<p>Congrats to everyone! So nice for your kids to have acceptances under their belts at this point! I’m sure you are all sleeping a bit better too!</p>
<p>SFields S will be an acting major. I think they call it theatre performance at Rider.</p>
<p>MTMajorCook-My son is accepted to the B.A. Theater Performance program at Rider.
My s can sing, but has 2 left feet, not a MT guy…lol! :)</p>
<p>He told me that while we waited. He was funny said the director of the musical finds something else for him to do during the dance numbers lol.</p>
<p>Ha Ha, yes, the director does just that…moves him out of view! LOL</p>
<p>BoCo today. 9:30 dance calll group. Had to check in no later than 9am. There were 2 forms to fill out (one for dance and one for singing/acting )with detailed questions regarding training and experience. Took a very long time to fill out so I wish we had arrived one hour before dance call. Parents ushered into a dance studio room to watch videos of boco productions. There were only about 15 parents at the morning call. There was coffee and bagels , Danishes . Etc from panera. Students need only ballet or jazz shoes. It is almost 11 and the 9:30 group is still dancing.</p>
<p>Shweew that’s a long dance call! Hang in there! Break a leg to your S!</p>
<p>Just got back from Boston. First - love this city! Audition - like songof6pence said - 1 and 1/2 hour dance call. Most of the kids including my daughter, came out joyous, smiling, elated. They were worked hard but had fun. Later though there were some delays in getting the voice/monologue auditions started and they were taking long in between. My daughter enjoyed her audition - voice first, monologue second - and said they were very chill and comfortable, feverishly tapping notes on some computerized system they said they just got, and then asked a bunch of questions after. She enjoyed the Boco experience because it wasn’t riling, and didn’t last from 8 in the morning to almost 6 at night like at Elon. Even though we had a 2 hour delay on our flight to Boston Friday night, and two hour delay coming back this morning - we had a super time in Boston and at Boco - she really liked their audition process.</p>
<p>BOSTON CONSERVATORY – BFA MT</p>
<p>My S auditioned yesterday at BoCo. It was a long day for both auditioners and parents. He had the 11:00 am dance call, with a 5:00-6:00 pm song/acting audition slot. We arrived about 40 min. early for the dance call – 30 min. early was recommended – and received the same two forms at check-in songof6pence mentions above, but only the dance form needs to be filled out immediately to give to the instructor at the dance call; plenty of time to fill out the other vocal-related form before the audition slot. They also wanted a headshot to accompany each of the forms. The box office lobby waiting area on the 1st floor (where the pastries and coffee were) was already full of parents and students, so they took a bunch of us up to the elevator lobby of the 3rd floor, which served as another staging area with folding chairs set up along the walls, bathrooms where kids could change into their dance attire, and the studio in which the dance calls were being conducted. The morning dance call was still going when we arrived, and the students coming out just before 11:30 said it was about 90 min. long; most said it was “loads of fun” when asked, but quite a few were huffing, puffing, and sweating profusely! </p>
<p>While our kids were in the dance call, parents (and a few auditioners from the morning session waiting for their song/acting audition time) attended a Q&A/info session at 11:30 led by an admissions staffer with two BoCo students in attendance, a BFA MT freshman girl and an MFA MT guy. Both spoke enthusiastically about the program, their professors, their classmates…in other words, they love BoCo. Following the info session was a tour, which I opted not to attend, having toured BoCo in the summer. (The 7° weather also had something to do with my decision not to traipse around the BoCo campus, which is a very urban one for those who haven’t been there yet.) So back to the 3rd floor to await the end of the dance call; more dripping wet, winded dancers emerged, claiming that it had been “a lot of fun” – don’t know how these kids do it! </p>
<p>If you’re curious about BoCos notoriously killer dance call, heres a detailed report as relayed to me by my S: BoCos MT Dance Coordinator, Michelle Chassé (is that not a perfect name for a dancer?!), runs the dance call, with assistance from a senior BoCo student. It started with about 10 minutes of introduction/getting-to-know-you, then the 11 students (5 boys, 6 girls) were divided into lines according to last name. Next they learned a ballet routine, with Michelle and her helper running through it a few times, very fast, then they had to dance it in same-gender pairs, again based on alpha order. My S lucked out and ended up paired with another boy at about the same level of dance ability, but other pairs were not so well balanced. If someone had a lot of ballet training on their dance form, they were asked to do more here and there, like a double pirouette instead of the single in the combo. The hardest part of the ballet for my S was how fast it was. Next was a solo improv section to an up-tempo bluesy song. Students were arranged in a semi-circle, then each came into the center to dance like you were at home in your room – not a problem for my very hammy S who has tons of attitude if not technique. The intro/ballet/improv took up about 45 minutes. The remaining 45 minutes yes, this is indeed a 90-minute dance call! was devoted to a
