I’ve heard amazing things about it, but wondering if it is really worth it. Also, which camp to do because there are so many. The Musical Theatre production sounds cool but six weeks sounds like a long time. If not, I don’t know whether to do the Contemporary Theatre or Golden Age Revue one. My strongest suit is singing and I’m not a great dancer but would like to improve on that.
Also, does anyone know any other really great renowned theatre programs? I have heard someone mention the Performing Arts Project. Thoughts, anyone?
@charmk - you probably want to ask this question on the Theater/Drama Major board or the Musical Theater Major board. Lots of applicants to performing arts majors did summer camps and I am sure they’ll be happy to give you good first hand feedback and information on the various programs.
For girls up to age 16, check out Belvoir Terrace. Musical theater majors can perform in up to 3 production while taking classes in acting, song presentation, technical theater, dance (jazz, tap, modern, ballet, hip hop), private voice lessons, etc. Alan Menken is a regular visitor!
There seem to be summer programs popping up all over the country so you have a lot to choose from. Talked about on these boards (and not mentioned above) with glowing reviews is SSTI in Hilton Head. That stands for Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute. They do two full professional level musical productions with industry professionals on staff. They also have classes with various college professors. If you search here you can find posts about it. And what a beautiful place to be.
SSTI in Hilton Head is fantastic – my DD’20 attended last year in the Tech program and is going back this summer. Session 1 is “Cabaret” and Session 2 is “Bright Star.” Last year they did “Chicago” and “Tuck Everlasting.” I was absolutely blown away by the professional level of every.single.aspect of “Tuck Everlasting.” The talent on stage and off was incredible, and the faculty mentors were exceptional. There is a competitive application process, including an audition video submission for performers – now is the time to apply. My D did the “early decision” application round in December and is already committed.
The last week of the program, between performance weekends, features college audition guidance (resume building, master classes for everything MT-related, etc.). Mary Anna Dennard worked with the performers last year, among others. Well worth a look!
Our D did two summer camps. 1)Oklahoma City University - several options for length and cost for summer camps in MT. 2). MPulse - University of Michigan. Both had great instruction and were good for seeing what studying MT in a college setting might be like. Both of these were priced well compared to some other camps. Both require audition for acceptance. I would recommend both to anyone seeking a good summer camp experience. As mentioned above, I’ve also heard great things about TPAP. If you want something short in length you may also consider Broadway Dreams Foundation camps.
Budget and length vary widely for summer programs. We did OCU and CCM because they were both schools my daughter was interested in and both were not too long to interfere with our vacation plans and were much more affordable for us. Both were worthwhile for my D to get an idea of what to expect in a BFA program, compare her talent level to others for Singing, dancing and acting, and to make “friends” to share notes and anxieties during the audition process going forward. I’ve heard great feedback on several programs in almost every part of the United States here in this forum. Pick what fits your budget and your schedule and has had at least some positive reviews here. TPAP, MPulse, Overtures, Nexus (sp?) and SSTI all are mentioned often and are recommended highly here, but again, costs can vary considerably.
Another noteworthy musical theatre program, that has yet to be discussed in this thread, is The Musical Theatre Lab at Vineyard Arts which runs for two weeks from the end of July through the first third of August on Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts. They take applications through April 1st but if you become interested in this program I would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, because there are only 28 spots and reduced tuition rates for earlier payments.
There are a myriad of musical theatre camps so part of the challenge is to find one that comes closest to what you are looking for.
I don’t have any direct experience or affiliation with the Musical Theatre Lab, but here’s what I’ve learned by talking to people who have (including those on CC):
For 15 to 20 year olds
A "by video" audition selection process for applicants; they are not looking for slick audition videos but rather an authentic representation of you and what you have to say
Capped to allow for individual feedback
It is an immersive program focused on acting, singing, dancing, and audition preparation as well as giving the participants the mental, emotional, and physical foundation for a healthy career
It's run by two Broadway veterans who have had long professional careers and who are now passionate about teaching
There are at least ten other regular and guest faculty members, most of whom are leaders in their field
The atmosphere is 1) where performers are encouraged to explore, make mistakes and work on their artistic and physical capacity, and 2) focused on training while developing personal and professional relationships
Multiple students end up returning summer over summer because of the quality of the experience
While the program ends with a "sharing," it's not focused on culminating with a polished presentation but rather on all the items listed above
Usually one will find some "cons," negative review or even a "but ...." about a program; I've not found a single one unless you are looking to participate in a polished presentation at the end of the two weeks.
If someone has other information or a different perspective on this program, please share it here.
Hello! I was wondering if anyone knows anything about Syracuse Summer College MT program or Indiana University’s midsummer MT program? If you know of someone who attended and what was their experience? Thanks!