We had a great unexpected experience at Unifieds (Chicago and LA).Last year my D did walk-ins for Atlantic Acting Studio, CCPA, Montclair and UArts. I believe the only fee we had to pay was for CCPA. She was ultimately admitted to all ( in addition to a couple of others which were previously scheduled/application submitted). She is now at UArts and absolutely LOVES it.
annelisesmom, it’s nice to hear that your D is loving UArts. There hasn’t been much discussion here lately about UArts. MichaelNKat used to be our very generous resident expert here on CC but he doesn’t post much anymore.
About the elevators. When you say wait was “really” long, are we talking ten minutes or twenty minutes or more? Is it better then to ask for a lower floor? Or will that be too loud for sleep due to street noise, etc? Just wondering if my initial strategy to ask for high floor is wrong?
I don’t remember the elevators being an issue… Sure, sometimes you has to wait a little longer than other times, but I don’t recall it being an hindrance/annoyance. It’s a huge conference hotel! Just know your way around and use the stairs. Google “palmer house hilton conference rooms” and you’ll find the link to the floor plans for the hotel’s conference space. Print them out now, while still at home. THAT helped immensely once we got there.
There are some elevators that only go to certain floors. Must make sure you know which ones go where you need to go. And double check before you step on :). There can sometimes be a short wait. Always allow plenty of time just in case it’s crowded or you get turned around.
I don’t remember the elevators being an issue either. We did end up on the wrong one 1 time, but we just went for a ride and then changed to the correct ones. Not a big deal unless you are running late.
D had a friend staying at the Palmer 2 years ago- they were waiting to audition, and realized they had forgotten something (I think it was sheet music- but can’t remember) upstairs in room. Mom runs to get- but elevators are slow/crowded - so she takes the stairs (many flights- again, don’t remember exact) gets what was needed and runs back down. Whole saga took 20 min- only to find when she got back that the school had cancelled the kid’s audition b/c they weren’t ready on time. Now- bottom line is be ready. (In my recollection, kid only realized that they had forgotten sheet music when they were “on deck” to sing) But also don’t assume that “upstairs” is seconds away!