Has anyone heard from CMU pre-college yet?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
181

<p>Dear Catsmom,</p>

<p>I'm blushing and smiling from ear to ear! You are too sweet. It was my great pleasure to get to "know" you and your lovely talented D last summer as you negotiated the oft tricky path through CMU pre-college. And this year, I felt your nervousness as you waited for the "yes" envelopes and yelled out loud with glee when the acceptances started coming in. I hope BOCO knows how lucky they are to have snagged her and I eagerly await your reports of her adventures.</p>

<p>I know that my family thinks that I am slightly insane when I talk about what is going on with my CC "friends." I invariably get a response such as, "have you ever met any of these people?" And I want to tell them that in a way I have met you all and that you truly are my friends; but I'm afraid if I do that, the men with the butterfly nets, straight jackets and basket weaving instructions will be at my door in the morning......</p>

<p>Staying involved in this forum is the only way I know how to start to give back what was given to me two years ago. Who else knows how hard it is to gather information about these programs? Who else thinks that paying huge sums of money for your child to pursue a college degree in Musical Theater really makes sense? With whom else can we share our children's successes, their trials, their hopes and dreams - and ours as well - and know that they really, truly understand? I've said it so many times before and I'll say it until I can't say anything anymore - I don't know how we would have negotiated this process and truly, I don't know that my D would have half the opportunities she has had without the invaluable advice we have received here. </p>

<p>It is my distinct pleasure to get to know you all. Any day that I can help anyone half as much as I have been helped is a really good day.</p>

<p>Thank YOU, catsmom!</p>

<p>PS This thread was started by screen name cbs57 back on April 5, 2002. Her wonderful D will be a senior at Hartt this year. I think she still occasionally checks in on us to see where what she started has gone. Pretty amazing.....</p>

182

<p>Catsmom, what a lovely post. So many of us have now been there, done that. What a ride. And it was those like Theatermom, AlwaysAMom or any other parents or students a year or two ahead of our kids who shared their experiences to help those like us trying to find our way in this specialized process. It is one reason I am staying on to help those after me...plus I have grown attached to so many folks on here. I also think it is great hearing about these kids after they are IN the programs, and even the summer and job happenings. It is all such a process, not just the college admissions part though that was quite THE process! I was so happy to hear when your D got into BOCO...a long wait but such a happy ending. I'm only sorry our girls are not together, even though my D liked that school and got in too. I have a feeling that lots of these kids are going to meet up at some point in their theatrical careers. Sometimes the theater world is not all that big. </p>

<p>As far as who started this board.....Well, at first, it was not really its own board but merely a THREAD on the College Search and Selection Forum within College Confidential. That thread had no topics as subject headings, just one ongoing thread on everything related to college for musical theater majors. It kept growing and became Part 1, 2, 3, etc. (now at Part 40). Then College Confidential saw how many posts and hits that ongoing discussion kept getting that when they started adding new forums, they gave the Musical Theater Colleges thread (topic) its OWN Forum. Then the "parts" of that discussion continued on here but people also were able to start new threads on any subject heading where the information was not as much a hodge podge discussion but more by topic. Both ways are kinda valuable. The ongoing discussion works like many discussions, going off on various tangents. The topic discussions keep things organized and easier to find topics that interest you. Then Shauna (bless her heart...many moms here are so proud of that girl!) took the time to create a FAQ page that has some of the basic information that gets asked time and time again. Actually if you stay on this forum long enough, the same stuff resurfaces. </p>

<p>I have been on CC for three years. I started reading it when we began the college process with my older daughter at the start of her junior year in high school. I mostly participated on other CC forums and threads, particularly the Parent Forum. I kept reading the Musical Theater College thread out of interest because I knew that my second daughter would eventually be going down that path. I did not always participate much on it because we were not dealing with her process at all at the time (she was merely a freshman) but I kept learning. But in tenth grade, she wanted to graduate high school early and then her process overlapped my then senior D's process and so I really began paying even more attention to the MT forum. Then it was down to just her this past year and we were in the thick of it and this forum definitely helped a LOT. </p>

<p>Right now, I would say this is the best resource on this topic that you could find, let alone has the BEST people anywhere :D.
Susan</p>

183

<p>Theatermom, I did not see your post when I posted above but I just read it now and you brought up something that I also think about a lot and that is, who else are you gonna share this kind of stuff with? I mean I don't know anyone locally who is interested or would understand. It is only other theater type parents. I can think of stuff that happens with my kid in this whole field, like even something that happened today with someone in NYC to do with her, and it's like, who in the world would even understand this or want to talk about it? Only my CC friends! Really, it is so true. I mean even reading your stories about your D's process with getting cast at MUNY (believe it or not, I knew what MUNY was!) and I can so FEEL what you are talking about or when you shared the "nachas" (sp? I know YOU know the Yiddish word I mean!) of seeing her in that professional production in that huge theater. It's like I would be practically embarrassed to talk to a regular person in my home town about this stuff though they do take an interest cause this field our kids are in is kinda a "noticeable" thing by people in the community (I was at a gathering last night and people I hardly know asked about her, partly cause it is a small town but also what she does is "out there" compared to some other activities that other kids do). But still, nobody but other theater parents really understand this whole process, particularly what this kind of college admissions process involved. </p>

