]

Here’s to the drama school dropouts 🙌🏾😂 great video!!

[@justinejustine9130]

Currently at drama studio for acting right now and I’m glad to hear your take I think a lot of people feel forced into foundation degrees when they aren’t always the best choice. I also did one before getting into the drama school I’m currently at and while I think it was a choice I rlly needed to build my confidence for a lot of people it is completely unnecessary. I think foundations are a great middle step for some people but for others it isn’t a wise choice it’s a lot of money to just get a feel for if you want to attend drama school. I think for a lot of people drama school is the wrong choice and it takes a lot of thought, it’s incredibly expensive to audition over and over again and when you finally get in it costs even more. Also yes a foundation is in no way a guarantee of a 3 year place at any school, it’s a good way to get a feel for a school and for drama school in general but super expensive for the average person. Also the comments on your weight were unnecessary we’ve had conversations already on casting types etc but none involved anyone’s weight and our personal training sessions are based on general fitness rather than weight loss. I’m sorry you had that experience.

[@amylynn3821]

Your story of the acting teacher immediately made me thing of Nothing from A Chorus Line. I know nothing about school in the UK but that course sounds like a bit of a scam. It seems similar to something in the US for people who want to go to medical school. If they apply and don't get in, several schools offer a 1-2 year Master's or certificate program focusing on premedical courses. They sell them as basically a sure way to get into Medical School but the statistics aren't great. I know students who graduated college and didn't get into medical school who thought that they would go for a year, pay the ridiculous tuition and then found out that only 1-2 out of 30 people in their course actually got into Medical School (and like the above program, they had to start applying before they had gotten any grades from the program). After the program, they felt scammed, like they had just wasted a year of their life and $30,000 for nothing.

[@mariesagearing]

I wish I could say I was shocked by all of this, but I've heard of so many similar experiences for everything you have described. Well done young Amy for knowing your worth and moving on!

[@melody8880]

I'm on my third year in drama school and I have heard and experienced stuff, but oh my god they didn't treat you properly, I just hope you are feeling good now, (they say to take care of your health especially these days but we often forget how important our mental health is) ❤❤

[@LivvElliott96]

Thanks for this video Amy! I was looking at going to drama school for acting but was worried that I wouldn’t be confident enough or strong enough to hold my own. But hearing your experience, has made me positive that I made the right decision going to a university to do my drama degree.My experience was so positive and without the pressures that come from drama school training, I was able to make mistakes and grow in a comfortable and safe environment! Also I am such a stan of yours!! I just think you are awesome 😊

[@farrahhughes5857]

You are such a friendly and headstrong person, I’m glad you removed yourself from that situation that is unacceptable and just plain insulting not even the excuse of constructive criticism. I am currently on East 15’s foundation course and they really do put their students forward. It’s been chaotic with Covid but still beneficial, unfortunately this foundation course wasn’t supporting you at all and it’s so hard when you pay all that money to have that experience. Hope you’re well! And best wishes for the new year ❤️ x

[@gabriellerichardson1273]

Good for you Amy... the more rejection you encounter the better you become and the closer to success. Keep going x

[@XxLaurenBabiXx]

I attended Mountview on the theatre production course, I knew a few months in I knew that it wasn’t for me, it wasn’t what I expected and I didn’t feel like it played to my skill strengths at all, I never wanted to go in to lectures and I was so unhappy I made the decision to leave and it was the best thing I ever did. I moved to Leeds and retrained in television and now I’m a Production Secretary, always got to follow your heart and do what’s best for you 💕

[@lolacrossan7820]

Hey amy (if u ever see this), idk if u want to do this, but if u get the chance, could you please do a video on how to start off being an actor? i consider myself quite a theatre kid, but i don't really know how to start off a possible career (with barely any money), and I'm guessing there are others like me. thanks so much!!!

[@jodavi5763]

I NEED to go to drama school

[@lyxazz1468]

Thank you for sharing that experience. I literally went through the same s*ht with the exception that I had a great job but they had to fire me because of Corona and then I also moved back home. I really admire you!!!

[@andyhartley]

The students' union welfare officer in me is super impressed with your in depth knowledge of student council tax exemptions (although you still would have qualified for a 25% single person reduction if you were the only person liable for council tax in a property).

[@EVITANDY]

I have heard this story about Mountview before. I have worked for them twice, and not enjoyed either time.

[@selenathompson9329]

Good for you!!! So clear to see you know your worth and mental health is more important!! so much respect xxxx

[@valeriemichaud3026]

I was studying to be an english teacher in a french school and i dropped out after a semester. I was in a hard place in my life (got cheated on and dumped and lost a lot of shared friends from that). I was really counting on uni to help me and it didn't. The classes were not what i was expecting, some people were so rude and the teachers were really cold to us. I felt alone and needed out. I changed universities and it was the ✨best✨ decision! Just finished my 4 year course and i am ready to work!

