<p>Has anyone ever participated in this? I JUST got a phone call saying my daughter is a "potential" grand prize winner (potential because we still have to receive and complete the final paperwork). I'm bouncing off the walls because my daughter has her cell phone off, so she doesn't know. But I'd be interested in any reports on the program, as well as what the parents do while their kids are attending the workshops/rehearsals. I haven't been to NYC in a few <em>ahem</em> decades, so this is going to be quite an adventure for me also.</p>
<p>Sorry, mezzomom, I've never heard of it. What is it all about? :)</p>
<p>It's a contest through Bravo TV. Participants submit an essay (I think my daughter answered the prompt about her most memorable performing experience) and a teacher's recommendation. 50 students are selected (one from each state?) and will spend 4 days in April in workshops led by Broadway professionals (choreographers, etc) and rehearse for a final cabaret-type performance on the last day. All expenses are covered for the students and one parent/guardian, and the school of the participating student receives a $1000 check to support the schools' art/music programs. </p>
<p>I never thought my daughter had a chance; it was a "nothing ventured, nothing gained" endeavor. I just wanted her to do it as practice for writing college admission essays. But I'll take the trip to NYC!</p>
<p>Congrats Mezzomom, that sounds exciting for your daughter. I just read about it as I have never heard about it before. It sounds like your D had to enter four 50 word essays and one teacher rec, and from those submissions they pick 50 semi finalists and notify them mid-January and then each of those kids has to send in a longer essay (on a specified topic to do with this event) and from those kids, 30 finalists will be chosen to go to NYC for this event. Is your daughter up to the stage now of semi finalist? It is all quite interesting and almost unusual that it is solely based on essays. I think if she gets to go to NYC as a finalist, it will be a very cool experience! Let us know what happens and many congrats to her on her achievement.</p>
<p>Susan, the rules have apparently changed a bit this year. She just had to submit one essay of 500 words or less, using one of the three prompts they provided...and the teacher rec, of course. So it's no longer a multi-staged contest...she's in once we have signed all the releases, which they are sending overnight via FedEx. And wouldn't you know that she STILL hasn't turned on her cell phone, so I have no way of reaching her until she gets home from play rehearsal tonight. I may just make the trek to the theatre to let her know...more for my sake than for hers!</p>
<p>Mezzomom, that sounds like they did change it, sorry. They only have up last year's procedure on the site. I hope I did not mislead! In any case, she will be quite psyched and wouldn't ya know you can't reach her. But ya know, come spring (she is a senior, right?), and the mail comes with a fat envelope, you will have to sit tight until she shows up, as hard as that can be! Hope this is the start of more great news to come. Enjoy the moment when she finds out.
Susan</p>
<p>mezzomom,
A Penn State freshman BFA guy was involved in the BRAVO contest last year. If I recall correctly, he really enjoyed the experience and found it mostly worthwhile. He was a bit disappointed at the very uneven talent and experience level of the students involved though. Since there is no performance audition involved, this would make sense. Any teaching and learning experience ( esp. NYC based ) for a high school performer should be a good one to add to their bag of tricks! Let us know how it goes.</p>
<p>Monkey, the concern about uneven talent was a reason that my daughter almost didn't apply. But she figured that it was such a long-shot that she wouldn't worry about it...and I doubt it will be much of a concern once she hits NYC. She actually stumbled across the contest when she was looking for grants to write for her school; our state is forever struggling to achieve a balanced budget, and school budget cuts are always a concern. I FINALLY talked to her tonight, and her first reaction was, "Oh my gosh, my school gets $1000!", so the trip to NYC may just be icing on the cake for her. Very nice icing...</p>
<p>Susan, nope, my daughter is still a junior. There are days when I wonder if I'm going to survive living with a strong-willed, opinionated, and very stubborn daughter for another 1 1/2 years before college, but that's a tale for another time :)</p>
<p>Mezzomom, she sounds like a match for my 16 year old, lol. I wonder if it goes with the territory of MT types, I have no idea. The thing is, she is leaving home a year earlier than I planned so, well, uh, you know. Truthfully, I am in no hurry to have a child leave as their time at home is so short. </p>
<p>In any case, I learned back when she was around four or so, that that concept of the "terrible twos" or that whole strong willed thing....was not a stage but a personality. I also believe that being assertive and having a strong mind of her own, will suit her well in life. It is just that in a parent/child relationship, that can be challenging for the parent! In life, it likely is a very good thing, though. We'll have to trade tales another day ;-). </p>
<p>Meanwhile, enjoy the highs with your daughter like you had tonight. Luckily, those are mixed in plenty here as well (it helps!). </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>My D was a finalist last year and had a marvelous 4 days and 3 nights in the city! Your child and an adult chaperone (probably you) will have what is basically an all expense paid trip (air fare, transportation to and from the hotel--which is probably going to be the Doubletree Suites in Times Square) and have an intensive three days of training for a short show that last year was on the stage of the Imperial Theater!! The MC was Jay Rodriguez (from "Queer Eye" but also before that from "Rent"). Most of the staff are from the Camp Broadway program and do a great job!! Your child has every reason to be bouncing off the walls!! My D is anxiously awaiting a call even though I told her that the odds of there being repeat winners in this contest are slim at best.</p>
<p>Enjoy it and don't hesitate to get back with me if you have any other questions!</p>
<p>Scott</p>
<p>Thanks, Scott for the details...the application info was lacking that sort of thing. After reading your post, my daughter is truly excited. </p>
<p>I do have a question...what does the parent do while their kid is training/rehearsing? I know that sounds a bit ridiculous (it is New York, after all), but I guess I'm really asking if I have all sorts of free time, or are the parents expected to hang out where the kids practice?</p>
<p>I'm sure I'll have more questions once we've received the FedEx packet...keeping my fingers crossed for your daughter.</p>