<p>So, thanks CC not only for being such a great resource for me to learn a lot but also for the PEOPLE we get to share with!
Susan</p>

184

<p>Ok, guys, I know I must have too much time on my hands tonight but out of curiousity after reading these posts tonight on this thread, I went back into the archives to see if I could find the FIRST "Colleges For Musical Theater Major" thread on the old forum under College Search and Selection (where the musical theater thread began...it was just a thread back then, not its own forum) and the first part seems to have started with a post on April 5, 2002. There was another thread around then (started on June 26, 2002) called "Top Theater Schools?" also. Anyway, reading back these initial threads, I just came to one rather cute or should I saw youngest poster ever: </p>

<p>"By Ally McBeal on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 04:27 pm</p>

<p>I love to act even though I'm only 12. I love acting, singing, and dancing so much and I want to pursue a career in acting/dancing. I have been in Godspell in a children's choir, Wizard of OZ as a lollipop munchkin, and Music Man as a lead dancer. I am interested in a list of colleges/universities with great musical theater programs in the U.S.A., because people are always tell me I have a great voice, and that it is never to early to think about colleges."</p>

<p>Ya know guys, I guess you can never start reading the CC MT Forum too early! :D</p>

185

<p>I totally don't belong on this particular thread, but I wanted to comment on the above discussion. I can so relate to and so agree - you all are my best friends and the only place to really share and gain information about this scary process we are going through. My family absolutely thinks I'm crazy for spending hours every night catching up on all of you! </p>

<p>See the last paragraph of the post I just did in summer programs with an update on OCU. Almost my favorite part of last evening was really getting to meet in person some of my best friends from CC. It is so weird how you can know so much about someone without knowing what they look like.</p>

<p>When I got home today from Oklahoma, the first thing my older son asked was, well, did you meet those Internet people?</p>

<p>Okay, my family thinks I've lost my mind, but I know they were secretly very impressed when the daughters of 2 of my CC friends got the leading teenage girl roles in OCU's Footloose over a ton of talented girls. I think those of us who have found this forum may have the most serious kids about this business that we could find.</p>

<p>Thanks for listening, as always.</p>

186

<p>CMU Pre college report #6 (?)</p>

<p>Less than a week to go in this really fabulous program. I hope no one minds me putting this thread back on track about CMU Pre college -- because my reports are designed to do for others what CC has done for me -- give detailed information about a program to help next year's crop. </p>

<p>So let me say that the next few days will be very hectic for my daughter. Her auditions are Thursday, beginning in the morning with voice. So she intends to get up early so her voice is really warmed up. Later comes acting and dance. </p>

<p>(By the way, she is not positive that dance is being eliminated from CMU's real auditions. She thinks the school has not made a definitive decision.)</p>

<p>As late as yesterday, she was changing some of her songs, but she certainly has some very good material to choose from. She says a lot of the kids are very nervous. </p>

<p>In the continuing effort to get them in shape for the audition, this week they will sing again for teachers other than their own. </p>

<p>People considering this summer program for next year should understand that the faculty do not sugar coat their criticism. While people are supportive, constructive, etc., my daughter has said that they make it clear if they think something is wrong.</p>

<p>Today the kids are going to a water park. There is some kind of cruise Thursday night, so my daughter is glad her auditions will be finished by then so she will not have to worry about her voice. </p>

<p>On the summer program thread it has been discussed how some programs are good theater programs and others prepare you specifically for the college audition process ahead. This is certainly the latter and more. </p>

<p>She will leave Pittsburgh with a collection of well-suited audition materials and things to work on. Her resume has been polished. She has gone through a real interview with the admissions office. She knows what a BFA program is like, what dorm living is like, what college is like. She has been exposed to many plays that she never before had read or seen. She has gained independence (having used the 'free' bus pass to go into the city). </p>

<p>This program is not for everyone. My daughter says there are kids who cut classes and I have written before kids who have left. But for her, it has been perfect. </p>

<p>I don't believe I would have known about it if not for the CC-ers who talked about it last summer. So thank you to all of you!</p>

187

<p>I also cannot believe how quickly the time passed, though knowing my son is having an amazing time, and reading and writing on this forum has helped a lot. </p>