[@MusicalNerd-th6bk]

I have so much more respect for u now, not that I didn't before but like, the struggle is real and I am so proud of you for where u are now! Love u! xx

[@angelagarcia7093]

Something similar happened to me. I left my drama degree after 2 years. Didn't even finish a subject I failed on the second year. The end of the second year was the darkest time of my life. I was stressed, not in a good mental state and unhealthy. My eczema had never been that bad. I had had been stressed the whole year. I was BURNED UP. Like SOOOO BURNED UP! I felt so much pressure. There was too much work, so many essays. And that froze me, I wasn't able to act properly. After the final plays I wasn't happy with any of my performances. Even failed one subject. And I left. And I felt so ashamed for months. It was like the biggest mistake of my life. But I started auditioning for little amateur projects. And without the preassure I was able to improve. And I didn't do anything else besides the projects, but my acting skills were getting better. The problem was that when I entered in the school I was an overthinker and i was bloked. And they told me that had to change. And this preassure made me overthink even more. I felt I had to stop being who I am of I wanted to ve an actress. I even though i wasnt able to truly live if I was kinda bloked. When that preassure was no longer over me I realized I could make friends even though I was still bloked. I could have a social life, i could have fun. Is wasn't one thing or the other. I could act even if I was an overthinker. I could be happy even though my thoughts tend to be negative. And with time I was less blocked, I was thinking more positively I wasn't overthinking that much. I used the overthinking in my favour. I was analysing the way actors act and I could apply that to my acting. I was analysing real life situations which made me think about them, and improve myself. It was accepting that I was blocked, negative and overthinking that helped me get better instead of fighting them. And all by myself, without taking any classes, which blows my mind, I became a good actress (at least I feel prepared now). This September I played this character that made me realize i can play emotions and intensities I never thought I could. And since September I continued improving and I am really glad of my progress. Now I feel like becoming a professional actress is possible cause I feel like I am prepared to do anything they ask me.

[@Maerahn]

I also auditioned for Mountview after getting a projected Triple Distinction grade for my BTEC OND in Performing Arts, and I wish I could say I was surprised by what you said... but I wasn't. Mountview are great if you fit the standard, 'cookie-cutter' profile of generic good looks, youth and ideal weight/body shape - but if you deviate from that template, they'll make you feel like they're being charitable even accepting you on their course. For me it was my age; I was a mature student at thirty-four, and, while I also wasn't fat, I definitely had the body of an average thirty-four-year-old rather than a young college-age person. But the impression I got from them in the interview was very much "Well, why should we give a place to YOU, this late in your life, when instead we could give it to a young teenager with all of their future ahead of them?" Not for me to say whether they were wrong or right to have that attitude, but yeah, it stung a bit - especially with the grades I was projected to get (which I DID actually get at the end of the course.)

[@thecrazyworldofamy7949]

Oh Jesus I was thinking about going to Mountview... maybe not now! Does anyone have any good drama school recommendations for me?? I’m kinda freaking out!

[@eleanorjayne1]

Hey! I currently don't go to a theatre school (yet!) but a load of my friends go to Emil Dale Academy and they love it there!

[@rebeccadownes379]

My son goes to Emil dale and absolutely loves it. The teaches are kind and take equality very seriously. Fully recommend it.

[@LindsayBallif]

Oh my goodness I’m glad I’m not the only one who went through a shitty acting course. I have a video on my channel about it and it’s just me crying for 20 minutes 😂😂😂

[@MLEbug]

I left a company called Fame for similar reasons. I wasn't learning enough to justify the fees and they weren't attentive to individual students, instead saying things like, "if you can't be yourself onstage, you will never be able act as someone else" which is absolute crap.

[@isiscampos9557]

Currently so confused.... I feel so lost and I am just relieved I am not the only one that's gone through this

[@AmyLovatt1]

I’m so sorry you’re feeling lost. It’s definitely a tough time and take your time to make the right decision for you. Know that once choice doesn’t define your life or your journey in the business and trust your heart. Sending you so much love xx

[@milefazzini3481]

This reminded me of Morales from A Chorus Line, sometimes we have to put out mental health first and that’s okay :)

[@aprilsisley4110]

OMG I HAVE THE SAME BEDCOVERS AS YOU IM LEGIT IN THEM RN 😂😂😂

[@rosie6]

I am so sorry that happened to you:( that is so horrible omg!! U definitely made the right decision ❤

[@strawberrycheesecake5502]

I'm in my final year at law school and I might have to drop out. No matter what I try the grades on my practice exams don't get better, but I don't have any other options right now. I'm just stuck. It was nice to hear that you got into a course that you liked better in the end, gives me some hope. Also good on you for figuring out it wasn't a match early on, that's nothing to be ashamed of imo, it just shows that you have good forsight.