jazz combo to the song A Little Party Never Hurt Nobody from the Great Gatsby soundtrack. Again, the teaching of the combo was fast, with Michelle and her assistant only demoing/marking it a few times, then students performed it in groups of 4. My S found it challenging but not impossible, especially if one picks up choreography quickly; it was on the long side as dance call combos go, about 75-90 seconds of choreo to remember. He found it super fun and extremely well-choreographed; the dance was character-driven and involved a lot of interaction with the other dancers. My S said he bonded with a couple of other kids during the dance call, which is impressive considering that there was no talking amongst the auditioners! Advice from my S: drink a lot of water any chance you have as there was only one official water break during the whole 90-minute call. And bring a hand towel for cleaning up afterward (thanks, monkey13).</p>
<p>S back into street clothes, we grabbed lunch around the corner (lots of restaurants on Mass. Ave. and nearby), then back to BoCo to change to audition clothes, wait, and prep for the song/acting audition. They were running just over an hour late by the end of the day. There were only 4 students in the 5:00-6:00 audition slot; my S went first in the group (alpha order by first name this time), and we were finished about 6:15. Instead of the portable dock/speaker he brought, he used the BoCo supplied player since it was already hooked into the audition rooms speakers. There were two faculty in the room, he assumed one was for acting and the other for singing. He sang first, then did his monologues. Lots of note-taking on computers, and afterwards they said, Good audition over all and asked if he had any questions for them. They did ask him about something he had noted on his resume and chatted a bit about how we live outside of Boston, knew BoCo pretty well, and had seen a recent show there. </p>
<p>Good audition experience all in all now we wait until April 1 to find out how it went from their side!</p>
<p>My son is a freshman at BoCo, and the audition process this year sounds similar to last year, although since school is out now, it doesn’t sound like there were as many students answering questions and greeting parents. Last year, there was a panel of 4 students who did a long Q & A for the parents, and there were students outside the audition rooms to share experiences with parents. After his dance audition last year, my son was sweating so much that we found a shower in the building for him to use (luckily we had a towel with us). He then immediately proceeded to his monologue and voice auditions. While the BoCo dance audition is quite rigorous, all levels of dancers are admitted. My son had never taken dance, other than a couple of ballet classes in the months ahead of auditions, and he is in all beginning level classes at BoCo, but he is progressing well. There are a few sophomores in his beginning jazz classes, and he is determined to advance to the next level for next year. Surprisingly, there are at least as many girls in his beginning level classes as boys.</p>
<p>MTMajorCook, I think your S and mine auditioned at WSU and BW at same time. Looks like they will be at CCM together, too (our hometown). PPU is not until late March, but might take it off the circuit since S has acceptance and full-ride scholarship (academic) to WSU. S was impressed with emphasis on acting at WSU - something that also seems to be an emphasis at CMU, but is under the impression that acting is not a strength at PPU. We understand that dance is very strong at PPU (S is a strong dancer, but feels that acting is what will give longevity and versatility in this crazy business), can you, or anyone else, comment on the acting at PPU?</p>
<p>mom4bway - I was wondering if we spoke when I saw the WSU acceptance and BW waitlist (congrats on both!), I figured we had to be there on the same days! I spoke to a dad and son from Cinci at BW but I think my S said that was the last time he would see that boy, he wished he got his number because he really liked him and will now wonder where he ends up. I will PM you the name!</p>
<p>I agree, we were also impressed with the acting emphasis at WSU. S attended a summer program at CCM, Joe Deer was one of the teachers. My S really loves Joe’s style and thinks he’s a great person. Acting is the discipline my S has the least training in, he focused on dance the last 4 years. You certainly can’t beat a full ride!</p>
<p>I can not comment on PPU acting. S attended the international summer dance program 2 years ago but that’s all the experience I have with PPU. collegesearchdad is local and has a son at PPU, wcpwhite also has a S there you may want to send them a message to chime in here.</p>
<p>MTMajorCook - you’re right, not enough posts yet to reply to PM. Yes, that was my husband you spoke to at BW. He remembers speaking to you - very impressed with the audition circuit you are managing - and S remembers your S, enjoyed spending time with him and also curious about where he will end up. I was the mom at WSU who asked LOTS of questions. S will be at CCM on 1/25 in a.m. S has worked with Joe Deer at Cinti PA high school and likes him as well. S has considerable dance training (voice, too), but has been focusing more on the acting in the last 1 1/2 years and sees that as the “threat” that will be most valuable in long run. Perhaps I’ll post on PPU site to ask about acting there.</p>
<p>That is too funny! We will be at CCM in the AM as well, I think his audition is 10:06AM. CCM is my S’s top choice…he’ll probably have his “game face” on so tell your S not to be offended if he isn’t chatty. That’s how he gets when he’s nervous, all inside himself. I don’t think he opened up at BW until they were stuck in that room for a few hours lol! He is incredibly impressed with Rider, I am not sure where he will choose in the end. I’m just very grateful at this point he has 2 solid choices. I also think he’ll love Otterbein when he sees the university, he seems drawn to that type of setting. </p>