<p>My son's acting audition is also on Thursday, and his interview with admissions. He procrastinated reserving a spot and found they had no more openings available for interviews. He and a few others asked to be placed on a waiting list, and the department finally found some time slots for them. (Yea!) So when they reccommend reserving a spot early during orientation, do it! I'm glad he is able to see them before coming home.</p>

<p>The teachers in many classes are critiquing the monologues. There have been sign-ups for other audition reviews as well. My son has done some peer review which he has found helpful. He feels confident and a little nervous about the audition. He does feel prepared, though. He is excited to perform his audition pieces for us at home.</p>

<p>He is also busy working on his directing scene, he presents that on Wednesday, and performs in two of his classmates scenes. He has enjoyed those rehearsals very much. He found he has gained a lot from this teacher, and has been very inspired by her creativity. She is always sharing ideas and stories of her past directing choices, and my son hopes to develop some of the same sensibilities. She did mock interviews with the class, as if they were applying to the directing program, and she gave strong feedback.</p>

<p>Yesterday, my son attended the play readings, and then a movie in the dorm. Today is an art museum, and perhaps another play. (and packing)</p>

<p>I agree SO strongly with nytheatremom about the value of this program! The experiences gained here will influence my son for a long time to come, as well as providing him with information and confidence critical to the upcoming audition process. Each class, each teacher and many students have given my son valuable ideas, support, feedback, and friendship. This program is all he (and his parents) hoped it would be and much more. </p>

<p>Carole</p>

188

<p>My husband, S and I just wanted to wish your D well in her upcoming auditions. We've been keeping track of your postings and those of the other helpful parents about CMU pre-college all summer, especially since she was so nice to host us on our "spontaneous" weekend visit early in the program. I second the comments from Ericsmom: CC has created a wonderful community of people that makes this competitive (and for me, a "traditional" college educator, somewhat baffling!) process much more navigable. S had a great experience at BOCO's program and is hoping to be part of CMU's next summer.</p>

189

<p>Kedstuff: Thanks for the good wishes. And as you know, she enjoyed showing your family around. Although at that point, she had been there just one week. She is now a veteran!
PS we have a young friend (13?) who is at Walnut Hill this summer and look forward to her report.</p>

190

<p>Good luck to wool4all and nytheatermom's children on their auditions on Thursday! Hope all goes well! Those of us who have kids who are considering this program next summer thank you so much for all of your helpful information!</p>

<p>....and of course all the other great posts from those who came before!</p>

<p>kaysmom</p>

191

<p>Thanks, kaysmom, I'm glad you enjoy the posts. If your daughter wants to work hard and learn a lot, the program is for her. Please feel free ask any questions, it's hard to know when I'm posting what is of specific or general interest.
Carole</p>

192

<p>Hi theatermom and gkoukla - </p>

<p>Sorry it's taken my a bit of time to get back to you about the PCLO casting! As of now, I don't have any concrete info, just anecdotal evidence to support what you "suspect" - that PCLO seems more inclined to cast either Pittsburgh locals or kids who live in Pittsburgh because they go to school there (CMU or PPU) than kids from UM, CCM, etc. - although there have been 1 or 2 from these other schools in the past few years. This year, in fact, there seemed to be fewer kids who were in college in the ensemble than usual - there were several young 20-somethings already out of school - and 2 kids who had just graduated from high school!!! (One from a well-known NYC theatre family - but very talented in her own right - and one who will be a freshman at CMU.) I have heard both that CLO's particular contract with Equity requires that they hire a certain number of "locals" and also that they LIKE to hire locals because they don't have to pay to house them. I'm not sure if either is true. Of course, PCLO is a GREAT gig, second only to MUNY in summer stock pay and an immediate Equity card for those who don't already have it (like the MUNY - except PCLO actors MUST take their cards).</p>

<p>As far as whether your two very talented sopranos D's should make the trip to audition this year ; ) - I'd say it's still worth it, unless your D's only want to focus on the MUNY (esp. you, theatermom). At PCLO auditions, they will be seen by big deal directors and may receive calls to be seen for other things those directors are doing elsewhere - that has happened to friends of mine - and it is a great, competitive "cattle call" experience - plus it's not a terrible drive from A2, unless the weather is bad. PCLO casts many fewer people than the MUNY, of course, as they use the same ensemble for the whole season (and their shows are somewhat smaller-scale) - but both of your D's should have a great chance to receive a callback this year - and those callbacks can be quite a networking and learning experience for the performers (even the experienced AEA performers) - and you can never have too many of those! PCLO seems to hire very specifically based on the season - so being hired before is not a guarantee of being hired in subsequent years, which "frees up" spots for other auditionees. So perhaps your D's might want to wait til they announce their season and then decide whether to make the trip.</p>

