Drama Gap Year Programs

With so many cultures that have inspired great authors and artists, it might be hard to narrow it down. Let’s go backstage and check out some of the most popular locations to explore on your drama gap year.

Italy. Considered the birthplace of opera and sonnet, Italy will inspire you with its beautiful history, architecture, and culture. Rome, Tuscany, Venice or Naples! The Italian culture is so diverse that you will find great learning opportunities everywhere in Italy. Audition at the Teatro Olimpico or Teatro Regio, enhance your stage skills and perform for an international audience, or volunteer backstage and help with the set set-up or in the dressing rooms. Bow to this country and immerse yourself into the Italian culture, learn the art of the famous Italian hand gesture, drink some good wine, and maybe develop that nice Italian accent you’ve been working for so long on. 

England is famous for The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art that offers drama lovers great programs and courses to help enhance their skills and stage performance. Spend your drama gap year either studying and earning credit, volunteering in theaters or opera houses, or auditioning and performing at local theater clubs a few days a week. Travel the country with your peers, drink tea like the British with your pinkie in the air (you won’t be acting in no time), and fish and chips should always be enjoyed with your castmates.

Uganda offers great drama volunteer opportunities, where underprivileged people find joy in a good performance and children are craving to learn any little trick you have. Motivate new artists and help them build up their self-esteem. You don’t need special qualification, just a lot of creativity and enthusiasm. And in return, you will learn a new art of performing, how to approach a unique audience and immerse yourself in a new culture.

Depending on your level of experience and goals, there are a range of activities you can choose from, but here are some of our most popular.

Volunteer Abroad. The glitter in the audience’s eyes at the end of a performance is what every artist is craving for. Volunteer in theater abroad and find your international glitter, or volunteer as a teacher and pass on the glitter to someone else.

Study Abroad. Apply for international drama programs and study abroad in the home countries of opera, cinema, theater, and music. You can find gap year drama programs for all levels of experience in countries like Italy, Spain, or Greece. Just pick one!

Work Abroad. Landing a theater job abroad is not only hard, but it is also a huge accomplishment that is very possible to achieve. Even if you don’t land a luxurious job, but something at a local theater club is still an invaluable opportunity to enhance your skills and earn money by doing something you love. And if you’re not made for the stage, but are a good mentor, then teach drama to others and bring to life iconic characters.  

Costs. There are countless gap year drama programs out there and it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. Budget for a few thousand dollars, but be assured, it is all worth it. The price includes all the classes, accommodation, airport pick-up and visas. Start fundraising with our FundMyTravel tool and spread the word to friends and family. You’re closer than you think!

Accommodations. All formal gap year drama programs will have accommodation included in the fee price, no matter what your project focus is. Placements will be in dorm housings or guest houses. You can also live with a host family and get fully immersed in a new culture and country. 

Visas. Our Embassy Directory will help you find all the information you need to know about the visa for your destination. The paperwork load will differ depending on your nationality as well, but fortunately, formal gap year drama programs will take care of this stress for you, and it’s all included in their fee. You just make sure your vocal chords are in good shape and your passport is valid. 

Safety. Depending on your destination, there will be different rules and regulations. Formal drama programs have protocols set in place and they pretty much sound the same—everyone wants for you to be in a safe environment and get the best out of your experience! Research the culture of your destination to make sure that you don’t offend someone by mistake.

A drama gap year abroad will not only help you develop your career skills and acting skills, but you will be able to feel a full immersion in a new culture. You will meet new friends and make new talented connections. Just as in any other industry, sometimes it comes down to who you know, so go out there and mingle.

Anyone pursuing a career in drama knows that coming by job opportunities is hard, and in this kind of business, you need a lot of references and experience to make it. Think of your drama gap year not as an expense, but as an investment for your future. Gain international experience through any kind of activity you chose to do and set yourself on a path of success. 

Be bold! This is your chance to be anyone you want as an artist. If you think you have a strong piece, then throw a street performance and see what your audience thinks. It’s instant feedback, confidence boost and first-hand experience. 

If you plan on studying and attending a famous art school, make sure you prepare for the application process in advance because competition is tough in this kind of field. Prepare your resume and topics on time, and then practice, practice, practice. 

Being an artist might not always be easy, but it sure is fulfilling and a lot of fun—all the props!!! Enchant people around the world with your performances and learn from the best on how to improve your skills. Follow the steps of your idols and sign up for a year of excitement.

Keep reading! Why a passion for learning is your best gap year souvenir.