<p>Has anyone been to or know anything about the Broadway Artist Alliance summer intensive program in NYC?</p>
<p>My daughter worked with B.A.A. They are lovely, caring people. The director notices when one little lamb is out of sorts. The folks who come to teach are top notch working artists. B.A.A. students get discounts at nice, convenient hotels but that part still gets pricey. We learned not to eat breakfast at the hotel! Once you are “in” at B.A.A. you can take master classes throughout the year which my daughter found to be of very great value. The Ripley-Greer studios where classes take place are so much fun. Something cool is going on in every studio - I love the energy of that place. And it’s very comfortable for waiting parents. Good healthy food on site. If you saw “Every Little Step” you’ve seen the studios. You are right in the garment district which I loved because I sew, and just a few blocks from the theatre district so it’s tempting to see a show every night.</p>
<p>I’ve done 2 master classes with BAA and the did weekend winter intensive last year. They are wonderful! They bring in not only awesome people to work with (I worked with Jason Robert Brown and John Gallagher Jr. for starters) but amazing casting directors and agents. Everyone gets feedback from the board of judges and the classes are interesting and helpful, although if I could give BAA advice I’d tell them to make classes smaller (although they would make less money then, huh?).</p>
<p>I know many people (although I have unfortunately not been one of them) who have been contacted by agencies through BAA and who have been actually cast through their master classes. For example, Amanda Castanos (the replacement Martha in Spring Awakening on Broadway) was first auditioned through BAA and many people have been called back for the show after auditioning for Jim Carnahan through BAA. Ariana Grande and Aaron Simon Gross were both students that I worked with who went on to be in 13 the Musical on Broadway with help from the BAA instructors.</p>
<p>I thoroughly recommend it!</p>
<p>My D auditioned for this several years ago but ultimately chose a different summer program. I just wanted to chime in that she had a wonderful audition experience in Chicago. The people were so nice and organized and supportive. She got to do some “extra” stuff and had a blast! I don’t know if that’s any indication of the program itself, but it was a nice first impression!</p>
<p>Daughter is heading off to the BAA Winter Intensive next weekend. Anybody else going to be there? Suggestions about what to pack/to bring (we’re flying…), how the showcase works, etc? She had such a positive audition experience for this program, and is hoping that the weekend will be just as wonderful. Seriously considering the summer programs as well, depending on timing with other programs she’s considering…</p>
<p>Be ready for some snow I’m afraid. Daughter says to bring a little notebook. I recommend eating meals away from the hotels which are pricey, especially for breakfast althought that may depend on where you are staying. Mom- there’s lots of interesting shopping in the vicinity - drama book store, costume fabrics, etc. You all will have a lovely time!</p>
<p>My son did the Winter Intensive last February and had a wonderful time. His group attended GUYS AND DOLLS and was introduced to Titus Burgess (Nicely Nicely) after the show. Took a class with the amazing Alexander Gemignani. Had the opportunity to perform for some well known CDs and agents. But mostly, he enjoyed being with a group of like minded, talented teens. Has remained friends via Facebook with many of them. Since then he’s done three master classes and is planning to attend another in April with Jason Robert Brown! BAA is a great addition his resume as well, as they are well regarded in the industry. </p>
<p>We the parents had a great time in NYC. We also attended G&D (on our own dime), went to the movies, dined out and walked the city. So it was a good experience for all.</p>
<p>Has anyone had any experience with the college/prof. summer program? Thanks</p>
<p>mtfamily,</p>
<p>If it is run like the other BAA programs, I’d give it a hearty thumbs up. Daughter (will be a h.s. senior next fall) attended the 3-day Winter Workshop in Feb. and is returning for both weeks of the Summer Intensive this year (turned down some other summer opportunities for this). She really appreciated the interaction with working Broadway professionals (learned Addams Family choreography 3 weeks before the show opened) and the input she got from the industry panel at the end. I’d recommend that you email any questions to the BAA folks – they are always quick and responsive to any questions.</p>
<p>Daughter said one thing that impressed her so much was being remembered from her December audition in MD when she got to New York – she was greeted by name, and her advisor had obviously looked over her resume, etc. </p>
<p>Hopefully, someone with experience with the college program will be able to respond, but in general, the program itself is well-run, supportive, and a great chance for the students to be seen (there were over 20 casting directors and agents present at the Winter industry showcase) as well as get some training that’s very current.</p>
<p>mommafrog, thanks for your help!</p>