<p>If I get any more scoop, I'll post it!</p>

<p>CoachC</p>

193

<p>Well the week is flying by! On Monday night, students were able to sign up and present scenes. One of them was my son's directing project, and he was pleased with how it went. During acting class this last week, the students were showing their scenes in private sessions with the teacher, and (I think) today they present for the whole class.</p>

<p>Tuesday was his last voice lesson. We signed up for the 1 hour lessons, based on the advice from this board, and though it was expensive, my son said he learned more useful info than in all his other lessons combined. He also liked the emphasis on singing for musical theater rather than choral training. There are some good theatre schools in Chicago, so we will be looking for a strong teacher here at home.</p>

<p>Last night the kids went to the movies at the Waterfront Mall. They had an interesting bus ride, but that's another story. </p>

<p>Today, the directing students will present their final scenes. They are excited about that. He has been saying goodbye to his teachers and collecting email addresses from everyone. Tonight, he will probably not sleep too well in anticipation of tomorrow's audition. </p>

<p>It has been a wonderful experience to observe his enthusiasm and growth. He has dealt with hot and humid living, roommates (for the first time), terrible food (though regular students tell him the year round food is much better), an intensive class schedule, being away from home and girlfriend, budgeting his money, and sharing his passion with 140 fellow students, and 35 or so dedicated teachers. It has given him a clear idea that this career, a BFA and conservatory school are what he wants. And it has given him as much preparation as is possible. We were lucky to be able to offer this to him, and he really stepped up and made the most of it. We are so proud.
Carole</p>

194

<p>The mock auditions begin tomorrow. My daughter says everyone is running around so-o-o nervous. She is usually calm in these situations, but the nervousness is contagious!</p>

<p>She was afraid her voice was hoarse today. It wasn't, but she was nervous about it. Her voice audition is early morning, so she is planning on getting up very early to warm up her voice. She generally has decided NOT to practice today, as she feels well prepared.</p>

195

<p>Dear Wool4All and nytheatremom--</p>

<p>I find myself thinking of your S and your D as this day unfolds. I'm sure we'll hear the feedback when you receive it but perhaps it helps to know other parents are aware of how you feel "in the wings" for your kids. Best to both and their folks. Carole set the correct context for this: you provided your kids with this opportunity and they've both taken great advantage of it. The results of these auditions are really not the outcomes--you're already seeing the positive outcomes and they're not even home, yet!</p>

<p>Kristine</p>

196

<p>Thanks to kedstuff and all others who send good thoughts his (and our)way! He just now called so high and happy. His audition went as well as he hoped. The auditors were all the teachers involved in the acting program, so they were familiar faces. He is heading out to lunch with some friends who are also finished. He will enjoy this evening, I think he will see a play, not the river cruise, and spend tomorrow packing and shipping his stuff home. We will see him on Saturday.
Carole</p>

197

<p>Likewise, my daughter had her 3 auditions and came out feeling very very good about how they went. She said the auditors were writing notes constantly. And during her (funny) monologue laughted a lot. (She noted that the teachers told her during class that during REAL auditions, the auditors will not laugh and that the student should not take that as a bad sign!)</p>

<p>I think she feels the way she feels when final exams are over! The stress that you didn't kn ow you even had leaves. She IS going on the cruise tonight and tomorrow may return to the water park she went to last week, since she enjoyed it so much. </p>

<p>As we understand it the "reports" come in late August. They should have good information to help her and the others as they go through the real audition process.</p>

198

<p>Congrats to all the kids who made it through this program and learned so much and grew and then also did well to come out of their mock auditions feeling good about it (that's the most you can hope for!). I did not realize there was stress over it because it is mock but I guess they really treated it as the real thing! The feedback is sure to be very helpful. Sounds like a great program! </p>

<p>NYTheaterMom....my D said that sometimes the auditors at schools did laugh on comedic monologues. That does not mean if they do not laugh that you are not funny, but it is just that every audition seemed to vary. Some are the type where the auditors are very straight faced and do not say anything and others are more friendly with a little banter or they might laugh at the funny part, and so on. My D has seen a variation in her college audition experiences depending who the auditors were or how it was set up. Expect ANYTHING, lol!
Susan</p>

199

<p>Susan, </p>

<p>My daughter said she wasn't nervous until she found herself surrounded by everyone else who was nervous. When she focused on how well prepared she felt, she became far less nervous. But I think in these kinds of things even if you are not nervous there is a "waiting to exhale" kind of thing. </p>

<p>As I write, she is exhaling on a cruise somewhere.</p>

200

<p>NY Theatermom, yes, I bet it was simply the situation and how everyone had worked hard on this stuff up until this point and they were all very caught up on this process. Meanwhile, I bet that she is having a really great time celebrating with all the kids she has grown close to in the program. I imagine she won't be sleeping much until she gets home!</p>