<p>Not to beat a dead horse, but of the 11 coaching services that contacted , I also found a “buy one special” advertised on the website of MT College Prep along with free workshops, so that actually makes 6 of the 11 coaching services who offer some kind of discount or scholarship for students in a variety of cases for a variety of criteria. So that IS a majority. And it is possible that some who did not respond do offer some help in certain situations. I have learned from another mother that Dave Clemons coached her daughter for free. And there are, I am sure, more coaching services who I do not know of who may offer free services to some in certain cases, as noted. Yes, it may not be substantial in some cases, and not anything we should count on as parents, but it seems that many DO offer some help. It is definitely worth asking. And I agree, It is very nice of a coach to take on scholarship students.</p>
<p>Notmath, certainly ask coaches if they can offer your child a scholarship for services or free services if you would like. I suppose you have nothing to lose. I personally could not ask an independent coach who makes their living doing coaching to offer me a discount or provide the service for free. If I could not afford it, I would seek out someone my child already works with in relation to theater or voice in some capacity (teacher, director, etc.) and ask if they can assist my child with their material. By the same token, I think for anyone pursuing a BFA degree, some money needs to be budgeted for training…voice lessons, acting, dance classes, etc. You can do some things in a cheaper mode and some others might spend more. But I think it will cost some money to prepare with adequate training to pursue a BFA degree. Similarly, there is the cost of applications and attending auditions. There are ways to minimize costs and stick to a budget, but I do think some funds need to be allocated toward this process. When you will be spending a huge amount on tuition, room and board for four years, some of the training and audition prep is really a small amount of the whole picture. You can opt to take fewer lessons or coaching sessions or work with someone who has more reasonable fees. You can have your child earn some extra money to put toward coaching. I would try all those things before asking an independent coach to offer me something for free. Most coaches and counselors have an array of services at various price points. Those who are on a more limited budget, may opt to purchase the less costly options. I have had clients who do that and others who purchase a whole package for two years. So I understand differing budgets. I cannot offer my services for free. Then again, I feel I offer some advice for free because many ask me questions before signing up for fee based services and I feel I put a lot of time into “volunteering” in that capacity with many. However, in terms of ongoing individualized help, this is what I do for a living, just like whatever job you likely do and cannot offer for free to strangers. I did do it for free for a relative of mine and did the whole nine yards, which involves a great deal of hours throughout the year, but for family, that’s a different story. Perhaps you can come back and let us know if you were able to line up coaching services for free. Best of luck!</p>
<p>It is my personal rule of thumb that I do not bargain with or seek discounts from people who earn as much or less than I do. If my household income exceeds theirs it feels unseemly and exploitative to do so. I do not work for free and my union protect me from agreeing to discounted rates. I don’t know why I would expect a coach to behave any differently.</p>
<p>Well said, vocal1046. To add to that: While price is a consideration, I don’t feel it should be the primary consideration in choosing a coach for your child. And I speak as someone who is on a very tight budget. Think of it this way: You are proposing to send your child to a 4 year school that can cost upwards of $200,000. The coaching expenses are an investment in the process–a good coach can not only help you get into a good program, he/she can position you to get talent-based scholarships/grants. Sure, you can hire someone based on a discount or on their price, but if you use that criterion as your main one, or even a partially main one, I personally think that’s penny wise and pound foolish. </p>
<p>I’m <em>not</em> saying that the more expensive the coach, the better they are—you can find top coaches who are less expensive than mediocre ones. In fact, that has happened with my own kids. I’m just saying that cost should not be a main factor. Again, you can go to a top coach for fewer lessons if you are worried about cost; you can also supplement your coaching with a generous teacher at school. If you have just 4 lessons with an excellent college coach, I feel you are better positioned than 8 lessons with an inexperienced coach who charges half. And it usually isn’t 50% off we’re talking about either.</p>
<p>I don’t think that we should be surprised that coaches sometimes share their expertise for free. Everyone I know does some things for free, especially creative people, especially if they think these things are meaningful and of value. Have any of you read The Gift? (<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/The-Gift-Creativity-Artist-Modern/dp/0307279502”>http://www.amazon.com/The-Gift-Creativity-Artist-Modern/dp/0307279502</a>) Helping a young actor with potential would probably qualify for some coaches. No one should expect it, obviously. </p>
