NEW: Texas Musical Theatre Workshop

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>NOTE: I also posted this in the Big Summer List, but purposefully duplicated it here for those with specific interest in Texas State, similar to the MPulse thread in the Michigan sub forum.</p>

<p>Texas Musical Theatre Workshop 2012</p>

<p>Dates: June 10-30, 2012
Location: The University of Texas at Austin campus
Admission: By registration (not audition)</p>

<p>The only program of its kind in the country, the Texas Musical Theatre Workshop (TMTW) is designed to foster the development of new musicals and provide a bridge for young artists to the professional world.</p>

<p>Founding Artistic Directors: Kaitlin Hopkins, Lyn Koenning, Jim Price
TMTW is a collaboration between the musical theatre faculties of The University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University.</p>

<p>TMTW offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain pre-professional training in acting, singing, dancing, auditioning and performing. You will work with and perform for top Broadway professionals and university theatre faculty. You’ll also get an insider’s look at new musicals in development. It’s a one-of-a-kind chance to explore your potential for a career in musical theatre.</p>

<p>From Texas Musical Theatre Workshop website:</p>

<p>Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 120 students. You must have completed at least one full year of high school, and if you are graduating in the spring, we want you to come, too! You’ll definitely benefit from this intense training and experience regardless of where you’re attending college.</p>

<p>Rolling registration has already begun. Enrollment is limited, so the sooner you register, the better. Secure your spot in camp by paying a deposit and registering your name, email, mailing address, and the high school you attend. We will then send you a form to complete that more fully tells us about you and your training and experience, as well as a comprehensive camp information packet.</p>

<p>All-inclusive tuition (housing for three weeks at The University of Texas plus all meals and scheduled classes and activities) for this three-week summer intensive is $3,000.00. Additional information on housing, dining, and health services can be found here.</p>

<p>There are no scholarships available, but there are discounts of $125-300 for early payments.</p>

2

<p>See IDINA MENZEL Live in Concert!
As part of your Texas Musical Theatre Workshop experience, you’ll attend a concert by Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel, star of Broadway’s WICKED, the original production of RENT, and GLEE!</p>

3

<p>Did anyone attend this program this summer? It sounded great.</p>

4

<p>I have wondered the same thing. My child is a rising sophomore, so I am actively looking for quality AND cost conscious programs for next summer.</p>

5

<p>Hello. My name is Chance Steward, and to answer some posts, I attended the Workshop. I had just finished my Junior year in high school here in Texas and had been doing musical theatre intensely for about 3 years. I came in with lots of acting experience, moderate singing experience, and hardly any dance. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for the Workshop, 3 weeks in Austin doing nothing but musical theatre? When I arrived I quickly learned what it was about. The second day we were there we were working with someone who had been in 9 original broadway casts, and she danced us to the point of exhaustion, and that was just the first day. The workshop is intense. You wake up every morning pretty early and are in studio classes most of the day, stopping of course for lunch and dinner. </p>

<p>I’ll be more specific about the classes. Even though I’ve had the most experience acting, I found the Acting Studio class taught by Texas State’s Jim Price to be challenging and very raw. We did a little introducing but then jumped right into the monologues. He taught us how to bring out emotion from a true place, rather than just to emote. He worked each of our monologues individually in front of the class. We cried, laughed, and had an amazing time. It was a bonding experience for everyone as he made the room a safe place to truly bring the characters to life. The Studio Dance class was taught by UT’s own Natasha Davison. As someone with little dance experience, the class kicked my butt. We started every class off with a very intense workout/warmup and then learned combinations that helped further various dance techniques used in Musical Theatre. Natasha was a very, very knowledgeable woman, who is very good at what she does, which is dance. It took discipline and perseverance to do our best in that class and that’s what she taught me. The Voice Studio class was taught by UT’s Lyn Koenning. Lyn is a fantastic teacher. Her class was not so structured as the others, but it didn’t need to be. She covered everything from technique, to auditions, to which songs to sing. She taught us many things that have to do with the difficult industry of theatre. My favorite thing she taught me is that you need to be positive to everyone all the time, because you never know who will be casting you later in life. The Audition Studio class was taught by Kaitlin Hopkins and Greg Bolin from Texas State’s Musical Theatre BFA program. I haven’t had a ton of singing experience but after working with Kaitlin, I can promise you I am a 12 times better auditioner and singer. She spent probably 15 minutes with my 16 bar piece and made it infinitely better. Greg taught how to talk to an accompanist in an audition or even rehearsal. He taught us many technique-y things too. That about sums it up for the studio classes.</p>

