<p>That's OK. I can't get my D to say anything about the auditions at all. It's good to hear someone's reaction.</p>
<p>So this is some second hand feedback, because I wasn't at either one.</p>
<p>I think my D really like Michigan and is trying to keep her hopes low because she knows what the competition is. But she thought they were very nice, and liked the classes. Re dance, she thought the ballet easy enough, but found the jazz harder; she has only done a month of jazz (CMU this summer) and barely a year of ballet. I heard nothing about the piano and didn't ask, because today, she flew done to DC to audition at American.</p>
<p>I just had a brief conversation on the phone (she'n now on the metro back to the airport). There was no dance, and she used a tape that she hadn't practiced with, which was hard, but she was excited because they gave her some feedback on her monologue and then had her do it again and she felt she learned something.</p>
<p>So does anyone know anything about American? I know they are building a new fine arts/performing arts building (paraphrasing): in the center of campus to show that the fine arts are central to the school. It's a BA program, but requires auditioning, and they accept 10-15 freshman in theatre/mt, "depending on the talent." I'd love to hear if anyone know anything about their program.</p>
<p>Ericsmom, I had my Michigan audition of Friday. It was my first audition and I was a little freaked out, but it turned out to be easier than I thought. The dancing was not as hard as I had expected. The ballet warm up was pretty basic ballet, and the combination was taught very slowly and they made sure we all had it down before they broke us down and we acutally did it. My monolgue and singing went very well. They seemed pleased with my choices in material, and they auditioners were very friendly. The piano wasn't a big deal for me, seeing as I've been playing for a while, and they told me right there I was placed in 112 (the highest you have to go to for MT). Overall, it was a very pleasant experience! But I too am keeping my hopes low because of the stiff competition.</p>
<p>Hey all!!
I am soooo excited to have found this thread. I am a senior in high school... I attended CMU's MT pre college program this summer. So far, I've only auditioned for Point Park, which I got in... yay! I'm just glad that I have one "under my belt" so I can have more confidence going into upcoming auditions. I'm going to the National Unified Auditions in Feb. Here is my list:
CMU
CCM
NYU- Tisch
Ithaca
U of Miami
Elon
AMDA</p>
<p>I'd love to hear of any audition experiences and advice from people who have auditioned for these schools!! Thanks a lot for all your help!
Mychal</p>
<p>MYCHAL!!!!! WHAT'S UP IT'S HALLE!!! I should probably send you a "private message" but whatev, omg! Who else on this board went to CMU Pre-college this summer?! Mychal, I got into Point Park too!!! Congrats! It definitly makes things easier knowing that you are going SOMEWHERE! Why even bother with AMDA!?</p>
<p>Michigan Audition:
I was there friday too. It's sooooo hard to tell what the auditors are thinking. Dance was not hard, I was expecting worse. There was NO tap auditon. woo hoo! I'm a dancer but not a tapper. I felt GREAT about my monlogues, the teacher was soooooo nice. I actually did both of my monologues, I did the second one twice. He asked me to play it "less jive" meaning less "streetwise" bc it was a strongly ethnic monlogue. Piano was no big deal. I'm in 111 or whatever, the basic class for MT. I am NOT a pianist so I'm actually happy about that. Singing was fine. I dunno, I feel kind mixed about it. I was most intimidated in the singing audition bc it's BRENT WAGNER, the head of the program. Even though I spoken with him previously and sat in on 2 of his classes, I was still a little nervous. I consider myself a singer before a dancer or actress, even tho I think acting is the most important. So I have high expectations, I felt like I didn't perform my absolute best. Still they felt that the songs were excellent choices for me. Brent talked to me a while. They had me do some scales and pitch excises which the students there said was a good sign! Still, sooo hard to tell. I FREAKIN LOVED MICHIGAN!!! I was expecting to like the program that much. It's perfect. Perfectly balanced. They want triple threats. Still I too am totally keeping the expectations low. I'm praying even to get deferred, haha. ONLY 3 WEEKS OR SO AND WE WILL KNOW! I'd love to hear about other people's experiences.</p>
<p>Other CMU pre-college kids... hit me up!!!!</p>
<p>Hi Halle! I am glad to have met you, even briefly. My daughter tells me that of all the kids there whom she did not know previously, she talked to you quite a bit all day Friday during auditions and then later met up with you that night when she was staying with MT kids and you were staying with other ones they were friends with. And she told me you have done theater with four kids she knows very well in Ohio...BH, RR, MS, and AD. She played opposite AD as the lead in Leader of the Pack (they even got married in the show!) and she tells me you, like her, have played The Leading Player in Pippin. She liked you and I am glad you hooked up. Fingers crossed for you, Halle. </p>
