Hollywood Zenith

Chapter 51 RADA

[A few days ago]

Amelia has been anxious about her options. There are brilliant establishments that excel at teaching the craft but have so little time that it was hard to find a proper one for Samuel. She has been racking her brain for solutions. She could take Samuel to the States, but that would not be possible with how attached everyone is to him. Simply getting him out of the house is a monumental task, with all the prying eyes; going abroad is out of the question.

She has a lot of connections in the States, but she has to consult someone here. Top institutes here are very hard to get into without hard work or relationships, and Samuel only needs a short lesson which is also an added negative. She got up and went toward the only person who could help her in this situation.

"It is evening and they must be in their leisure room, probably enjoying some refreshments." She thought.

" Uncle Arthur are they inside? I have something important to discuss with them." She informed Arthur, who was waiting outside their room.

" Ah, Amelia, Yeah I beleive they are inside discussing something. " He said.

" Something important? I could come at a later time. " She said.

" No, no, they often enjoy small conversations like this at this time, moreover you are forgetting that Master have already forgo his position. You can go in. " he said with a smile.

Amelia nodded and went inside. She could hear some discussion between them, enjoying tea.

" Good morning Uncle, Aunt. I hope I am not intruding on something important. " She said.

Although everyone says Kenneth and Margaret had retired and left all the business to their offspring, she knew better. They are still one of the most influential people on the planet, and people like them are never really out of the game. They still have a considerable say if they wish to address any issue.

" Amelia, what a surprise! don't just stand there and come sit. " Margaret said, beckoning Amelia to sit beside her.

" Hmm, Sit. I guess its about time you came." Kenneth nodded and said with some hidden meaning.

" What? you were expecting me? " Amelia said with a bewildered look.

" Yes, we heard it from George but you don't have to worry about anything." Kenneth said.

" George, How did he know? " Amelia thought. She had not said anything to anyone yet, which made her confused. Did he notice my frustration and guess? I didn't know George was this attentive.

" If you already know then It will be easier to explain. I have to find a acadamy or institution for his studies but I don't have any connections here, with Robert and Laura busy with surprise party, I thought you are my next best chance." she said with a severe tone.

" What? Isn't is too early to think about this? we have so much to plan before that--" Margaret said, but Amelia interjected mid-sentence.

" Early? We only have few months tops. We have to be ready for everything; Entertainment industry is as cutthroat as it can get and you have to remember 'The early bird gets the worm '. We have to start as quick as possible." Amelia tried her best to persuade the couple with the argument.

" What are you saying? How can you decide the child's future now? I think they should be given a choice and decide based on their preferance." Kenneth asked in bewilderment.

" What are you talking about? You all have already agreed and given permission. Have you forgotten? We all sat down with others to discuss Samuel's next step in life. " Amelia said with slight annoyance.

" Samuel? Why are you bringing him into this conversation? Have to talking about him all along? " Margaret said with a slight chuckle, which made Kenneth laugh. Amelia looked at them, confused about the whole scenario.

" Yes, I was asking about Sami. What were you talking about then? " She said with a curious tone.

" George told us about it that both of you were planning to have a baby. So, we were curious about your plan moving forward. You both have established careers now and we think it is only proper to think about your next venture in life. We thought that you came to see us regarding this issue. " Margaret said.

" Yeah, with Brother Donald always being cooped up in his room and the strict personality of sister Patricia, you would surely choose us to consult about the baby." Kenneth said.

" W-w-what? We were only discussing the possibility after everyone teased us during the meeting. Nothing is final yet. " Amelia tried to compose herself but failed miserably. Her red face clearly showed her embarrassment. Seeing her like this made the old couple laugh, but they tried their best to conceal it for Amelia's sake. They knew she would run away like a kitten if they pushed her further.

" Okay. So, you mentioned Sami. What were you talking about earlier? " Kenneth skillfully changed the subject.

" I wanted to discuss the academy which Sami could attend before his audition. We have a few months, but with proper training, he can surely get a role, but the problem is that top institutes are hard to get in and near impossible if you only want to study for a few months. You know better than me about British industry; so I came to consult regarding this problem." Amelia laid out her concerns.

" Hmm, I don't know much about the entertainment circle. As far as I remember, we have some industries that are loosely connected to them, but I have to ask some of my associates for a better solution. I think. Margaret can explain better." Kenneth said with a thoughtful look. It has been several years since he retired, and he is severely disconnected from the current family business outlook. The industry is growing daily, making it a very profitable business opportunity.

" Well, If you take the drama industry's overall situation, only five stand out among the crowd.--

First is Guildhall School Of Music & Drama ( GSMD), one of the country's most prestigious, rubbing shoulders not only with great musicians like Jacqueline du Pre and James Galway but also actors that made a name for themselves both in UK and US markets.

Second, the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art ( RADA ) is one of the oldest and considered top acting schools; it's the most challenging school to get into. It is named this way for a reason, as it radiates a royal reputation. Some classes involve just one teacher and up to three students. It is said that The Beatles were famous because their RADA-trained manager taught them how to be dramatic. If you can get in after graduation, you'll definitely be on agents' and casting directors' radars.

Third, the London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) is not only one of the most recognized drama schools in the world, with alumni currently working worldwide. But it's also one of the oldest drama schools in the world. After being founded in 1861, it has produced some absolutely great talent.

Fourth, the Central School of Speech and Drama ( CSSD) is a highly regarded theatre and drama school founded in 1906. It is said that you could fill a place in Central, as it's also known, is a statement to be proud of. Throughout the years, this drama school has produced some extremely talented actors that were successful both on stage and in film/TV.

And Lastly, Drama Centre London (DRAMA CENTRE) offers an inspirational, passionate environment for those who are resolutely serious about acting and their careers.Recently in 1999, Drama Centre became a part of Central Saint Martins, a constituent College of the University of the Arts London and an internationally renowned institution that offers the most diverse and comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in art, design and performance in the country.

They are all great choices, but RADA and LAMDA have a better standing on the list. " Margaret gave an extensive monologue to help her better understand the situation in the UK.

" Wow, Aunt, how come you know so much about it? have you also worked in the industry? " Amelia is highly impressed with her aunt's knowledge of the subject.

" What? George never told you? The reason he became interested in acting was because of her influence. She served as director of RADA for a few years in the past. Those were hard times, I had to endure political drama outside and 'family drama' because of her and George. " Kenneth said, teasing Margaret.

" Have you forgotten about all the actresses that used to cover you at company parties? I never saw you complain about that. I can still remember your smug face receiving all the compliments. Bet you enjoyed those right? " Margaret retorted with a knockout punch.

" Uhh, I already told you million times that it was not like that; How can I do anything about it? Anyways please help Amelia about the issue at hand and avoid bringing embarrasing stories about our past." Kenneth said with a helpless look.

" You started it." After staring at him for a few seconds, Margaret retorted but focused on Amelia. She continued--

" Well, you are in luck because my sister is the Patron of RADA. With some consulting with the principal and president there, we could surely make it happen. Don't worry about it now, I will inform you about the arrangement in a few days. You should focus somewhere else. "

Amelia nodded and said, " Okay, I will wait for your answer."

" Yes, you should focus on yourself more from now on. George and you are not getting any younger. Think about it. " Kenneth said with a smile.

This made Amelia remember their previous conversation; she hurriedly nodded and waltzed out of the room after saying her goodbyes which again made the couple laugh.