High School Parents/Students - Class of 2007

College Majors Musical Theater Major
261

<p>APOL,</p>

<pre><code>We were able to schedule auditions at Syacuse, Ithaca and Penn State before the apps. were in. All say that the app has to be in place two weeks before the audition. Florida State & Boston Conservatory let you schedule it online immediately after submitting the application. If you call the audition coordinater at Elon and ask them to send you the audition forms, they will allow you to set up an audition, but here again, the app. has to be in two weeks prior to the audition date. Elon (336)-278-5600.
Michigan & Hartford contact you once you've gotten past the gate keeper. The process is no doubt daunting and there were times that I thought we would never get it done, but here is a basic how to list that I gathered mostly from this thread:
Make folders for every school. Go to each schools web sight and print out the information that they give you on Musical Theatre and their admissions and audition requirements. Put all of this information in the individual folders. On the inside pockets, write the username and password for each online application. We put a large postal label on the front of each folder with the following list:
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<p>Application sent:
Receipt of Application received:
Fee Paid:
SAT's sent:
SAT's confirmed:
8x10 Headshot, resume' & repetoire' sent:
Counselor materials: Transcripts, recommendation & school profile mailed:
Audition forms filled out:
Audition scheduled:
Audition confirmed:
Suppliments sent:
Recommendation letters sent: </p>

<pre><code> Before we really got started with the apps, my D put together a professional resume' and repetetoire' (google resume' actor) All of the schools require them either with the application or a few weeks after you apply. To save time, you can put these together with an 8x10 head shot and have them in the folder ready to give to the guidance counselor. Be sure to get a receipt for your SAT scores, the actual receipt of application from the school and also a reciept that says that you paid for the application. I keep all of this in the folders as well.
My D is taking a very challenging course load right now and is in a demanding play. She's also taking piano, acting, two dance classes and a weekly voice lesson. If I had not gotten organized and helped her process her applications and schedule the auditions, she would not be able to do it. Maybe she should have skipped everything else, but she believes that the training and the play will help her get into a school.
I act as the organizer and I did all of the research about the different schools and audition requirements. I have spread sheets that list what each school requires and the pros/cons and costs of the schools. As things come in the mail, I put them in the folders. I have done all of the scheduling of the auditions, and made all of our travel arrangements, spoken to the admissions offices, and speak regularly with her guidance counselor to make sure she has sent out everything that has been required.

Good luck with your process and keep on reading! Some of these folks have posted hundreds and even thousands of times. They have been a God send to me!

P.S. Once we had the final list of schools that we were going to apply to, we tossed out any mailings that came from other schools before they even came in the house. I just kept a garbage can by the garage door, otherwise it's all sooo overwhelming!
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<p>(Sarahsmom)</p>

262

<p>Thank you Sarahsmom for the great summary of how to organize all that is required. It certainly is overwhelming! The only additional thing we did was to make a "bible" type notebook, where everything is housed. Each school is tabbed, with a page for app requirements, artistic requirements, contact info, and notes of all phone conversations. My notebook is right next to my computer, readily accessible at all times. I plan to take it to every audition and hopefully, we will make notes of things to remember for the next audition.
:)</p>

263

<p>Wow! This certainly brings back memories! These organization suggestions are a must...organization is the key to keeping this process under control. My d had also made a master list of each school's audition requirement to give to her coaches...this helped out in the selection process. I also had a folder, but mine was an expandable one that housed copies of EVERYTHING!!! Music for each audition, copies of the monologues, copies of the accompanist CD, applications, resumes, headshots.....EVERYTHING and it went with us to all of the auditions. Yes, it was overkill, but we did rest assured that we had it...and yes, we used it! Taking notes is a great idea...one that I wish I would have done. When all the auditions were over, I would have liked some notes to keep them straight!! I took notes of the due dates and the notifacation dates, but no "personal" notes...that would have been good.
Try to schedule the auditions as soon as you can since some of the schools do fill up quickly. We did not have any trouble with our scheduling since we booked the dates early. The only date I would have changed is the Ithaca audition.....Ithaca in February....we are STILL thawing out!! :) (ha)</p>