<p>The UM auditions were VERY well run. It is a full day but well organized and supportive of the kids and they also care about the parents. It starts with an "orientation" meeting with three seniors in the program addressing the auditioners and their parents, answering questions and followed by Brent Wagner (director of program) doing the same. Before I go on, they did have every kid stand up and introduce themselves. NewMtMom, your daughter did and she is lovely and I am sorry I never got to meet your husband there. Denvermom found me and of course, I had to have her tell me her "posting name" to figure out who she meant! Turns out her daughter had attended one summer where my D goes for theater. My D knew a girl she has done theater with in VT who was there and also a close male friend from FL so that added to the fun of the experience. We had aleady done an indepth visit to UM and the MT program back in Sept. so this was not the first time hearing about it. Nonetheless, the presentation really went over what they value and you get both the faculty and student perspectives. Needless to say, my D loves the program as it is exactly what she is looking for. But with such slim odds, it is hard to get super attached. </p>
<p>As many here know, they take ten girls and ten boys each year. They have invited 350 to audition (after passing academic review) and more girls audition than boys. Because the yield rate is high there (meaning those offered a slot usually want to take it), they do not admit too many more than they can take. Last year they admitted 14 boys for ten slots but every boys said Yes so this year they likely will take 12 for 10 slots, same with girls. Then they will have a handful on a waitlist just in case not all ten slots get filled. Within 2-4 weeks, each candidate will hear either "admit", "deny", or "maybe". "Maybe" means that they are not willing to fill the class yet with many auditions still to come but that you are being considered once all auditions are completed by March 11. They want students who are good in all disciplines but might take students with particular strengths as long as they show potential in the other areas. Brent really wants kids to have basic piano skills, if not before entering, then start now but they do teach it there. You can place out of piano requirement based on the piano placement audition, as my D did, but you can do advanced study if you wish to continue. They stress being very supportive of each student in the program, quite a nurturing atmosphere. Brent spoke of the difference between their philosophy and the one at schools where there is a cut policy which can breed competitiveness, fear, and lack of taking risks. He talked of wanting students to study some liberal arts (about 25% of the curriculum at UM for BFA students is in liberal arts) in order to become a knowledgeable person which affects students in this career (or any career). They discussed performance opportunities which are plentiful between the mainstage MT productions (spring one is City of Angels...a friend of hers just got male lead in it as a soph), dramas, Musket productions, and Basement Arts (student run theater which is at a high level...by the way....they are doing Wild Party next), many a capella groups, dance performance opportunities, and so forth. There likely is so much more I could share about it but that is some of it. In terms of admitting students, they care about the whole package...the audition and the application, academics, essays, etc. </p>
<p>Then the kids had their 90 minute dance audition as a group. It started with ballet barre work. A ballet teacher in the program walked around during this time. Then there was a musical theater style dance combination to New York from A Wonderful Town. My daughter felt it was not hard but was more than what Emerson had asked for which had been quite basic. They auditioned in groups of four for this combination. She felt that kids who are not dancers, should have been able to do it because it did not involve difficult technique but that those with dance training might be able to perform it better naturally. All of this took place on the Central Campus. Then they moved to the Music School on North Campus for individual appointments for voice and acting and piano placement for the afternoon. </p>
<p>There were MT student monitors during these sessions who also were able to talk to kids who were waiting around, which was an added plus. There were practice rooms available to work on your material and warm up. For singing, Brent Wagner and someone else judged and the piano accompaniest, whom my D had met on a previous class visit, is wonderful. After singing both songs, they asked most kids how they heard of the program, something along those lines. Resumes, headshots, and the additional essay were handed in for this appointment. For acting, the professor was the one who taught the performance class my D had observed in fall. He was also great. I think they really tried to make kids comfortable and told most that they made good choices of material, stuff like that. Otherwise, they were pretty noncommittal, understandably. The piano placement audition consisted of playing the piece the student brought to play and then my D was asked to sight read music for a particular level and they kept going up levels with new material brought out, scales and such, til the kid reaches a plateau and then they get assigned a level of class should they attend the school. If you place out of the required courses, you still can be placed into particular levels should you continue to want to study, so they keep going til they reach whatever level that may be in this "audition". All the people conducting the auditions were nice to the kids though do not give a lot of feedback. </p>
