@Twelfthman, My S said he found the workshops more focused. I’m guessing he meant the actual curriculum and focus of the workshop were more beneficial for college auditions. He felt there was no real benefit after his first theater class because no matter how advanced they said they were, they always repeated the same games, exercises, etc he learned in his middle school PA program. The workshops helped him develop his material and learn his type. Classes were more focused on exploring acting. This is of course only one persons experience, but many of his peers felt the same way.
^^^I agree it can be very hard to find meaningful acting training especially during the school year. My daughter was extremely lucky by virtue of where we live, it existed and also her HS drama program was academically excellent and not about just putting on a show. But there are some fantastic summer programs that are acting intensive and could be picked over say something that is really more about song and dance. BUSTI at BU, UNCSA’s summer program, U Minn’s, UCS’s, and I’m sure many more. It seems like most MTs manage to squeeze in school year voice lessons and maybe dance classes too. Perhaps using one of the summers to focus on acting would be a worthy investment.
Dance training puts you ahead. Legitimate vocal training is really helpful! My S kicks himself that he didn’t get more dance training, but luckily with the training he got in H.S. MT for four years and 3 years of dance he feels he’s ahead of most of the boys in his freshman MT in college but he wishes he could be more advanced. Definitely helps when they get to audition time in college, too, for productions…
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