264

<p>Welcome Jamie, and thanks every one, Sarahsmom that was helpful, I think we are way behind in the process but going to try anyway. thanks KatMT, We will look at Plymouth State. Good Luck all</p>

265

<p>Hello,I am new to all of this,I have a D that is a senior this year,we have visited Ottorbein and CCM,we are going to Elon this weekend.She is planning to go to unifieds in feb.These threads are amazing!I appreciate all of the info.She has not applied to any of these schools yet,We are in the process of getting everything together.I would love to hear from anyone going to NY in Feb. BFA in MT</p>

266

<p>Mum2four,</p>

<p>My Daughter is also auditioning this year and we will be at the Unifieds in February. If you have any questions...just send me an e-mail. Best of luck to your daughter!</p>

<p>Kaysmom</p>

267

<p>We also used a notebook with sections for everything. I also got a desk pad calender tore it appart and pinned several months up on the wall so when I was scheduling stuff I could make sure things didn't overlap, etc. It was a real pleasure when the last month came down, we were done!</p>

268

<p>CA Griffin, notfromme etc.,</p>

<pre><code> Thanks for the "Bible" tip! We'll be using it. The expandable file is also neat. We're planning to add pictures to make a "scrap book/journal" of each school.
At this point, my D, H, and I feel very well informed about each school and their MT programs. The web sites, virtual tours and this sight have been very helpful. The only thing left is to assess how each school FEELS. My daughter plans to do some journaling before, during and after her auditions. We just hope that she gets a chance to use this information come April!!!
One last thing, our family physician and good friend suggested that we take some Ambian or Lunesta (a presciption sleep aid) with us on our travels. I rarely get a good nights sleep in a hotel, and it helps to be well rested. We'll be trying it out a couple of weeks prior to make sure that we don't react strangely. I've also scheduled us each a massage the evening before!

Break a leg!
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<p>Sarahsmom</p>

269

<p>I'm going to the NY unifieds in February. I'm also auditioning at Syracuse in just a couple of weeks (November 10th)! anyone else going that day????</p>

<p>It'd be great to meet some of you!</p>

<p>Amy</p>

270

<p>Hi VTBroadway Baby! </p>

<pre><code> My D is also auditioning in Syracuse Nov. 10. It's coming so quickly and it's so exciting! Email me and I'll have her chat with you.
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<p>Sarahsmom</p>

271

<p>Sarahsmom -So is my D! See you on the 10th! Email me if you have any questions - I live here in Syracuse.
Harriet</p>

272

<p>Evasmom...Good Luck to your d. My d and I will be thinking about her next week!!<br>
kaysmom & d</p>

273

<p>First off, I have to compliment this bulletin board on the wonderful community you all have. I was in the same position that you all are in back in 1992 and only wish that there was a community such as this when I was auditioning. </p>

<p>Currently, I am preparing for a project in which I will be interviewing numerous Theater/Musical Theater School Department Heads (colleges and conservatories) as well as working professionals in New York such as actors, casting directors, musical directors, agents, choreographers, etc. </p>

<p>After reading many of the posts on this bulletin board, I'm extremely impressed with the professionalism and dedication shown here and you all might have some ideas for appropriate questions.</p>

<p>As I prepare my interview questions for this project, I thought you all might have some input or specific items that you did not get to ask or would like to but did not want to for fear that it might affect your chances. Are there specifics that would have been helpful during this process had you had direct access to the people I will be interviewing.</p>

<p>What I'm really getting at is, if you have the opportunity to anonymously ask any question or questions of the Theater or Musical Theater Department Heads, those that you'd be auditioning for, what types of questions would you like answered? Are there things that you were afraid to ask them directly for fear that it might play some role on you getting in so you held off on asking?</p>