<p>During the afternoon, there was a presentation by the admissions officer for the School of Music whom we had met back in the fall at an appointment. She did a great job going over all aspects of the admissions process, the program, financial aid, etc. She answered any questions parents had. I am not going to write out every single thing but if someone has a question, I can try to answer it. </p>
<p>My daughter was happy with the day, did the best she felt she could do and the rest is out of her hands. While she would love to be admitted and attend, she is very aware of the difficult odds. And she is aware that you can get into some programs and not others and there is that subjective aspect. Her friend who goes to UM and is a soph, did not get into Syracuse. Her friend who is a freshman at CMU, got into CCM but not UM. It is hard to analyze, that is for sure. </p>
<p>Afterwards, my D and her theater camp friend from FL who was auditioning met up with their friend at UM who is a soph in the program. They went and observed her rehearsal for A Midsummer Night's Dream and thought the direction was great and the kids very focused and talented. Then they hung out with various MT kids that night. This girl's roomie, who coincidentally went to the summer theater program that my other D used to attend, has a friend in CCM who just got cut mid soph year. Had a very different type of experience. All the kids at UM, both on the last visit and this visit, rave of their happiness in the program. Have not heard a negative word yet. The program provided the auditioners with a list of what recent graduates are doing in the field and it is an impressive bunch of bios. </p>
<p>All in all, it was a great experience and we shall see what happens. I hope to meet some more of you in the upcoming auditions. Next, we travel to Syracuse and Ithaca on Jan. 28/29. Let me know if any of you will be there.
Susan</p>
<p>Soozievt or anyone who has been to a Michigan audition,</p>
<p>What did the boys wear for the dance auditions? I read somewhere about tights and dance belts?? I'm just not sure.</p>
<p>Also, same question for people who have done the NYU audition with the dance.</p>
<p>All That Jazz - Hi! I posted my d's audition experience SOMEWHERE in this forum, but who knows where it is! Anyway, she is also a sr in high school and was admitted to CAP21, Early Decision. Big hint: I heard they hate anything from Wicked! Don't sing it! Also, if they cut you off before you end, don't freak. They cut my d off and she got in. If you ONLY want CAP21, TELL THEM. It won't count against you. The men were pretty nice. My D did NOT do the dance component, not really being a dancer. She sang about 30 seconds of her first song (Should I Be Sweet - I know; I never heard of it, either!) and pretty much the entire 2nd song (Someday soon? From Hunchback?) I don't know!! Make sure you know the composers/writers of all your material; they ask you for it! SHe did her 2 monologues; I have no idea where they were from. I never heard of them. Sorry! And don't listen to anyone who says NYU gives no money. She got a scholarship for almost 1/3 of the tuition. If you have any more specific questions, you can private message me or just reply. I don't know about any other schools you mentioned; that was the only audition she went to. BREAK A LEG!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>I, too, posted my first post on the wrong thread (the Must Read thread) oops!...I'm repeating it here, sorry all. </p>
<p>Hi everyone! I have been reading this board for weeks now. I think I have now read all the threads since day one, and am somewhat informed. (I hope!) I did have a lil trouble with the new forum but I think I've got it now! </p>
<p>Thank you so much to those of you who have taken time to share information that you have found helpful- Schools, websites, books, they have all been so helpful. I have learned so much! Like everyone else who is on here with some regularity, I would like to thank Dr. John for his great words and helpful advice. </p>
<p>I have a D who will be auditioning in Chicago on Feb 7, 8, and 9. We hope to combine the trip with a Millikin audition. She has never auditioned before, and unlike many, has not gone to a summer camp to prepare. Believe it or not she is still selecting her pieces and is having trouble finding just the right thing. She found a few things, but found out they were on the lists of "things not to do". She is making me very nervous and I am about to tell her to compromise as she will not have time to properly prepare if she doesn't soon decide. (I know most of you are cringing as your s's and d's are well prepared and have already done several auditions.) She is so comfortable and laid back, but I think even she is getting nervous! She is stuck on the idea that the pieces she has read are just not her! She can't relate to most of the pieces, as she has never had experience with any of the more popular subjects such as the death of a close loved one, etc. I have told her as long as it is age appropriate and has no dialect she is ok. (Although I do remember reading in many places that you should be able to relate to the piece and it should "speak to you" and "be" you.) </p>
<p>The stuff she is finding is just not her. I'm going to go to newer works at the book store, as the 5 monologue books I have purchased haven't yielded any returns yet. I just recently read somewhere where it says not to use monologue books! I know to read the entire play, but dont you have to find a monologue first and then find the play to read? I'm just a lil overwhelmed. Any suggestions? </p>