<p>He only started performing his Freshman year and originally wanted to be a dancer but the better his voice got the more he wanted to sing. If we had to do it all again he would have focused more on acting. Your S was very smart to shift focus. </p>
<p>Anyway I will look for you guys on the 25th!</p>
<p>BOSTON CONSERVATORY – BFA MT</p>
<p>Sunday Morning 9:30 dance call, 12pm singing/acting call</p>
<p>maMTma 's review of Saturday matches S’s experience on Sunday</p>
<p>She is correct regarding having time after dance call to fill out the acting/singing questionnaire UNLESS you are in the first acting/singing time slot after the dance call as my S was. He had enough time to cool down, change clothes and sit in on a few minutes of the Q&A session. </p>
<p>The MP3 speaker system in the room were broken. Fortunately S had a small portable speaker with him. </p>
<p>During Q&A it was made abundantly clear that BoCo does not offer many large scholarships and all offers will be made at exactly the same time around April 1. It was stated that “if someone on CC claims that their DC has been accepted before that time- it is a lie.” That drew a chuckle from many parents in the room.</p>
<p>All of the auditionees came out of the dance call red faced, but happy. Sounds like it was a great experience overall.</p>
<p>They stated during the Q&A that they will audition a total of 700 kids this year. All of the auditionees will have the same experience with the staff whether at BoCo or unifieds. They will make offers to about 120 students with the expectation that 50-60 will attend in 2014.</p>
<p>I love that “we” were mentioned in a Q/A session! LOL.</p>
<p>I should have gotten her contact info…and I don’t know if she goes on this site… But I would like to make contact with a mother I spoke with of a daughter auditioning at Boco on Saturday Jan. 4, and this mother is a doctor. I only say that so she will know who I am talking about. I think she said she was from Tennessee, but actually, I can’t quite remember. Just putting a shout out in case she can get in touch with me on college confidential. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hello all! Just got a request to post an audition day review on Catholic University but I don’t have enough posts to private message so including here for everyone to see! Thanks for all the information you have provided here as we have been organizing, stressing, coming up with school lists etc for the last year I have been doing research here! Very appreciated!!!</p>
<p>CATHOLIC:
My daughter, husband and I were all VERY impressed by Catholic. We initially put it on the list because it was close to home and it went from being a close-to-home audition to a place we would all be very happy if she ended up at. Day started with a 9 am dance call that lasted one hour. Daughter loved the lady running the dance audition. Not a lot of combo work and primarily focused on ballet-style technique. Dancing is not her strong suit so it helped that the person running the audition was so nice. Monologue and song auditions next. She had an early slot so no waiting around time. Two auditors both taking notes throughout audition but some casual conversation afterwards. Overall, she felt like everyone was very welcoming. </p>
<p>While she was auditioning, parents and kids waiting to audition were in another part of the building (bagels, juice coffee etc.) with several current students from the program. Can’t say enough good about these kids. They answered EVERY question parents and kids auditioning asked. I liked the diversity of the kids, how much they enjoyed the program etc. It was an informal setting but lots of good insight provided into the program. Later in the day, there was a casual lunch provided. The head of the program gave an overview but honestly, we had asked so many questions of the current students that we didn’t have a lot more to ask. Students, staff and the two auditors were also at the tables at lunch.</p>
<p>The best part is it only took a week to find out about acceptance into the program (academic acceptance came apart). Program numbers appear to about the norm of 20 per class. A week after academic acceptance came an academic scholarship. There are some talent scholarships (no idea how many) but those aren’t awarded until all auditions are done. I mention this because it is a very expensive school. Aside form the positive vibe of everyone associated with the program, the best part is that they legitimately have a very successful post-graduation employment rate given their proximity to the DC theater scene. Like I said, if she ends up there all would be good!</p>
<p>UARTS: No much to add beyond what has already been posted. Audition day for daughter lasted from 9 until around 3:30. She really enjoyed the current students who chatted with them during the waiting around time as it helped calm nerves. She found the mid-day cut to be uncomfortable but also knows not much different from the reality of going into this profession. Auditors were personable. At they call back, they did ask her to sing one of her songs in a different manner and also had her do one monologue with adjustments followed by a quick, casual conversation. Parent portion was much more formal than Catholic but good information. I appreciated the admissions people and current student question panel the most.</p>
<p>Muhlenberg: Loved the campus! A long day between daughter sitting in on acting class, tour of the facilities (very nice) etc. The auction (for potential scholarship only) lasted about 30 minutes. Song, monologue and conversation with a few questions about things listed on resume. She really enjoyed the one on one and as a first audition….a nice way to start!</p>
<p>6 more auditions to go and absolutely praying for no illness and the weather Gods to be on our side for everyone here! As if the process wasn’t stressful enough……non-stop road trips in February! Crazy!!!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for posting!!!</p>