<p>On the same note, what types of questions would you be interested in asking of working professionals in New York City? To be more specific, I will be interviewing Broadway casting directors, commercial/theatrical agents and managers, working actors (Broadway, Voiceover, Commercial, and TV/Soap Opera) some of whom are seasoned and some who are struggling to get by while still pursuing their dreams and art. </p>

<p>Again because you would be anonymous this would open up the freedom for you to ask pretty much anything while still keeping a professional demeanor of course.</p>

<p>I would very much enjoy hearing your thoughts and questions.</p>

<p>I look forward to hearing them. Feel free to post them here or e-mail me privately if you prefer not to post them.</p>

274

<p>I am a junior Dad. Just found out that my son is passionately interested in musical theater and I am not sure how I feel about his pursuing a degree, never mind a career, in musical theater. Not sure I have any influence in the matter either. </p>

<p>I am enjoying the posts. Learning a lot about the world of MT college programs. Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge.</p>

275

<p>bckrbonsai - see the thread that I just bumped for you about Moms and Dads learning their children want to do MT.</p>

276

<p>Just wanted to tell all those auditioning this weekend to "Break A Leg!" I really hope things go well for everyone! :-)</p>

<p>kaysmom</p>

277

<p>Just wanted to give a chuckle to the other moms and dads who are freaking out over auditions this weekend. I didn't know I was freaking out until I went to print out the audition confirmation email as we prepare to go to Pittsburgh this weekend- and the Carnegie Mellon email had confirmed a date of JANUARY 21, not Nov 12! I couldn't believe it, and thought I was going to throw up. This was last night, after it was too late to call anyone, etc. As I was freaking out, I went back and checked all the other audition dates I've scheduled (there are 11 of them) and discovered another confirmation email from CMU, confirming the right date- and that email postdated the first one with the wrong date. I couldn't wait until 9 am this AM when I could call and confirm- and everything is fine. I am an organized person in general, but the level of detail to pay attention to and juggle in this process is putting me over the edge! LOL for sure.</p>

278

<p>Also want to extend good wishes to those of you starting your auditions. Stay healthy!</p>

<p>BreatheEasy, do you know if the Nov. auditions at CMU are something new? Maybe I'm not remembering correctly, but I don't recall them having auditions before January when my D was applying. That was many years ago, though, so it's possible that my memory isn't the best. :) I do recall that their application was due before the others. In fact, it was the only one that my D actually had to send in prior to hearing from Tisch about E.D. All of her apps were ready to go, but CMU's had to be sent early to adhere to the 12/15 deadline. Another thing I remember is that they promised to refund the audition fee. Still waiting four years later!</p>

279

<p>Joining in the chorus with Kaysmom and wishing all CCers who have auditions this week a "Break a Leg!"</p>

<p>BreatheEasy, so sorry that happened to you and added to the stress! CMU is a fabulous school and program and my D liked it a lot. I have to say that over the years on CC, it seems there are more "organizational type" vignettes of this nature with CMU, not sure why. I'll share my own so you'll know others have been there, done that (though your story definitely would give me the jitters at the 11th hour!). </p>

<p>When my daughter applied to CMU, I reserved her audition date within moments of their putting the appointment making page up on their website (with thanks to a parent on CC who posted here that the page FINALLY went up that year.....they had been saying it would go up for the longest time when calls were made). I printed out the confirmation (word to others....always copy, print and save EVERYTHING in this process!!). I went ahead and made flight and hotel arrangements (this audition was coupled with PSU on same weekend). Quite some time later in midwinter, I was checking on CMU's site where they give each applicant a PIN and you can check if all materials have been received and if your file is complete and I notice under my D's account, it had that all her application materials were received EXCEPT that she hadn't made an appointment for an audition! Yikes! I had the receipt in my hands of the appointment and that my credit card had been charged. So, I called. They had no record of it. At this point, I really needed that audition date as we had made the flights and hotels, as well as all my D's auditions were well set by then. They were nice and said if I faxed a copy of my receipt to prove that I had made the appointment, they would honor it and they did. Again, copying, printing and saving saved the day, plus being on top of CHECKING after the fact that everything was received and in order (something I recommend everyone do....do not assume all your materials have been received...check). We could have showed up on my D's audition date and they would not have expected us.</p>

