Latecomers Hoping to Make It

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>Hey, I'm a high school junior (soon to be senior) with a very, very late start to musical theatre. I've only been in three public high school productions (one playing an extra, two playing smaller supporting roles) and a one two-week condensed summer musical theatre workshop as the female lead. After my first experiences in drama club sophomore year, I began to fall in love with theatre, more specifically MT. Only very recently have I decided I want to pursue it as a career. </p>

<p>I've never been in dance or singing classes, though I hope to start those immediately (steady voice lessons and at least one dance course if I can aford it). My dance abilities are... unknown if I even have any, though I have a pretty good voice on which I wish to improve and learn how to use properly with coaching.</p>

<p>I know my prospects at this point aren't very high due to lack of experience. It looks as if my chances getting into say, NYU's CAP21 (which would be my dream school) at this point are extremely slim to none judging on experience others on CC alone have had. I also can't afford $6000 pre-college programs.</p>

<p>While I'm greatly aware that work is hard to come by and making it to Broadway after graduation is very rare and unlikely, this is still something I want to pursue. This is something I love, though it hasn't been for long, and I want to work on it.</p>

<p>I hope to go to a college with a good MT program that prepares the student for life after college (which is why I love that the entire last semester at CAP21 is devoted to real life preparation). I live in an outer suburb of Boston, so I'm trying to find a place within 5 hours driving distance of Boston.</p>

<p>I don't really have a specific question, I'm just wondering what you all think of my situation, what you think I can do to improve/better my chances, what you think my actual chances are to make it, and if anyone out there is like me with a very late start. Any thoughts are appreciated. =]</p>

<p>And if I sound ignorant or uneducated about this, it's probably because I am. XD (Though this is part of my process to learn more.)</p>

2

<p>It will be important for you to put together a balanced list of schools in terms of selectivity (this is important for all students applying to auditioned programs, regardless of prior background). Any auditioned program should be considered a reach, because admissions to auditioned programs can be fluky. </p>

<p>If you are certain that you want to be able to attend college next fall (rather then take a gap year if you do not get into one of the auditioned programs) you should have at least one non-auditioned school on your list that is an academic and financial safety AND that you would be happy to attend. </p>

<p>There is sooooooo much information on these board, so search prior threads, you will find lots of information.</p>

<p>FYI… In terms of NYU CAP21 – if you go read the NYU/TISCH thread you will find a discussion about the fact that the collaboration between NYU and CAP21 is ending. This years freshman class is the last class that will train at CAP21 through Tisch. Tisch will be developing their own musical theatre studio.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you! :)</p>

3

<p>I -just- saw about CAP21 and was about to edit my post actually. =]</p>

<p>Thanks for the info! I’m now trying to search for both programs with less selectivity and non-autidioned schools with good MT reputations. I’ll be sure to scour the threads.</p>

<p>And thanks for responding with a realistic, helpful, and non-condemning attitude. =)</p>

<p>~Caitlyn</p>

4

<p>Caitlyn - please don’t “cross off” NYU/Tisch just because the collaboration with CAP21 is ending. My D is there right now, and the MT program Tisch is rolling out looks very, very exciting, and will most definitely include the industry exposure you are looking for. That said, I am “with” KatMT that you should not put all your eggs in one basket :D, because this process is very competitive. </p>

<p>However, at the end of the day, lack of experience is not going to be as much of an issue as lack of preparation for the audition. There are different ways to go about that, like start reading plays now, take voice lessons and work on your audition material starting today.</p>

<p>There is a great MT college audition coaching team that knows most BFA programs inside out, and can guide you via Skype, by phone, and in person (they are located all over the country). You can find them on Facebook and on the web. The rules of CC don’t allow me to post the link, but just “google” them: “mt college auditions”, or on Facebook “MTCA”.</p>

<p>Hope that helps!</p>

5

<p>Caitlyn - Many BFA MT programs are looking for ‘train-ability’, ‘willingness to learn’ and that certain spark which makes a performer stand-out on the stage, rather than simply going for the kids who have more training and experience and who, as a result, might be considered more of a ‘finished product’ than a ‘work in progress’. So don’t be discouraged by what you perceive as lack of experience or training. That being said, preparedness is key, and I agree 110% with MTgirlsmom that MTCA might be a great place for you to start … if for no reason other than the MTCA coaches know the different BFA program requirements inside and out. As such, once the MTCA coaches get to know you, your ability and your work, they should be able to help you create an appropriate list of programs to audition for, while helping you select and learn material that will show you to your best advantage. I hope it all works out … best of luck to you!</p>

