<p>My D and I arrived at the Palmer House on Saturday afternoon. We walked around the hotel getting familiar with the layout. Everywhere we looked, we saw kids my daughter's age. Yet, no one was smiling at each other, they were literally eyeing each other. It was a very weird feeling seeing these kids sizing up the competition. This same type of thing happened all day on Sunday. I was afraid that this was not going to be a very fun experience, but was I wrong. Starting early this morning when the auditions started in earnest, everyone, parents, kids, auditors, have been extremely pleasant, helpful, and friendly. I am so relieved. Today was really a great day.</p>
<p>Felt more to me like nerves than “eyeing up”. But yes… The mood changed Monday once things really got underway. My D is not only running into scads of old friends (from her summer program, from her youth theater that she hasn’t been involved with since 8th grade) she’s been making new friends. These kids bond almost instantly. Almost every time we hop off the elevator, BAL are exchanged. Great energy overall!</p>
<p>Since we arrived Sunday afternoon, everyone-kids and adults alike have been wonderful! The sense of “We are all in this together” seems to be everywhere. I have seen examples of moms and dads pitching in to help kids they don’t know who have lost an item, or need water,or need to charge their speakers. Kinda makes me proud to be a part of this adventure!</p>
<p>I’m here with my D. It has been a great experience so far. My D has been making new friends and parents and kids have been so nice and helpful. Also everyone is so talented. I feel for the directors that have to decided who to choose for their program. </p>
<p>When my D and I arrived on Sunday, I think we were more focused on getting oriented to the hotel and seeing the swarms of theatre kids. On Monday everyone seemed friendly and encouraging. </p>
<p>Once when I was younger I was interviewing people for a business position and saw something like 16 people over 2 days. I made notes about each person, but it was tough to remember much about most people other that a couple that made the best impression. The directors here are seeing many more people over more time. It has to be incredibly difficult to sort through all these kids to find the right people for each program. But they do it somehow. I guess it is one of the skills you develop in this audition-based industry. Hard to imagine though. </p>
<p>Very true. I would not want to do it. It’s been a great time here in Chicago. Great bonding time with my D. We got here Saturday. We had a great dinner Sat night then saw the Phantom of the Opera. Sunday Willis tower and pizza. A great memorable trip </p>
<p>Overheard this am outside the Penn State auditions… “How do you spell Chicago?” -A male MT student to the Penn State Admission Rep. … “Would you get me a Starbucks?” -A mom to the same Penn State Admission Rep (and yes, he did get it). … “They’re only taking legit sopranos this year.” -A mom to another mom </p>
<p>Ha, “Overheard at Unifieds” (or auditions) would make a GREAT running thread! I particularly like that last entry, DoReMiMom!</p>
<p>Oh my lord, DoReMiMom! It shouldn’t surprise me, I suppose, but wow.</p>
<p>In reference to the legitimate sopranos comment, can someone help out a non-musical dad? What exactly would an illegitimate soprano be? One with a single parent?</p>
<p>C’mon, Jeff - everybody knows that an illegitimate soprano is called a baritone!</p>
<p>Oh, and can someone get me a Starbucks?</p>
<p>Bwaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa @ Mike!!!
I think the kids have been very nice since we got here Saturday night.</p>
<p>Darn it. My D is a legit soprano. We should of audition for PSU </p>
<p>Did she happen to get a donut with her Starbucks? LOL</p>
<p>You can get a donut with the Starbucks, but is costs $9.50 extra.</p>
<p>OK some of us did not get the memo about donuts. Do we need to know the secret handshake to understand it or is there a “Donuts for Dummies” manual you can point us to?</p>
<p>Is it just me or is anyone starting to feel some relief? D has six down and two to go.</p>
<p>I feel relieved. We have one more this afternoon and unless she gets a callback to Rutgers for early March, this is it!
Now if only have the United States wasn’t blanketed in ice and snow…</p>
<p>Son is done! I know I feel a lot of relief! I’ll let my nervous system take a break until mid-March!!</p>