Now I know this is a controversial topic. I am however not asking if we should use one, but if we use one when is it best to start?
My son started to use his the summer before junior year. He was applying to summer programs and it was very helpful to have input from MTCA. They provided valuable training and my son learned a lot during the 18+months we used them.
My daughter started in the Spring of her junior year which worked very well for her. We had about 6 months of solid prep time before the heavy application, prescreen and audition time kicked in.
We started spring of junior year but my D has only had a consultation and one Skype meeting because of her summer schedule! I agree with @sopranomtmom - best to have some work under your belt before this crazy prescreen season gets underway!
I think January-February of junior year is the best time. We waited until May of junior year and I thought it was a bit late.
Way back in 2013 - D started with MTCA in the Spring of Junior year… with the goal to be ready to film prescreens in September. (She made her goal).
@kategrizz The number of prescreening schools on D’s list is double that of S! Ergh. Luckily, S has volunteered to assist in the process (he’s an outstanding editor) so here’s hoping we get the prescreens done by October 15.
We started with MaryAnna Dennard in the Spring of Junior year. However, I would perhaps have started Spring of or Summer after sophomore year just to have more time to prepare if doing it over again, especially since the number of schools requiring prescreens has increased significantly.
I suggest Fall of Junior year. Maybe even summer, since that is a slower time for them.
recommend Dave Clemmons— you can find him on Facebook. DCAAP
Summer before rising junior-year is my recommendation. Or summer post sophomore-year - to say it a different way.
My D (c/o 2018) is looking for BFA acting not MT, but I lurk here due to crossover. We started with MCA (Chelsea Diehl) in spring of jr yr. So far the timing seems right. We’ve got several
Skype sessions to go and a workshop weekend but seem to be on track to be ready for prescreens soon and Unifieds.
Wow! Everyone here started so much earlier than we did. So I am just going to chime in for everyone who might be late to the party. I am a super-researcher so I actually was really mixed about coaching and the need for it. My daughter however really felt she needed it for acting (she was really worried about choosing work that was overdone). We signed up for MTCA in September of senior year. We used them primarily for acting but also for vocal selections and vocal tracks (which they did a fabulous job on - they created a cut for her that really showed off her range). Sometimes I wish we had started a bit earlier but they told me that people start even later then we did. So for anyone out there who is wondering if it is too late…the answer is no! I like that you can tailor there services to your needs which makes it much more affordable.