6

<p>I should probably clarify that I mentioned MTCA, because they actually help you find appropriate material for both your vocal and monologue auditions. </p>

<p>There are many other people out there that can probably give you advice in regard to what colleges to apply to (based on things like your personal interests, and academic profile), but I found this aspect of MTCA to be particularly helpful when you are trying to decide what shows off your vocal capability, and your acting strengths, and you are navigating a maze of potential material that is “overdone”.</p>

<p>I realize that was not really clear in my post. I was “thinking that as I was typing” but it did not actually make it into my post :D.</p>

7

<p>I was actually checking out MTCA yesterday and emailed them for more information, so it’s nice to know I’m on the right track!</p>

<p>And even without CAP21, I am still interested in Tisch, so no worry worries there. =] </p>

<p>So basically, audition preparation is the key. If I’m able to blow them away with my audition, my lack of experience won’t matter as much?</p>

8

<p>Most BFA MT programs will be looking for potential, poise, and passion, in conjunction with existing talent, moreso than having tons of credits. After all, being a lead in HS musicals or your local community is nice, but it is hard to “guestimate” the quality of those productions. Remember that some schools will also have an academic bar, some more so than others. </p>

<p>Again, also something to consider is that, even if you are extremely talented, there can be a lot of people auditioning that are “your type”, who are equally talented, while there are only a certain amount of available slots, which is why it is so important to have material that really showcases you well, and makes you “stand out from the crowd”, so to speak.</p>

9

<p>Please keep in mind as you move forward - resume at this point counts for very little. BrownEyes is correct. Schools look for talent and ability to learn and grow. The stronger your voice, the better your audition package, the better your chances (of course.) But there are other things schools look for such as desire to learn, ability to take direction, and why it is you have chosen this as a potential profession. I don’t speak for all schools but I would prepare to answer the question of why you want to do this. And be specific and honest with that answer. Good luck - start to put your package together now. And as KATmt says - put a balanced set of potential schools together. I’ve said it many times on this forum - there are MANY excellent programs out there and not every program is for every student. Be as certain as you can be about what you want and look beyond the front page of the website, and even beyond this forum. Speak to the people there - faculty and students alike. Be comfortable with the people, and their credentials. You’ll do just fine.</p>

10

<p>Caitlin, I would recommend that you find a coach who you can meet with face to face to discuss finding appropriate audition material. This is a much better option than doing it via email or skype. Since you live in the Boston area, this should not be a problem.</p>

<p>As for the compiling of an appropriate list of schools and the gathering of admissions information on specific programs and assistance in the actual admissions process, I would highly recommend Susan who is a member here on CC, soozievt, if you are interested in a paid advisor. I don’t know anyone who is better at this, and more knowledgable, than she is.</p>

11

<p>To clarify/in defense of Skype :slight_smile: :</p>

<p>MTCA does meet with students face-to-face if travel to us is at all financially possible on their end, as of course this is optimal. However, if it isn’t possible for them to see us live, we have very successfully coached many students whom we didn’t meet in person until after their auditions, or met within person only once (after extensive Skype or iChat work). Seatfiller’s D was one of these students; they are usually from California or other west coast states, far away from our various locations across the country (although we now do have a coach in Southern Cal).</p>

<p>Skype is an amazing technology that is amenable to everything except teaching vocal technique. Its uses are becoming more and more widely varied in the medical and business worlds; for example, after research was shown to support its efficacy in bringing expert voice therapy services to those who couldn’t access them geographically, it’s now considered valid to do voice therapy and accent modification therapy via webcam! But since it IS ideal to see a person live, we supplement Skype facetime with performance video review and extensive discussions with the student as he or she is considering the material we have sent. </p>

<p>I hope this response is allowed to remain here to clarify the effectiveness of Skype for all of those students who do not have geographic access to anyone knowledgeable enough to help them pick great college audition material which both highlights them and is strong audition material from an acting and voice perspective while still fitting the written and UNWRITTEN “rules” of picking audition pieces (which is, of course, a much more extensive discussion…) If you can meet with an expert coach live, great!!! But if not, there are other great options! Of course, email could never be one of those - can’t match material to someone you’ve never heard and ALSO seen!! :)</p>