<p>Also, before I had made the flight reservations, I had checked with CMU about the timing of the afternoon block of auditions and if the time of my flight was doable (I sorta forget the details now but it may have been a 6:30ish flight). They told me that yes, that would work but to ensure no problems, that when we arrived to sign in at the audition table, to let them know to have my D go near the beginning so that she'd not miss the flights. So, when we got there, we did tell them at the sign in desk and they said, "no problem". </p>

<p>The afternoon wore on and there were a lot of kids auditioning. My D was in one of the early dance groups to go. However, after that, you sit in a big waiting room and they call kids in for their monologues and songs. We sat patiently all afternoon and the number of the kids/parents in the room kept dwindling. It was late in the day and I started wondering how it was all going to work out and why my D was near the end of the auditions. I don't like to interfere. I finally went up to the table at this late point (it was manned entirely by students) and asked about how she was supposed to go near the beginnning and that we were getting near the end and I was wondering what was up as we did have the flights and they had said it was no problem that she'd be prioritized near the beginning. It seemed obvious to me that the students at the table had forgotten at that point, so I am glad I asked. Finally she got to go, though it was so late at that point. So, I sat and waited and she was gone a long time and she already went in very late in the day and near the end of the auditions. At this point, I didn't think we'd make the plane. I wasn't sure what to do and needed to call the airlines. There were so few people left at this point. The kids at the table had laptops and I asked if one would look up the number for the airlines for me so I could call and why. So, a student says he could check on my D's audition and see where she was at with it, so I could determine whether we should even try to make this plane or make a change. I was wary about checking on her and so I told the student that it was OK to take a look and see if she had sung of done monologues, but to NOT say anything or my kid would just die. It turned out that my D had all these "callbacks" or whatever you call them, the way CMU does it. For some kids, if they are considering you, they will have other faculty see you, sort of like callbacks. For her monologues, she was seen by three different people, including the director and had to do four monologues for each and then for singing , she was seen by three different people too and they worked with her so it took a while. She told me later that a student came in and told the auditors that this girl needed to go to make her plane. I could just die because I told the student to NOT say a word but to only see what point she was at or if she had gone yet, etc. The auditors asked my D if she had to go and she said, "NO!" There was no way after making this big trip and spending all that money that she was going to leave her audition callback mode to make a plane! But it all could have been avoided as they had promised to put her near the beginning of the auditions. </p>

<p>So, when she was done, we high tailed it out of there and drove to the airport. We got to the gate as the last person was boarding and they had given away our seats since we got there late! There were no other flights back that night that they could put us on, so we had to stay in a hotel and travel the next day (which also had weather delays that next day). It was an adventure! </p>

<p>Anyway, you are right that you must be very organized and check on everything multiple times. Even so, these schools can make mistakes. Nobody is going to care about your application and audition appointments and recommendations and all that jazz as much as YOU do. So, it falls in your hands to not only be very organized but to also check on everything. Also, when you travel to auditions, have a list of what you need to bring and then go over that list before you walk out the door. D's best friend left her music back home which she realized when she got to Emerson and it was a scramble to get the music there at the last second. She did and she got admitted but it was a frenzy that one doesn't need!</p>

280

<p>I cross posted with AlwaysAMom. It is funny that you have a CMU story too! :)</p>

<p>Anyway, I have a client who is applying to CMU this year. The applications now are due Dec. 1, not Dec. 15 like in your D's year. Also, there is one Nov. audition date (this weekend) and if you want that date, your application has to be in by Nov. 1, though there is no ED. Auditions resume in January.</p>