<p>I'm sorry if a thread like this has already been posted. Anyway, has anyone here used an audition coach? If so, could someone give me some ideas as where to find one? I've checked the phone book, and no luck. Same with a vocal coach. I've called a woman who coaches a lot of the students in my schools show choirs, but she still hasn't returned the call. Anyway, I could use any advice for finding both an audition coach and vocal coach. Also, if there is anyone out there who would be willing to be an information/help/advice source as I go through this process, I would be extremely grateful. (Please leave a reply, PM, or email me at <a href="mailto:Princesstommyg@aol.com">Princesstommyg@aol.com</a>, whatever works for you)</p>
<p>PS: A little background, I'm relatively new to idea of majoring in MT. I've been involved with show choir, dance, and some vocal training for the past few years, but have little acting experience. Basically, I started performing regularly when I entered high school. I'm going into my senior year and need to start preparing for auditions!</p>
<p>Kristin,
I am far from an expert, but I would encourage you to do some good old fashioned networking. You might begin by contacting the theater/music department of any college or university that might be located in your area, or close to your area. Is there an arts high school in your area? A regional theater, or even a very active community theater group? You might call them, too, to ask if they can recommend someone to work with you. Check out whether there are summer theater/musical theater programs offered in your area and if there are, contact the people involved in those. This is one of those situation where one cannot look in the Yellow Pages under "vocal coach" (well, in my area you can't!) but have to find out by doing some good old detective work. I would also continue to try to get in touch with the woman who coaches people at your school. Even if she cannot help you, she might know someone who can. Also, the teacher who directs the musicals, etc. at your high school ought to be able to help with this, if only to suggest other people in the field.
Good luck!
Lisa</p>
<p>Ask your high school choir teacher or drama teacher, they should know at least one vocal coach...also if you live near a college or university try to contact them. They may have someone/ know of someone/ or if you are on a budget there are always students that give lessions a very low prices.</p>
<p>Don't intend to rain on your parade, but please, check out the credentials of "audition coachs" very carefully. We have had quite a problem here with at least one woman who had a glowing resume-all faked- which slipped by for years until she was caught. The unfortunate thing is that she continues to operate, as many people are not connected to the "network" and although her sucess rate is not good, anxious parents and students will do almost anything to give a boost to admission chances. Take the time to research credentials and references, or save your $$ for good voice or acting teachers!</p>
<p>Lulu'sMomma, great advice for anyone hiring anyone to do most anything! Yes, we should all check out the people we hire to do everything from tutoring our kids in math to helping coach them for auditions. That's why the word-of-mouth recommendation is so important: try to find someone (preferably several someone's! :)) who have used the person. And Google is a great tool .... put the person's name in and see what pops up. It can sometimes surprise you.</p>
<p>CGDancinFeet (I have to wonder... does the CG stand for Center Grove? Show choir is a small world): I received some excellent advice from a member of this board a couple of months ago regarding finding an audition coach. I, too, had asked around for referrals for an audition coach - living in the Chicago area, there was a plethora of options, and I thought we were on the right track. However, it was gently pointed out to me that there are subtle differences between audition coaches and MT college audition coaches. I had some wonderful conversations with teachers, working actors who wanted to coach my daughter, but if you're really going to spend the time and money, you need to find someone who is familiar with working with students who are auditioning specifically for college musical theater programs. For us, it ended up being a working actress in the Chicago area that graduated from CMU not too long ago. My daughter is not even auditioning for CMU, but this coach is familiar with the trends and requirements of the college audition process. </p>
<p>Obviously, good students get accepted into excellent programs without audition coaches who are experienced with the college audition process. Our way is not the only way to go - much depends on your location, time and resources. I was advised when interviewing people to find out what their knowledge and experience is with coaching students for college auditions - have any of their students been accepted into audition-based MT programs recently? Are they current on what schools are looking for? Regardless of who you get, you need to be impecably thorough when researching what each school wants at their audition. There is a wide range of what schools require. </p>
<p>If financial resources allow it, and you live in an area where this kind of coach is not available, consider traveling to the nearest large city for a few sessions. Even though our coach is only 45 minutes away, we have chosen to do sessions every 2-3 weeks, but go for two hours. This means my daughter has to really work between those sessions so that she is prepared to utilize the coaching time, but it saves on commute time. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions, and I can provide more details on our search.</p>