<p>My daughter is interested in the American Shakespeare Center's summer theater program. The application isn't available yet for 2014, and I am wondering if this is an audition program or not. The website said applications were accepted on a first come first serve basis, but I wasn't sure if that meant the students were accepted into the program first come first serve, or whether it means that they stop taking applications when they reach a certain limit and then begin looking at auditions from their applicant pool. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Hey, as far as I know that is NOT an auditioned program! My son attended one summer, and I know quite a few kids who have gone for several consecutive years. Some years it does fill up quickly, so you want to keep an eye on the website and send in her stuff promptly when the application goes online. If she enjoys Shakespeare, she’ll love it! </p>
<p>Our own experience was four years ago, but based on what I’ve heard it still works the same way. Campers are admitted first-come first-served, and the kids are told to prepare material for auditions on the day of arrival. My son’s year involved reading/preparing a monologue (can’t remember if he had a choice or it was assigned), doing scene work with a partner, cold reading, etc.–they had to be prepared to improv with a partner based on a given text. From that audition, they were cast in one of three plays that the kids rehearsed for two weeks and then performed on the Blackfriars stage on the final day. It was absolutely wonderful, and they learn SO, so much, even the kids who go back for several years in a row. They also learn stage combat, do voice and movement work, lots of text study, and spend time observing the professional troupe, who talk to them after performances. I’m happy to answer any questions; we live about 45 minutes away from ASC and attend productions regularly, and as I said, I know (work with) lots of kids who’ve gone–oh, and I have a colleague who teaches there in the summers too! :)</p>