<p>The guest artists were simply astounding. As I mentioned earlier, the first two days were spent dancing with Joyce Chittick, a broadway performer who has been in 9 original casts and in many shows professionally. Other astounding artists were brought in, like Mark Hollman (the composer of Urinetown the musical), Matt Lenz (associate director for Hairspray and Catch Me if You Can) and many others. These are of course not the only credits of these amazing guest artists but they’re some. Most of them taught master classes on auditioning and acting and all were astounding. </p>

<p>The other activities were also very good. The night we got there, there was a Tony Awards watching party which was basically a giant meet and greet. On the weekends we went to a local pool on the UT campus and bowled at a local alley. The best activity perhaps was going to see Idina Menzel in concert. She was astoundingly good and stayed after the show to speak to all the campers as a group. She was very down to Earth and a fantastic person with great words of wisdom. My only complaint about the camp is the lodging. It was held on the UT Campus and we stayed in the Jester West dorms. The rooms were very small with uncomfortable beds (at least mine was). I don’t see how they could’ve avoided us staying in dorms but I personally didn’t like them, though I do understand why we were in them. </p>

<p>Overall, the camp was amazing. I had the time of my life and learned a lot about auditions, especially college auditions. So if you’re looking for a relaxing 3 weeks doing a half-worked show to “learn” then don’t go to this camp. But if you’re looking for a professional, intense training course in the difficult art of Musical Theatre, then look no further. I recommend the camp to anyone who’s willing to work and learn hard. I hope to be a mentor (counselor) in future years and stay in contact with all of the teachers here. If you have any further questions about the camp from a campers perspective you can feel free to message me on here or email me: chancesteward@ gmail . com. Thank you for your time! Hopefully you read it all!</p>

6

<p>I just wrote a really long reply detailing my experience, but it got lost when I had an internet glitch. SO, I am going to make this short. </p>

<p>The guest artists were fantastic, the teachers are great, and the Idina concert was unforgettable. I had an amazing time. Kaitlin and Jim changed my life. I was one of the many crying while saying goodbye to him. I could go on about the how great Jim, Kaitlin, Greg, and the guest artists were for a long time. But, my hands are starting to hurt.</p>

<p>There are issues with the camp. The camp was too large. We didn’t get enough individual time in class(only got to work with Jim and Kaitlin twice in the entire three weeks). Lyn, while a great teacher had a very bad class. Most of it was either common knowledge for anyone who’s done anything with musical theater before or was already told to us by Kaitlin. It usually became nap time. The last showcase was not planned at all and very underwhelming. They had very unrealistic ridiculous times for when we had to be in our rooms and lights out. We had to be in our rooms by 930. That is just not realistic when we don’t get back to our rooms until 915! Especially when 25 girls have to share three showers. There is nothing quite so terrible as being yelled at for trying to clean yourself. The lights had to be out by 10. Most of us are 16 and 17, and we really shouldn’t have to be asleep at 10! There was not an audition to get into the program, and there really should have been. There were people there with no interest in theater and had never even done any theater before. They were very distracting and detrimental to the environment. They would frequently make rude comments and class, showing just how disinterested they were. The so-called ‘mentors’ were terrible. With the exception of Robert, the rest were rude, UN-supportive and just flat out mean! They were also very selective about who they made follow the bedtime rules. Being woken up by people laughing and talking at 2 am sucks. </p>

<p>They hope to have 150 people or more next year. That would be terrible. If there were more than 70, the experience would be completely ruined. I cant imagine how horrible it would be if there were 150 people there. At a camp like this there should not be more than 40 people. Overall, I had a good time. But, because of the size I will not be returning next year. I hope any of you who are considering this camp next year take this into account in your decision process.</p>

7

<p>I am also one of the lucky students who attended the TXMTW this summer. Let me start by saying, the environment they created was wonderful. I’ve been to camps in the past that make a competitive vibe very obvious, and that does not benefit most students. It felt like we were all there to learn, not to prove we could belt higher or kick our faces better than our friends to the right. They did not put us in groups based on talent levels, so you couldn’t ever say “I’m clearly in the most/ least experienced group”, which is so refreshing not to feel like you got the short end of the stick. Besides, everyone was talented.</p>

<p>I’ll echo what others have said about Jim and Kaitlin being just amazing. There classes were just so informative and I feel like I grew as an artist from being able to experience their teaching techniques. I am not dancer, but with Natasha’s dance class, I felt much more confident in my potential to dance.</p>

<p>The guest artists were great, the activities were fun, and the Idina concert was amazing (we got to meet her afterwards!).</p>