<p>She is going to a vocal coach tomorrow to pick out music selections. I guess I am lucky that she was recently cast in a school production. With auditions and all I thought it would be a bad thing-leaving less time for practicing audition material-but the director is wonderful and has offered to help out. I hope this all works out and is not an incredible waste of money!</p>
<p>mama02girlz - I just bumped a link to Theatre/Drama Colleges to the top of this thread. Look in part 4 for August 31 and September 1 posts from me and doctorjohn about picking monologues. I assume she knows how to take one from dialogue.</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I just went back to that thread and read it all, and it seems we are on the right track. It just takes so long! We are both reading furiously these days, but of course I have told her that what I find may not be right, so dont feel obligated, and believe me, she hasnt...haha. So the search continues. I think I'll take her to the book store tomorrow...its unfortunately 90 min away to the Barnes and Noble. Thats where I bought the first 5 monologue books, and they have lots more. This time I'll tell her to be looking for writing that sounds good to her. Thanks again for your quick response. I feel so fortunate for this site. I'll let ya know how it goes!</p>
<p>notarebel-Thanks so much! I just went back to that thread and read it all, and it seems we are on the right track. It just takes so long! We are both reading furiously these days, but of course I have told her that what I find may not be right, so dont feel obligated, and believe me, she hasnt...haha. So the search continues. I think I'll take her to the book store tomorrow...its unfortunately 90 min away to the Barnes and Noble. Thats where I bought the first 5 monologue books, and they have lots more. This time I'll tell her to be looking for writing that sounds good to her. Thanks again for your quick response. I feel so fortunate for this site. I'll let ya know how it goes!</p>
<p>Michigan dance audition-- it's funny b/c I dont think they had a strict dress code or anything and everyone was certainly allowed to wear whatever the want, but the guys who wore white tops and black dance pants looked soooo much nicer than the ones in gym shorts and a sweatshirt. You don't even really want to look at a guy who look that unprofessional. tights and dance belt would probably be a good idea if you wear black dance pants...</p>
<p>mama02girlz-- working with a voice coach is definitly a step in the right direction. Do she study privately as well? It's definitly not to late but I would say GET AN ACTING COACH!!!!!! They can help you sooooo much and would NOT be a waste of your money. Goods ones can help your daughter get great material, just tell them what you want: appropriate age range, naturalistic monologue. There is nothing wrong with finding monologues is monologue books! Just make sure that they ARE from a play and that you DO read it once you decide on a monologue. And make sure you don't choose monologues which are overdone. Also, if possible, have back-ups. Ya never know!
Don't freak, honestly, it's not like the auditors are going to question how long she has been working on these monologues! But working with a coach is probably the best thing you can do at this point, they'll help you really get in the game. Most I know are about 20-40 an hour, MUCH less expensive than most vocal coaches i know...</p>
<p>mama02grlz, I can imagine how nervous you're getting. Choosing songs, and especially monologues, just a few weeks before auditions is cutting things REALLY short. One thing you commented on about the monologue just not being "her" really shouldn't be a concern. She has to be convincing in her monologue performance but it has to show her acting skills. That's the purpose of being required to perform a monologue. In fact, it shouldn't BE her they're seeing, it should be the character. :) I don't want to add to your stress because you must have a huge amount as it is, but I did want to say that monologue books are really not a great choice, for two reasons. Most of the good monologues are very much over-done for this type of audition, and secondly, your D needs to have read the entire play and to be familiar enough with it to be ready to discuss. She's probably better off to think of all the plays she's been in, read, and seen, and then try to think if any had a suitable monologue. Have her talk to her drama teacher for some advice. Good luck!</p>
<p>HEY HALLE!! I was so excited to hear from you!! Congrats on your acceptances. You are sooo talented-- I know you will do well!! I'm glad to hear your Mich audition went smoothly. Keep me updated! :) :) </p>
<p>Halle, now that you said that about not bothering with AMDA since I got in Point Park... I'd love to hear anything anyone knows about AMDA. I've heard good things and bad things. Is it still worth auditioning even though I've gotten into a four year school? I don't know THAT much about Point Park, so..</p>
<p>Rossji-- THANK YOU for the advice!! And congrats to your daughter on getting in Cap21!! I know she must be ecstatic!! One of my friends who is there absolutely can't say enough about it and loves every second of being there. I'm not doing the dance, either. I was wondering if telling them I want Cap21 only will hurt anything (some people I know auditioning said either Cap21 or Lee Strasberg.. but I think they might have hurt rather than helped them...) </p>
