@TravelMom402, as others have said, you can’t read into the audition. But I’m concerned that your son only applied to 2 BFA programs, and extremely selective ones at that! Did he apply to other, non-BFA programs as well? The level of competition IS insane, so you need to cast a wide net and not put all your eggs in one basket.
Just for some perspective: my daughter has been taking acting classes since age 8, has done some professional work, went to a prestigious performing arts high school that routinely sends kids to the most prestigious BFA programs, and she won a YoungArts Award with the same monologues she used for college auditions. She had her heart set on several “tippy-top” programs (and with all her training and experience, we thought she had a decent chance), but was absolutely devastated to be rejected by them. Fortunately, she DID get four solid “mid-tier” acceptances, and is now happily attending one of them.
My point is that even for kids with TONS of training, there are no guarantees! So you really HAVE to cast a wide net that includes less-selective programs and one or two safeties.
@actorparent1 - Mich and Minn were the only two BFA programs. But he also applied to some non-BFA schools and has been accepted to Minnesota for the Honors program so could do the BA there. He wanted a BFA with a liberal arts context and he wanted to be on a large campus so that narrowed the school list somewhat. Really appreciate the insight and advice. Thank you.
Hello again. I would concur with trying to add a few more BFA programs if possible. Michigan and Minnesota/Guthrie are both top tier. Even folks who go for top tier are advised to submit to mid tier as well plus some BAs. And some BAs still have performance Training. Look at the list of acceptances from last year to expand your list of schools. You could just add a few walk ins at Unifieds. They will ask you to submit an application if they are interested. I’ll keep hopeful for Guthrie callback.
@TravelMom402 - my son had the same criteria, wanted a large school with lots of other types of kids (though it’s funny that now that he’s at school he mostly hangs with his drama group). Anyway, if there is still time to apply- look at University of Miami (they might allow walk-ins), Indiana U, Ohio State (I think I read they have a new BFA program) and some of the others that have been posted on these boards.
We filled out the FAFSA but not the CSS profile which most of the schools that my DD applied to are taking. This costs to send to each school. Should we be doing this too before she even auditions?
Hello, has anyone heard a reply from their University of Miami (FL) Acting BFA prescreen? My daughter submitted on Dec 1, but hasn’t heard anything. Do you know if they let them know either way (accepted or not)? She requested a Chicago audition date and she’d like to know if that’s certain. Thanks for any help you can provide and thank you, too, to this forum, for vast amounts of experience and wisdom!
@2artskidz if any of the schools your student applied to ask for the CSS I would fill it out before they audition if they audition before the schools deadline for filing. We went ahead and filled out for all 5 schools on my daughters list that asked for it. For some of them the deadline to file was yesterday. Usually for schools that ask for the CSS profile if you don’t fill it out you won’t be considered for any institutional aid only federal aid. A lot of CSS schools have large endowments from which they can give aid regardless of income, federal aid is usually income based.
I would definitely start by checking each CSS school’s deadline for filing. Our filing deadlines ranged from Jan. 15th thru March 15th.
@morgan830 My son was admitted to CCCM after a local audition here in Texas. We are unfamiliar with the school/campus. Would love to hear you/your child’s review of the campus/program. My DS is straight theatre.
@TravelMom402, I agree with @actorparent1 and @FourStars. You never know what auditors are thinking. My D is a sophomore BFA at Minnesota and also a singer, although she was not interested in MT. UMinn/Guthrie is in a transition year as they do a national search for a new director. That said, the main faculty and program remain the same. IMHO, it’s a good year to audition with them as the pool is supposedly smaller. I have heard 260 or so compared to 1500+ in the past.
Auditors see SOOO many talented people. they can be so subtle but they know it when they see it. D remembered the tiniest things from her audition, like the fact that they both stopped writing and looked up at one point. They didn’t walk her out like others and they didn’t ask many questions. She honestly had no read on it whatsoever. So, don’t get discouraged. Forge on. I’m sure he did his best and what will be will be.
@mteverlasting Saturday afternoon was no better. After announcing changes location several times on Friday, it was Pearl, 3rd floor. We arrived at 1:40 for a 2pm and left at 5–with a bunch of kids still waiting.
@workinggirl25 CalArts was well organized and in the blissfully calm Crowne Plaza Hotel (nice bathrooms and everything)–quite the change from Pearl. Auditors were nice and welcoming, one offered my D her card afterward. Be prepared to fill out a form with 4 short-answer questions. It was a nice start to Unifieds.
@workinggirl25 Agree with @nyermom. S auditioned in San Francisco last year. You can expect a short program overview, Q & A, applicants fill out 4 short answer questions( just bring a copy of the artist statement as it will make the process quicker for your child), neutral audition setting. Applicants may be asked to do a breathing exercise. Also, may be asked to sit and do a short interview. Some applicants receive a card from the auditor. Length of audition seemed to vary quite a bit. Some applicants are in and out within a couple of minutes while some stay a while longer if they are interviewed. A very clean and professional experience. My S son is attending this program as a BFA 1 this year.
@morgan830 my daughter had her CCM audition yesterday at Unifieds. She loved it! @collegeadmiss she said the program sounds incredible. We are at Syracuse and University of Michigan Unifieds today in NY. Anyone there today? Break a leg!
Anyone doing UCLA this weekend? Is the dress attire just “movement clothes” for the whole time? Or is there time/is it recommended to change after the movement portion into an audition outfit?