<p>I'm on my own in this. I was wondering if I'm the only one who is practicing by herself... Did you or your kids have help on professors or teachers? How intense was it?</p>
<p>Yes - I did very much practice with my high school teacher/director. Our class of kids “moving on” (auditioning for schools) work very closely with her on our monologues. This year there were five kids, including myself. We have a class dedicated to, amongst other things, working on these monologues. She will also work after school on request - she was able to help me on the morning of my audition. She also directs and helps us in putting together a portfolio and resume which can often come in handy even if the school adjudicators don’t wish to see it.</p>
<p>It’s pretty intense - but only because our program also is. If your child has a director/teacher that she trusts, I would recommend also working with her, if not for better advice, but just for a different point of view - it might give her fresh ideas or suggestions.</p>
<p>I found a local college theatre professor who I knew by association and he was quite willing to work with me, even wrote me a recommendation. We didn’t have a lot of time to work though, it was maybe two months before I auditioned and by then I already had my monologues picked and memorized.</p>
<p>do you necessarily need to practice WITH someone to get in to good schools?</p>
<p>If you have had a lot of theatrical training and experience, it may not be necessary. Auditioned programs are so selective, however, that it is a very good idea to receive guidance from a qualified person if at all possible.</p>
<p>I used a college auction coach- and I would say it was very useful. You definitely do not want the first time you perform your monologues to be at an actual audition. You need several mock auditions and several different opinions which is what my college audition coach provided me with. She also found unique monologues that weren’t overused from obscure plays (Wintertime by Charles Mee & Other People by Christopher Shinn anyone?), that I was comfortable with and showcased my ability.</p>
<p>I think it worked well, because now I got into NYU ED and will be going there in the fall 
Best of luck in all of your auditions!</p>
<p>P.S. I certainly think it is possible to get into fantastic schools without getting a coach, I just think it makes things a whole lot easier.</p>
<p>At the very least you could have your parents and friends listen to your monologues. It might not be as good as an acting coach but any practice is good practice. </p>
<p>You could also film yourself performing the monologues and then once you watch it you might be able to pick up things you never noticed before.</p>