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How do I get into the drama industry in a country where there isn't any industry to get into?
I live in a country where there aren't any community productions you're able to get involved in and there are no big studios you can go to. How do I launch a career in drama when i'm in such a drama-free place?
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Martha D.’s Answer
Hi Rhys, what an interesting first question! You are in Dubai, so you know more about opportunities there than I do, but here are some ideas.
Take full advantage of acting/drama classes and participate in shows at your school. If there is no drama club, perhaps you could start one with a willing teacher. From Reddit (link below), I found drama classes at The Junction (Al Serkal Avenue), Drama Scene (Jumeirah) or Courtyard (Al Quoz). I also found two non-profit theater groups in Dubai to contact (links below) - DUCTAC and META.
Based on my family's 10+ years of experience, I recommend auditioning for any potential roles. The practice of auditioning would be good, and it would get you better known in acting circles. Even being in the ensemble would give you valuable experience in how to take direction, remember blocking, and relate to others onstage. Plus, those who demonstrate talent, cooperation, and commitment in the ensemble set themselves up for larger roles in the future.
If you are not ready to audition yet, how about volunteering for the crew or build team or even as an usher? I have done all three and learned from watching the rehearsal process as well as noticing different acting styles in shows. I have worked up to helping actors with their lines and filling in for actors absent from rehearsals.
If you have the budget and are comfortable, you could consider attending summer drama programs elsewhere, such as in the UK or US. Some well-known US universities, such as Northwestern University, offer theater programs for high school students. Besides the obvious learning benefits, you could learn about other cultures, which would benefit you as an actor and person.
Wishing you good luck!
DUCTAC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DUCTAC
META - http://www.middleeasttheatreacademy.org/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/UAE/comments/1j9ikkv/theatreacting_workshops_in_the_uae/
Take full advantage of acting/drama classes and participate in shows at your school. If there is no drama club, perhaps you could start one with a willing teacher. From Reddit (link below), I found drama classes at The Junction (Al Serkal Avenue), Drama Scene (Jumeirah) or Courtyard (Al Quoz). I also found two non-profit theater groups in Dubai to contact (links below) - DUCTAC and META.
Based on my family's 10+ years of experience, I recommend auditioning for any potential roles. The practice of auditioning would be good, and it would get you better known in acting circles. Even being in the ensemble would give you valuable experience in how to take direction, remember blocking, and relate to others onstage. Plus, those who demonstrate talent, cooperation, and commitment in the ensemble set themselves up for larger roles in the future.
If you are not ready to audition yet, how about volunteering for the crew or build team or even as an usher? I have done all three and learned from watching the rehearsal process as well as noticing different acting styles in shows. I have worked up to helping actors with their lines and filling in for actors absent from rehearsals.
If you have the budget and are comfortable, you could consider attending summer drama programs elsewhere, such as in the UK or US. Some well-known US universities, such as Northwestern University, offer theater programs for high school students. Besides the obvious learning benefits, you could learn about other cultures, which would benefit you as an actor and person.
Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
thank you very much for your insight, I have never heard of DUCTAC or META so you've given me some new leads to chase; hopefully they will prove to be excellent dramatic institutions. I will also attempt to audition for a pantomime when they come to hiring as they appear to be the only shows that hire children according to my research. once again thank you so much for taking the time to write your response, I appreciate it very much!
Rhys