<p>This is my first post on this site....I have really enjoyed reading (for hours) all of the very informative posts! My daughter wants to major in theater in college,as of right now a BFA rather than a BA. She is currently a junior in high school. She has attended NCSA for the past two summers in their drama program. She very much wants to attend NCSA for her senior year of high school in their drama program. She is planning to audition on April 8th or April 15th. I am very interested in any feedback anyone here on the forum can give me regarding this program. Has anyone here had a son or daughter involved in this program. I was extremely impressed with the summer program and would appreciate any comments. I understand that it is a selective program and we are out of state residents.
Thanks......</p>
<p>Our former artistic director at my d's performing arts high school - who had taught and been administrator for a total of 30 years! - is now associate vice chancellor for high school programs. He was back for our alumni day before winter break and is thrilled with the program, facilities, and students. PM or e-mail me if you're interested and I'll give you his contact info and let him know that you want to talk to him.</p>
<p>My daughter, who is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, has two boys in her class who went to NCSA for the senior year in high school drama program and both have raved about it to me. It is VERY intense but from what I understand, their NCSA class was exceptionally successful in their college auditions. My d tells me that although they chose to pursue MT in college, both her friends are very, very strong actors. Both are from North Carolina.</p>
<p>My d was considering auditioning for the HS program as well but has decided that it's not the right program for her. We live in NC close to NCSA and she knows many kids who have gone there or are there now. They have a stellar reputation, and 2 of her good friends (who your d may know from the summer program) both wanted to audition for the HS program as well. Only one of them recently auditioned. The other one decided not to (and I think that was a choice her parents made for her). There is info on this forum about NCSA if you search but I would be happy to post again what I know....</p>
<p>First of all, the drama program is an outstanding theatrical training ground!! Its primary focus is acting. Yes, they have movement classes and singing but it is not dance (as in ballet, jazz or tap) and it's not individual vocal training. Those kids work hard and they have a very full workload!! There is no time for outside lessons and the students cannot audition for anything this year inside or outside of school. (Those factors are what finalized the decision for my d). My d is Musical Theater 100%. A good friend of hers who attended 2 years ago for the high school program said he felt his dance and voice fell behind not working on it for a year. My d also loves to do shows and doesn't want to miss her last year of being a part of some great community and school productions that are coming up. The students also audition as part of the Chicago Unifieds and get to miss very little school beyond that. My d does not want her primary auditions to be at the Chicago Unifieds but rather to be able to go to the schools and visit while auditioning.</p>
<p>But those were her issues. If she were a straight drama student, she would absolutely, positively be auditioning with your d in April. I can't think of a better program to be a part of. (especially for us North Carolinians who get to attend the high school program for free!!!) NCSA offers so much in terms of a high school program (and college too by the way). Many friends of my d's have gone on to great college programs and some have stayed on at NCSA and LOVE IT!!!</p>
<p>If your d is looking for a high school acting program, NCSA can't be beat and obviously she already knows that after being there for 2 summers already!<br>
I believe there is a dad who's son goes there who posted on this forum about NCSA....see if you could search for his discussion and maybe you can pm him with additional questions!</p>
<p>Good luck to your d!!!</p>
<p>Kathie (Kaysmom)</p>