Has anyone done the Actor Therapy College Prep before? D got in and it looks absolutely amazing, except for housing. They have arrangements with Dancer’s Dorm, and the price is very reasonable, but she would be alone in NYC for long stretches of time - no classes or organized activities after 6pm or on weekends; no RA at housing; have to provide all meals, including dinner. I know she is going off to college soon (Class of 2020), but for a naive girl from a small town in the midwest, this feels like a big leap.
My D was accepted as well, and I have similar concerns about the housing situation. Not sure how I feel about it yet. My D has one more program she’s waiting back to hear from and I guess we’ll make a decision once all the results are in.
I was actually wondering if anyone has done the Actor Therapy New York or Bust Intensive and what they thought? 
@stagedoormama - my daughter attended the AT New York or Bust winter intensive (2019) - for 18yrs and up. She had a great experience. The program is run really well, very professional. Worth every penny.
Lindsey and RSO have developed a rigorous curriculum that approximates the intensity of BFA Conservatory training for 2 weeks - while being relevant for working or auditioning actors. The class was a mix of undergrad/grad students, working actors, folks who just moved to NYC to audition - all ages, from many different states (even international). Capped at 16 students means good balance of 1:1 working on your feet, group observation, scene study, movement etc.
Good balance of triple threat training (act, sing, dance) with insight into the “business” and auditioning prep and selecting rep. They run through your book and make suggestions. Kept only 2 songs for my daughter - and the ones they added were spot on. Daily masterclasses with broadway actors in current or recent shows were super fun. The added bonuses were inclusion of high-quality headshots, 2 private vocal lessons, broadway show ticket, accompanist available during lunch to work material, 54 below showcase, and culminating session with industry (casting agents etc - not to be signed, just to have the experience).
Most valuable aspect that was unexpected were daily notes from Lindsey and RSO and summary notes from ALL dance/acting teachers and the 4 agents that was sent within a week of the session end. Again - spot on feedback. Overall tough love to push students to be their best but motivating and supportive. This is not “camp” it is a working studio. They have a following of returning student for the ongoing classes too. Follow their Instagram to see the bookings of students.
Don’t have knowledge of the College prep intensive - but i imagine the thoughtfulness/care, caliber of training and quality of faculty selected are similar.
@coronado Exactly the type of info I was looking for- thanks!!
You’re welcome. I think it is especially good for graduating college students moving to New York to begin professional auditions. Aside from the training, it is an instant network of support, contacts, and community.
@stagedoormama My D was accepted to this summer’s NY or Bust intensive and we are looking into housing and trying to decide. Wondering if you are in the same boat or if anyone else out there is? Program sounds fantastic but that’s my main concern. Thanks!
@ourturn2 - We were just going to have her do the dancer dorms (or couch surf with friends), but she ended up getting a contract so she won’t be going to the intensive now.
Has anyone else done the dancer dorms? How safe are they?
@stagedoormama That’s great - Congrats!
If you were choosing between a college-based program and AT College prep, which do you think is best? My feeling is the college based program may give you a leg up during audition season, but AT seems like a lot of fun and exposure to working professionals…ugh! Wish they didn’t overlap 
^^A college-based summer program typically does NOT give a student a leg up when it comes to admissions to that college. Most colleges will state this. Both types of programs have value. Pick which experience appeals to your child the most.
I misspoke, I realize that it doesn’t do much towards admission, but it helps kids see which college environments work well for them . My child did a program at a more rural school last year and learned that she prefers city for campus life, so that’s more what I was thinking. So more time spent in dorms and with the professors you might encounter can be helpful. It’s hard to decide this time around!
well that is something…best of luck.
hello everyone! i did the college prep intensive program last summer and stayed at the dancer dorm’s! message me with any questions!
@kcmcgmom they’re very safe! right next to schmackary’s cookies on w45th and 9th ave and broadway dance center!
@wjm526 i was accepted to ithaca and marymount manhattan’s pre college programs and chose AT over them.
i can tell you all right now that this is a huge upcoming program and i see it being big within the next few years. it was the best thing i could’ve done to prepare myself for this process. it helped me immensely.
@kcmcgmom and @wjm526 and @ourturn2 my DD (will be rising senior but attending a different NYC program) is hoping to stay in the Dancer’s Dorms this summer and I was wondering about them as well. She is hoping to stay at the W45th st location that @mt1041 referenced above. Have any of you decided to move forward with the DD or had any luck making a reservation?
@counselinggirl hi there! Yes we went ahead and submitted our info and deposit for the dancer dorms. They sent pictures and it looks great and it seemed like the easiest option. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions on the details. Hope that helps!
My D was accepted to the NYC or Bust intensive this summer, and we are looking at the dancer’s dorms as well. We are trying to make our decision here shortly and they seem the most cost effective. We have deposit, etc. info from the housing coordinator from that program @counselinggirl, but I’m not sure if that is negotiated by program. @ourturn2 my D is a little nervous about being in NYC for so long solo. I would love to connect, if possible.
@typhanileigh Just sent you a pm
@ourturn2 sent you a PM too