<p>Any advice from those who have been there to those who did their very first audition this fall and got a rejection? Is there something we parents should know? Give up? Hang in? If hang in, how?</p>
<p>Do parents actually survive this?</p>
<p>Dear Newbie, LOL, yes parents and kids do survive this! The vast majority of kids in this process get at least one rejection, please reasure your student that this is very normal. If your child has prepared properly (search threads) and has chosen a good range of schools to audition for (reaches, matches and safeties) things may work out. The most important thing to remember, other than being prepared, is that this is a VERY difficult major to get into, because of the low admit rate. I have heard that it is harder to get into an MT program than into medical school. I don't know how many auditions your child has done, but each one should be a great opportunity to learn and take forward to the next one. We all sympathize with your child and know how hard it is to accept rejection, but it will make your child tougher, which is needed in this business. GOOD LUCK!</p>
<p>Every school is looking for something different! just remember that and don't give up.</p>
<p>One really good thing your child has done is to start the process early- there is time to evaluate material, and fine tune things if necessary. That is not to say that just because you get a rejection you need to change material, but there is time to reflect. My D did all her auditions in Feb and she went from one to the next sort of on automatic pilot. She did not have the opportunity to change anything even had she wanted to.</p>
<p>That being said, one rejection is just one rejection in what will be a string of them that your student will face in this business. Every actor has to face it. Every one hurts, and every one makes you stronger and better prepared for the next opportunity.</p>
<p>It sisvery important to know that you have applied to an appropriate number of schools.</p>
<p>Hundreds of people found out last week that they were rejected from Elon, myself included. They only actually accepted I think 3 and deferred 3, so they only took like 2% of the auditioners.</p>
<p>Everyone is in the same boat together, so you're kid isn't alone.</p>
<p>You also have to look at your first audition and ask yourself what they auditors might not have liked. For me, I'm changing my ballad song completely and now using my comedic monologue. Although I sang my ballad song very well, it didn't show my singing range (only went to an E) nor my acting versatility much. The guy in the song is giving testimony in court, so is basically standing without any movement at all. My monologue, although had VERY strong emotional content, didn't show much dynamic.</p>
<p>So just take the first rejection and look at it as a learning experience and see how you can improve. I mean, you can only get better, right?</p>
<p>Take the time to reflect about your choices, and if they were appropriate. If not, think about looking at other material. However, I too often see kids rushing to change when it isn't necessary. If the pieces you have showcase your abilities, and provide a good contrast, stick with them.</p>
<p>Don't throw away good material that you've taken the time to prepare well, to rush into new choices that would be less prepared.</p>
<p>Perfect example of making adjustments -- one of my students had her first audition this week, at U-Arts. She had chosen two excellent songs, but they were perhaps too similar in style. After singing them, she was asked if she had anything more legit. Well, she does have that in her repertoire, but hadn't brought it with her to the auditions. So for her next audition, she will probably replace one song, and also be sure to have ALL of her music with her just in case she's asked for additional selections.</p>
<p>You should also take into account that your very first audition is likely to be extra stressful -- it will get somewhat easier as you go along. It's a learning process!</p>
<p>I agree with MusThCC: "Don't throw away good material that you've taken the time to prepare well, to rush into new choices that would be less prepared." In addition, please remember that just as these schools are auditioning and evaluataing and judging your child, your child should be doing the same with these schools... he or she should be evaluating them for fit as well. When all acceptances are in hand next spring your child's choices will become clear and most likely correct for your child. Not every school is right for every actor and vice versa- so just be there as a welcome respite to support your child through this difficult and emotional process. It will all work itself out eventually, and EVERYONE gets the dreaded rejection at some point in this process. Everyone. Even those that appear to be getting in to all of their schools. In the end, your child can only go to one school so just take a deep breath, evaluate the audition material, go with your gut, and enjoy this journey as next year you, like me, will be on the other side missing your child who will be exceedingly happy and way too busy next year!!!</p>
<p>The audition/acceptance process can seem mercurial at times - and it is because of the inherent subjectivity of it. In addition, different schools at different times can be looking for different qualities in an applicant. Some schools even have a reputation for "casting" their freshman class to achieve a certain composition of strengths, talents or look. My daughter auditioned for 6 schools, 3 of them rejected her, 3 accepted her. Same materials. Who knows why some of the schools viewed her as someone they wanted and some did not.</p>
<p>Just because you daughter was rejected by one school doesn't mean she isn't talented and that she won't be accepted by one of the schools on her list. In addition to the other suggestions given above, it is also important to make sure that your daughter's list of schools is diverse and well matched to her as a student. Larger programs, smaller programs, programs that give weight to academics, some that don't, programs with a very narrow selective talent pool, some with a broader pool. Throw in a BA program or 2 that have strong theater departments with good MT opportunities where she is a good academic match. If the list of schools needs some tweaking, it's not too late to do so now. In my view, that is even more important than reevaluating audition materials. With the right mix of schools, odds are that your daughter will be accepted at a school that she will thrive at and this time next year will be very exhausted but happy. As was said, it only takes one acceptance.</p>
<p>I have to echo all of the above sentiments. My D was rejected from her first audition last year and it was a tough letter to get. Blessedly, soon after, a yes call came so we had little time to agonize over it. There was no comment made at the rejected program and it was a school my D felt she could have done well at. </p>
<p>So, as other posters have said, make sure your list is good - there may still be time to add a non audition safety if need be- and be sure your D has her materials nailed. </p>
<p>I also agree with the poster who said to be sure to have other music available just in case. At an early audition school, my D's auditioner felt that her songs were to 'alike' and asked for another. She did not have the music with her. We brought it for each one after - no one else EVER made that comment (actually several others complimented her song choices to her). You never know what they are looking for or what they hear.</p>
<p>Good luck and remind your D there is a place for everyone.</p>
<p>MikksMom</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have posted. I appreciate all of the good ideas and ways to view the audition process. Time has a way of healing some of the rejection pain and with it, somehow comes newfound optimism and hope again. I really admire these young people who have an amazing spirit, talent and determination! Thanks to all who have been there and who are going through it right now!</p>