IDSP (Intensive Drama School Preparation) Workshop
The IDSP has an incredibly successful history since its beginnings in 2014, with over 50 alumni having progressed to professional drama school training and with the majority of those who have graduated now working professionally within the performing arts industry.
Historically, the IDSP was a full-time course, with students training intensively for a year post A Level/BTEC studies. However, Funky Studios continues to move with our ever evolving industry and with more drama school choices now available our focus is not just to get our students into drama school but, most importantly, to get them into the RIGHT drama school.
That’s why we are now offering our proven intensive IDSP training to those students currently in full-time education, as well as those who have completed their studies to provide complementary and additional performance and audition based training to ensure that the progression into the industry is specifically right for you.
“I am currently in my third year at a top drama school in the UK and I can without a doubt say that my life would look very different if I hadn’t gone to Funky Studios. The tutors at Funky Studios are what made me believe I could have a career in the arts. They give genuine support and professional training to aspiring performers and I think that is what makes them so special. I could say I was lucky to get to where I am today which is partly true, but the real truth is that Funky Studios are the people who got me there; and I am incredibly lucky to have had access to the foundation of training they offer.”
Lucinda Buckley - IDSP Alumni, currently training at Rose Bruford
What Does Training Include?
Training includes weekly intensive classes offering skills and technique based training covering a wide range of styles, genres and practitioners ranging from musical theatre repertoire classes, Shakespeare, voice and text exploration, yoga and mindfulness, physical theatre, group ensemble, audition technique and preparation and much more.
At Funky Studios we also offer dance classes in Tap, Ballet and Jazz as well as a weekly musical theatre/acting training class which all IDSP students will have access to and would receive a discount to attend those sessions to further build and develop their skills and techniques.
IDSP students will also benefit from the opportunity to undertake addition 1:1 tuition in singing, acting, music theory, piano, guitar and audition preparation. We also offer support in personal statement writing, UCAS applications and drama school application completion including self-tapes.
All IDSP students will have the opportunity to audition to join our Funky Company to take part in musical theatre performances throughout the year. IDSP students will also feature in all Funky Studios showcase events. The IDSP workshop will run with a small number of students, this is to ensure intensive training which is geared specifically towards our cohort. At Funky Studios we are not ticking boxes, we are training for the students we have in front of us and their own aspirations within the current industry.
When Does the Training Happen?
The IDSP Workshop programme is a year long training course with workshops starting in September 2022 and finishing in July 2023.
IDSP Workshop sessions run on Monday evenings from 5-7pm.
All sessions are based at the Create Theatre at West Notts College, Mansfield.
There will be holiday weeks which mirror the Nottinghamshire school/college holidays.
Further details for exact dates will be sent on a successful place offer.
What Is the Cost of Training?
The cost of training is £18 per week. Fees are paid in 5/10 week blocks, depending on the length of the term. All payment is made via BACS and due one week in advance of the start of each block.
Any 1:1 tuition is charged as extra per session.
"Funky Studios is like a second home to me, and it always will be. It is not just a family and a training facility, but a place where you learn so much about yourself. I would not have achieved half of what I have done if it wasn’t for Katie and her amazingly passionate faculty; each one of them have taught me something I will never forget."
Amber Buttery: IDSP Alumni, now graduated from LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) and working as a director and creative.
Who Can Apply?
The IDSP Workshop programme is open to anyone aged 16 or over (Year 12 or above) who aspires to undertake drama school training and a career in the performing arts industry.
Previous experience and or/performing arts related qualifications are recommended but not essential – we take every application on a case-by-case basis.
Funky Studios wants to celebrate the diversity being embraced by the industry and so welcome applications from students of all backgrounds to apply.
How Do I Apply?
To register your interest in joining the IDSP Workshop programme please email admissions@funky-studios.co.uk and you will be sent a link to an online application form.
You will then be invited to attend an IDSP workshop which is both for you to see what training we offer and for us to see if we believe that the IDSP is right for you.
There is NO APPLICATION FEE – we want to train and help you!
Applications are open from the beginning of May 2022 with workshops taking place at the beginning of July.
Please note that places are limited so the sooner you apply, the more chance there is of you having a place.
All places will be offered by the end of July to secure your place for starting in September.
“Funky Studios pushed me to discover not only who I was as a performer but also as an individual! I learnt so much about the industry, auditioning for drama school and improving my technique as a performer but most importantly about who I was. One of the most amazing things about Funky is that it’s a safe place for everyone to make mistakes, and no one would ever criticise you for failing and trying again! I can safely say that without my years of training with Katie and the other amazing tutors at Funky I wouldn’t be where I am today; The Urdang Academy training for a Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. I’m now training at one of the best drama schools in the country, but I’ll never forget my roots.”
Anna Broadhead – IDSP Alumni, now graduated from The Urdang Academy
