Building a Successful Performing Arts and Film School: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether your goal is to launch a performing arts and film school where you can impart a wealth of knowledge to eager students, or you are already a seasoned educator looking to expand your horizons, there are several key steps to ensure that your institution thrives. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary qualifications, industry experience, and connection you need to make your vision a reality.

Industry Expertise and Curriculum Development

From directing and acting to film making, playwrighting, and lighting, creating a diverse curriculum is crucial for a successful performing arts and film school. You’ll need a broad base of knowledge to cover these various disciplines, ensuring that you can hold your own in production discussions and lectures.

As an example, the author of this guide founded the Brighton Film School, which ran successfully for 12 years. While inexperienced at the start, the key to success was organizing and bringing in expert lecturers, leading to industry recognition and BAFTA membership. The school even achieved its crowning achievement by creating an MSc in Cinematography in conjunction with the University of Greenwich. Today, the author spends time writing film scripts and offers private tuition in cinematography. This example showcases the importance of industry connections and experienced educators in creating a thriving institution.

Necessary Qualifications and Experience

Building an educational institution, especially at the advanced level, requires a combination of qualifications and experience. For setting up and managing a large tertiary school, advanced qualifications in education, management, and the specific disciplines being taught are essential. These can range from a post-graduate teaching diploma, which typically involves around 5 years of university study, to management qualifications and a strong track record of industry experience.

Education Qualifications

Education qualifications are critical, especially if you are planning to establish a large school. These qualifications ensure that you meet the standards set by educational institutions and regulatory bodies. Possessing a teaching diploma at the post-graduate level demonstrates your expertise in teaching methodologies and pedagogy, which is essential for effective curriculum development and classroom instruction.

Management Skills and Experience

Effective management skills are crucial for the financial and operational success of your school. Without these, there is a high risk of the institution going bankrupt in the initial months. Management qualifications, along with practical experience in running and managing educational institutions, will significantly enhance your ability to lead the institution towards success.

Discipline-Specific Qualifications

Teaching in a performing arts and film school requires a diverse team of educators with qualifications in their respective fields. Some jurisdictions require teachers to have qualifications in the subjects they teach and industry experience in those fields. However, if you are not setting up an institution with comprehensive academic programs, you can rely on educators with industry experience and strong connections.

For instance, MasterClass is a platform that brings industry leaders to the educational space. It features famous names like Helen Mirren, Samuel L. Jackson, and Natalie Portman teaching acting, while curriculum development and teaching expertise are provided by experienced educators. This blend of industry expertise and academic rigor is crucial for a well-rounded educational program.

Starting Your School: Steps and Timeline

Building a successful performing arts and film school is a long-term endeavor that requires careful planning, execution, and patience. Here are some key steps and a general timeline:

Hire a diverse team of educators with industry experience and qualifications in their respective fields. Ensure you have the necessary management skills and experience to handle the operational and financial aspects of the institution. Acquire the necessary equipment and gear for teaching film making, acting, directing, and lighting. For example, a single film light can cost around $2,000, and a camera kit with all the necessary accessories can cost up to $30,000. Solicit industry connections to bring in expert lecturers and real-world experience into your institution.

It is important to understand that while study qualifications and industry chops are crucial, they are just one part of the puzzle. It takes drive, charisma, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a successful educational institution. Establishing a school covering all these disciplines may take 5 years or more, and people typically do not flock to institutions founded by individuals without extensive experience.

Conclusion

Building a performing arts and film school is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a combination of qualifications, industry experience, and a deep understanding of the educational landscape. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the time and effort required, you can create a thriving institution that excels in teaching students the skills needed for success in the performing arts and film industry.