<p>mychal :)</p>
<p>The only way it will hurt you to say CAP21 and stipulate ONLY that studio, is that you risk getting turned down if there is not a spot for you there. I don't know how many they accept total for CAP21 but S seems to think that it is similar to other MT programs, about 20, and they are the first studio to fill up. He knows a bunch of kids accepted ED there which does not leave many spaces left and the only kids he knows who were NOT accepted at Tisch ED were those who wanted no other studio. Both of those kids also were among the last to audition during the early season and the auditioners did make them a bit uncomfortable when they discussed studio choice and they were worried after the audition that they were hinting that the studio was full and another choice would be wise. But they wanted MT and felt that voice opportunities are limited at the other studios. My son auditioned early, but was not ED, and he felt the same way, and added Strasburg to his choices as it has the best voice opportunities (so he says) of the other studios, and the man who auditioned him seemed please. My son said they are very short on males at Strasburg--Alwaysamom, or some other Tisch insiders may be able to comment on any of the things I have said. I don't like to post a lot of info here because I am getting info from teen's perspective, and have a feeling some of it is rumor and speculation that can needlessly cause more stress. But I will tell you that the two kids he knew who were rejected from NYU early were the last to get their letters; everyone else he knew had gotten their acceptance letters the week before. If anyone has info on how many of the freshman spots at CAP have been filled by ED, that might be helpful info for those who don't know whether they should say CAP or bust.</p>
<p>I can't tell you how many were accepted into CAP21 ED , but the total freshman class for CAP21 is usually in the 60 person range, not 20. So, maybe breathe a little easier, those of you who are hoping for CAP21 RD. BTW, 60 is about three times larger than comparable top-tier MT programs, which is a problem for some. It was for us. But we've also been told here on the website from those in the know, that the class is divided into sections of @20 people each for studio classes.</p>
<p>Jamimom, while I am not a Cap/Tisch expert, I have been meaning to tell you that some things your son has assumed regarding Cap have been in error. You posted something on the parent forum a little while ago that I have been meaning to get back to you on and I forget the details and if I can find it now but I recall when reading it that some of it was not true and perhaps were things he was assuming from rumor or impression. I will have to look that post up and get back to you as I have not been online that much. </p>
<p>But just regarding what you posted above.....Cap21 accepts approx. 80 kids for 60 slots. At a Tisch info session about 11 months ago, they said last year's freshman class had 64 in Cap. The size of the program is not the size of many other MT programs. Only 20 kids are in a classroom like other programs but a total of 60 kids are in each "grade" of college, thus about 250 kids attend Cap total. There are definitely slots left for RD candidates for Tisch. </p>
<p>I agree on that the kids who seemed to get into Tisch heard BEFORE the ones we know that were rejected. My daughter has about a half dozen friends who got into Tisch ED this past fall. A couple got into Cap and some said Cap only and some just gave Cap as first choice. Some got into acting studios but only wanted acting studios and I can think of one who got an acting studio but might have had Cap as first choice. </p>
<p>Yes, many say Strasburg is a good second choice as there is some voice but none of the studios has nearly the amount of musical theater as Cap. A friend of my D's last year who did not get Cap is in Strasbourg but one this time got Stella Adler. Had my D auditioned ED, she would have said Cap only. Like I said, I know at least one boy this fall who said Cap only and got it. And then the girls and boys we know who also got Cap had it as a first choice. </p>
<p>At some point, I will try to find that other post of yours as I had never responded, being just flat out at that time.
Susan</p>
<p>Theatermom, sorry, I must have been posting at the same time as you and did not see your post but our information is similar. Mine is not only from those who go there but also directly from admissions folks at Tisch when we visited so this is accurate.</p>
<p>Do let me know, Soozevt, as I do not want to post incorrect information. The MT stuff, in particular, is not a field where I know a lot and much of what I get is from the kids, and their info is often not correct. I have caught some stuff from them that I knew or felt was just rumor, and all that does is flame some panic, and it is tough enough in this field without having that stuff around. That is why I do not post much here as very little of the info is what I know, just what I get from hearsay, and that can cause more trouble that help. For regular college admissions, I can speak from years of experience. I am a novice at the MT field.</p>
<p>Apologies to all for any false info I gave--hopefully Soozievt can flag the old post.</p>
<p>Jami</p>