I wanted to create this thread, because my junior HS D and I have decided that it’s about time for us to start research and ask for advice from more experienced parents, so come next year auditions, D will be as prepared as possible.
Feel free to direct me to other existing threads that discuss this topic…
First couple of questions:
- how do you find the list of colleges that attend each city Unifieds? My understandingis that it could vary from year to year, and from city to city, correct?
- How early this information usually becomes available? May? June?
- at Unifieds, do you have to have your headshots and resumes with you at every audition?
I will be very grateful for any tips and tricks shared by the parents of recent auditionees.
I started reading as much as I could on this forum and the Musical Theatre program, including older threads and the school specific threads found on the MT forum. When I thought I found a school my son might be interested in, I would send him a link to check it out. Once a potential school list was created, I looked to see if they were at Unifieds by checking out their audition information. We are in Northern New England, so being able to find auditions at NYC and Chicago Unifieds was an important part of making the list. “The Unifieds” also has a web site, but there are many schools that attend are not official members, but offer auditions at the same time.
My son wanted a BFA program, or a BA program that was more of an immersion program. Check the curriculum because BFA programs can differ widely, as can BA programs. Cost was also an important element, so I ran numbers through the NPC to avoid the sad predicament of son being admitted to a school we could not afford. Be sure to include two or three safeties (non-audition) schools your D would be happy to attend. A well balanced list of schools is probably one of the most important elements to consider.
I knew absolutely nothing about the process when I began the process 3 years ago. I learned almost everything because of CC, and the kind and generous posters that I found here. Search the threads and ask questions.
This is a good thread to read about Unifieds from this year: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19282234#Comment_19282234.
Here is the official Unifieds website: http://www.unifiedauditions.com/. Many of the schools who show up are not affiliated with Unifieds. Working on common app, common app essay and artistic statement over the summer are really helpful. So is a spreadsheet with all schools, application dates, prescreen/audition requirements, essays, etc. Some schools require headshot/resume to be uploaded as part of the application. Others want them at the audition. Each school says what they want online. One program even required an additional essay to be brought to the audition, but it was clearly stated in the email to schedule the audition. You could start a chart now based on what is required this year but will need to update it based on what is required for next year’s applications. Most applications are not up until late summer and some are early fall. I believe the common app is up August 1st and saw a post that the common app essay prompts for 16-17 will be the same as for 15-16.
My D did Chicago unifieds with her performing arts school and auditioned for seven programs. Possible because she auditioned on site for several of the programs requiring a half day. You’ll see lots of discussions about the number of schools to apply but it is very important to have a range of schools including non-audition programs. Any audition program cannot be considered a safety. I echo the comment to really look at the degree and the program. My D really wanted a BFA but applied to one BA program that is a performing BA that looks like a great fit for her. She has been accepted to that program and will be visiting soon. Searching by school names within the acting and MT forums helped us both learn a lot about the schools. We did not visit many schools prior to auditioning. Once accepted, you can visit and sit in on classes. Because of audition numbers, you really don’t get that opportunity prior to acceptance. My D was pretty certain she wanted a strong conservatory program in an urban setting attached to a larger school if possible. She applied to schools that fit most of those requirements. We’re still waiting to hear from schools but so appreciate all the information and support from everyone on CC. Best of luck to your D
we found that all schools wanted headshots and resumes day of audition - even if uploaded previously. And you have to schedule each audition separately through individual schools- even if they are part of unifieds.
You will want that as part of your spreadsheet - “does application need to be sent in order to schedule an audition?” Most schools - that is a yes.
Aim to get all in by early November at the lastest — auditions start to fill up. Carnegie Mellon is a great example - not an official unified school, but they are in all cities at the same time as unifieds. They fill up FAST. CCM and U Arts do too. Get those applications in. My daughter was slow b/c she didn’t have letters of rec yet, etc. You don’t need to have all that completed ---- just get the application in and usually the school will allow you to schedule the audition. I finally convinced her just to finish her essay and push “send” — not to worry if all her recommendations weren’t in yet. Thank goodness she did - was able to squeeze into all schools during unifieds, but barely.
Good luck — it is a long process. But it is exciting, too!
Advice for juniors- ask they teacher you want to be your recommenders BEFORE the end of the school year. I often do letters over the summer, and that way the kids are ready to start rolling when common app opens.
Thank you for everyone’s comments. I will make a HUGE difference having all you mentioned in mind while preparing for the next year.
Next couple of questions:
- Did anyone prepare separate notes for each school for an interview (points to make, questions to ask, etc)? If you did, how did you organize it, and what content did you write?
- Headshots question: suppose, your child already has some fresh headshots. Do you think it is beneficial to have separate headshots done just for college auditions? What is the difference between regular professional headshots and college headshots?
- Thinking forward, I am planning to have a flash drive with D's headshots, resumes, all her audition sheet music with me at all times (I usually stick it in my wallet). That way, if we forget something, it can be printed literally anywhere.
- I am also thinking about having separate thin pocket binders with sheet music, monologues, headshots/resumes and interview notes organized for each school D will be auditioning for, so there is no confusion, no transferring music sheets from binder to binder in a hurry, and therefore less stress. Do you think this is a good idea?
@actingbee Separate notes/bullet points on each school are very important when it comes to interview time. We kept a master spreadsheet - page 1 of the master was a list and each school got its own tab. Each school’s tab contained bullet points - key points about the program (e.g., conservatory or liberal arts-based), curriculum, performance expectations, etc . We also kept a binder with a separate folder for each school. In the folder were copies of relevant materials (some websites are terrific for listing the curriculum, training methods, movement expectations, summer abroad opportunities). If given the opportunity for questions, it was easy to draw from the materials. My D (and S a few years ago) reviewed the gathered materials just prior to each audition in order to refresh her memory. The auditors really do appreciate thoughtful interview questions vs. dead air!
Both of my kids had headshots were done as senior pictures (so just prior to senior year). No need to redo them if they are recent unless you are unhappy with them for some reason. My S is just now updating those headshots (2nd semester sophomore).
I, too, kept all relevant information on a thumb drive. Twice I found myself printing S headshots at CVS :-). Others on CC recommended loading all the information into a dropbox - accessible anywhere you have access to the internet. I did that for my D’s materials this year.
The key will be finding the organization system that works for you and your D! Sounds like you are on the right track.
Handy hint—if you’re at Unifieds in NYC next year and your auditions are at Ripley Grier, they have a computer, printer, papercutter and stapler which was a lifesaver!