<p>@notmath1 - is the point to be creating a list of coaches who potentially offer discounts- or to find the best person to help your child achieve college goals? I totally get the desire to save some money- during my D’s senior year it felt like there was a new fee every time I turned around… And then I was introduced to the costs of college! But if finances are the priority factor, perhaps it would be better to spend time researching which college programs are lowest cost, or offer the highest aide- because that is going to be WAY more than the coaching. </p>
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<p>I think in many professions, people are asked for advice and some sort of consultation for free, but it is not quite the same as signing up for typically fee based services and asking for those for free or at a discount. I have put in countless hours helping others for free. For example, people who know I am a college counselor email me all the time asking for advice. I try to answer some of these, though sometimes can’t keep up and can’t spend all my time volunteering. As well, some who formally inquire about services, will have so many rounds of emails asking questions beyond just the service options, and then never sign up and I’ve spent many hours answering all sorts of questions. I also try to give back by participating on this forum which I joined 12 years ago and my kids are long past the college process. Still, I don’t think of this as the same as offering an array of my full services for free or of having a potential client ask me to offer what others are paying for to them for free or at a discount. I would never ask on that side of the process myself (and I was on that side of the process with my own kids). I respect that for many, funds are limited (my own kids qualified for need based aid), but they have to figure out what they can budget for and what fits their budget (and I also believe that coaching and counseling are a drop in the bucket when you are going to be spending a HUGE amount on the college bills). There are ways to save money and they have been discussed here. But that is not the same as asking someone to offer their business services for free.</p>
@toowonderful, I simply was gathering info to help answer the many posts speculating about coaching prices and scholarships…all in response to the original post about coaching services and prices. @soozievt, I will not be posting publicly about any coaching I line up for free.
Not sure the best place to post this question but wondering about whether you should list coaching services on the theatrical resume you provide to schools at auditions? Or maybe this topic is covered in another thread?
@Connections - in my experience, you are correct. Just a few coaching sessions with an experienced college coach can make a HUGE difference. They tend to have a much different technique than just your hometown coaches.
@cbdawg12 - I would not list coaching services. But when you are listing your training, I would list specific people you’ve trained with on specific skills (i.e. John Doe - voice Mary Smith - acting Joe Brown - tap etc…)
^^Coaching services are listed just as vvnstar said.
Thank you vvnstar and GSOMTMom! This helps a lot.
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EmilyChristne, I’m a little late in replying but I know Dave Clemmons personally and he is a great resource and coach. Ms Dennard really knows what she is doing as well. I would say to anyone who is looking for a teacher or coach…who is will to pay ANYONE, check and double check credentials. And don’t take one person’s word for it, especially if they are knew or don’t seem truly established in this specific craft. Knowing PEOPLE and knowing WHAT YOU ARE DOING are two entirely different things.
UPDATE ON SCHOLARSHIPS
mycollegeaudition, just got an email they are taking video submissions NOW for scholarships. Info is on their website. Offer looks to be need/talent based (and also for military families)
MT College Prep, offering book one coaching session and get your second one for 1/2 price
collegeauditionpro, local Bay area coach, vague but “tries to work with families”. No other details given. Has some free workshops.
dave clemmons college advisory program, occasionally coaches for free in certain situations
musicaltheatreaudition.com, no response
artsbridge, offer need based for college consulting only (do not offer coaching)
MTCA, after brief initial consult, offer a small limited number of private need based only scholarships. Limited because of the large number of sub contracted coaches who would have to agree to work for free. No talent scholarships.
straightfromnewyork, no response
collegeauditioncoach, Each request is evaluated on individual basis. Talent and need are only 2 of multiple criteria after informal consultation. Total number of scholarships depends on what the company can afford that year. Some are full scholarships, some are pay-what-you-can. For a very few, audition travel and other expenses are underwritten.
broadway student summit/broadwayteachinggroup, currently not able to offer scholarships
HITStheatre, based in Houston, college audition prep, offer financial aid of all kinds after application process
My D was coached by MCA - best training! We couldn’t afford the entire package, so we did what we could (which ended up being half of the total amount). Two acceptances so far! Can’t say enough good things about Chelsea and her team!