<p>Can I ask how many of you have hired a coach? If you did, was it done through Skype or in person? Do you think it makes a difference whether it's in person or not?</p>
<p>Over on the Musical Theatre Major thread there is a discussion called “Are coaches necessary? Helpful? Ethical?” which has a lot of info and advice on coaching.</p>
<p>And no, Skype vs. in person doesn’t seem to make a difference.</p>
<p>When we have discussed this in the past, I think the consensus has been that a good audition coach HUGELY improves the auditioner’s chances for success. But a bad one could possibly do more harm then good.</p>
<p>There doesn’t have to be anything “formal” about an audition coach. You don’t have to pay them, they don’t need some sort of license to practice audition coaching. Just someone who knows the difference between a good audition and a bad audition, and can coach an auditioner to improve their audition. It could be all kinds of people. Some folks just work with the drama teacher at their high school.</p>
<p>One coach I found wanted $700 for a package deal…seemed a bit pricey.</p>
<p>You stated in one of your many threads that your D has an agent, so I’m assuming she has a few contacts through her work. Any director, or fellow professional who would be willing to spend an afternoon or two with her may be all she needs. You could spring for lunch after the meeting! Save your $700 to put toward your upcoming travel expenses!!!</p>
<p>No never said my daughter had an agent…I asked what the difference was between an agent and a manager. She goes on auditions in LA and surrounding areas but she does so without the help of an agent. We do have friends in the industry and I am sure her drama teacher would coach her. I don’t plan on spending that kind of money just thought it was very pricey and was wondering how many of you used a coach.</p>
<p>My D does not have an audition coach because we are fortunate that her acting teacher is willing to help her with monos for nothing… Although I have slipped her money several times. (She’s just too nice and should be charging for her valuable advice!)
My D’s voice teacher charges an hourly rate… It is not cheap but he has helped her voice immensely. He has 30 years experience in the business. Based on his rate, and the amount of time I would guess this coach will spend with your D, I don’t think $700 seems too high. I would look at what this coach is offering and his or her background and experience and decide if it is worth it. I would think you should be getting 6 to 8 hours of time, either in person, via Skype or by phone consultations, for that fee.</p>
<p>I agree that your daughter might need only a few sessions. It would be best if the coach were familiar with the requirements of college auditions.</p>
<p>One of the things that my son’s coach was especially helpful with was monologue selection. She guided my son towards plays that might be appropriate, and then he read them and selected monologues. Many people who have posted here have had the same experience.</p>
<p>So many of the students applying to BFA programs have a great deal of training and experience; if a student is to any degree lacking in these advantages, a coach can be invaluable.</p>