12

<p>What type of dance class should I take? As I’m counting in months, not years, of classes, which classes would benefit me the most in such a short amount of time? Am I correct in the assumption that ballet is a must? I’ve also been able to find some courses in Musical Theatre/Broadway Jazz. Do you think those would be more beneficial than straight jazz or tap? I’m going to contact the dance studios to see how their programs work and what they think I should do, but I’d love to hear if you guys have any opinions!</p>

13

<p>If you haven’t had any previous training, definitely start with ballet, and then try a Musical Theater styles class if you can find one. Ballet is the basis for most MT styles of dance, and will get you started with a good foundation.</p>

14

<p>While a “Musical Theatre/Broadway Jazz” class might be beneficial, you may also want to consider finding a private dance instructor who could work with you individually and at your own pace, first by showing you the basic foundation of ballet, jazz, tap and ‘stage movement’, and then, teaching you different combinations, along with tips for picking up combinations quickly and making yourself stand-out in an audition (in a positive way, of course!). </p>

<p>Ballet is the foundation for all forms of dance … it is important for fluidity, flexibility and movement. However, it’s also important that you have at least a working knowledge of jazz and tap, so you can pick-up dance combinations quickly in an audition. Private dance lessons (perhaps with an advanced student, possibly a college dance major in your area?) don’t have to be expensive, and working one-on-one with a dance instructor will help you feel ‘safe’, comfortable, and most importantly confident, as you proceed … </p>

<p>As an aside regarding Skype, my performing arts child recently applied to some intensive summer acting conservatories, both here in the U.S. and abroad. In more than one case, Skype was the preferred or suggested method of interviewing and/or auditioning, where it was not possible to audition or be interviewed in-person due to distance or time constraints. Regarding MTCA, my child was lucky to have been able to work with the MTCA coaches in-person and via Skype, so having experienced both, I can state with confidence that the coaching sessions via Skype were extremely beneficial as they were conducted in the privacy of our home at a time that was convenient for both student and instructor. </p>

<p>I have no interest in MTCA other than based on my own child’s very positive experience. However, you stated at the beginning that you are just beginning voice lessons, etc. This is where MTCA coaching can perhaps be most valuable to you, as MTCA’s coaching is all about maintaining vocal health and healthy singing. This may be especially important to someone with less vocal training.</p>

<p>I really hope this information helps and that things work-out for you …</p>

15

<p>I agree with BrownEyes about the private lessons; it’s often difficult to make rapid progress in a class, especially as a beginner.</p>

<p>Since your auditions are coming up so soon, I suggest that you focus on ballet and jazz (or MT dance). Tap is definitely a big part of MT, but most schools will not ask for a tap combination as part of their audition.</p>

16

<p>I might suggest getting a ballet book, or video to help you learn the vocabulary. It will not make you a dancer, but knowing the names of steps and what they look like can help in remembering them at an audition. D is a dance captain at a theme park this summer and she recommended to some of the non-dancers they use a video to learn the names of steps so when they needed to remember combinations they had to forms of memory to draw on.
D would recommend some ballet for basic positions, turn out, and such, but would suggest a MT dance styles too if possible. In beginning ballet there are very few combinations or learning things quickly. So an MT class where you learn a routine and need musicality is also helpful.</p>

17

<p>Generally agree with the other posts. One observation I have made over time is that there are some “natural singers”-- you may be one, who can really sell a song without much training; similarly there are some “natural actors.” Of course, even the best can improve on their skills, but the main point is, there are NO natural dancers-- and if you aim to pursue MT, you really need this skill. It’s all about practice in class and away. Yes, there are some Sondheim – and other-- roles that do not require much movement, and truth be told, many MT programs do not have a rigorous dance component to their admissions screening. But if you really are committed to the craft (a requirement for success), then apply yourself as much as you can in Jazz and Ballet first, then get the basics of tap.</p>

<p>You seem to be aware the difficulty of the pursuit of MT, and I promise you there is some wicked fierce talent among kids your age. But if you really want it so bad you can taste it, then get with someone whose advice you trust, put an action plan together, then stick to it. It’s late, but not too late if you work it- especially (but not exclusively) the dance arts.</p>