<p>Now, I have been to camps where the accommodations were… lacking. But here, we had rooms with beds that pulled out, sinks in the room, a mini fridge, a microwave, and plenty of room for our clothes. The laundry machines were easy to use (just remember your quarters and detergent when you go!). The food was good, but I’m sure anyone else who posts on here will tell you that JCL is the MUCH better option on weekdays over J2 (just a helpful hint). </p>

<p>Now, I could write my entire review about the counselors, but I’ll keep it (relatively) short. They are all such wonderful, supportive, fun, funny, talented people and knew what they were doing. Not once did I feel like a counselor was rude to a camper. They treat us like equals and THAT is very important to me. They love all of their campers and make us feel like the unique and talented individuals we are.</p>

<p>I would honestly recommend this camp to anyone who loves musical theatre and wants to further their craft with an amazing faculty and make great friends along the way.</p>

<p>*EDIT: I noticed some complaints in the post above. I personally disagree with a lot of it, but I chalk that up to different experiences. Of course there are some bugs, but it was the first year. I honestly loved every counselor, so I’m very sad not everyone felt that way. I do agree Robert is a standout counselor, but he’s just one of the sweetest people ever. I think all the counselors are wonderful though.</p>

<p>Here was thing about lights out: yes, you had to be in your room and lights out at 10 PM. Our first class was at 9 AM. They don’t restrict phone or laptops there, so most nights I might watch a DVD or Netflix on my laptop. You could talk to your roomie. </p>

<p>I do however agree that the voice class needs a lot of work. I brought in my binder most days hoping that would be the day we would FINALLY sing a song. Nope. But that is something that can easily be fixed, in my opinion. Maybe they could have people do solo lessons or give us new material. More individual time in class really would have been nice.</p>

<p>If I weren’t too old to be a camper next year, I would go back. I honestly believe there is so much potential for this camp to be a knockout in the Musical Theatre Summer Camp industry.</p>

8

<p>Thanks for all the great information about your time at the camp! It’s good to know as we look ahead to next summer.</p>

9

<p>Hey you guys! I also attended the camp and IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!
I felt very behind before I attended camp. Like chance said above, I was not the best dancer and through the intensity I really grew.
There is honestly no way I could have done these auditions with out this camp. It really made me realize that I wanted to do theatre for the rest of my life. I know a lot of talented kids that have gotten into competitive programs, went there for how ever long and realized through the intensity that theatre “just wasn’t for them”.
If gave me a feeling of the dorm life in college, the atmosphere (as it was at the UT campus), and the intensity and work ethic needed to pursue this in the future. I found that there was nothing that would make me more happier than theatre. </p>

<p>I personally feel that when you are so raw to theatre that you need to be in a loving caring environment, however with the intensity needed for you to grow. Lynn, Jared, Kaitlin, Jim, and Natasha really cared about each and everyone of us. They all knew our names! and we all grew. It was not a competitive environment, everyone was supportive of each other and I learned so much. Even the councilors there who were theatre students (though some times we drove them nuts) were always there to make sure we were having an amazing time, and even worked with us. </p>

<p>Auditions are very competitive, especially for college. Before, I was so nervous. But really I found how truly magical and amazing this process is and how these auditions should not be seen as competitive at all! They should be fun! Because that is what theatre is! Fun and passion! They are there to see your work, and you! Show your craft and what you can do! The camp though wasn’t even just targeted at college auditions, they were from a musical theatre aspect. We all grew so much, mentally and in our art form. </p>

<p>I STILL communicate with everyone I met there, and am more happy and excited about these auditions. I could not have done it with out all the faculty member and the students. I love you guys (:</p>

<p>SIGN UP ASAP!</p>

10

<p>I really want to attend this, but I can’t afford it sadly… Augh.</p>

11

<p>Wanted to take a moment to comment on the TxMTW my son participated in this past summer (2013). In short we thought it was money well spent. </p>

<p>There were 67 kids participating nine of which were boys. While five (six? seven?) states were represented, most of the participants were rising-juniors from Texas. This camp was going on simultaneously with a few other camps (e.g., a business-leadership camp), but there was no inter-mingling of the groups. It appears that UT in general has got the hang of running camps like this, and UT/TSU’s music/theater departments know what they are doing. </p>

<p>Our son is someone who enjoys acting, can also sing, and took a few jazz classes back home. I feel he left Austin knowing:</p>

<p>He can keep up if not lead on the dancing side
He can handle the rigors of a collegiate MT program
He can handle going off to school (i.e., a plane ride vs. car ride away)
MT is something he really wants to do</p>

<p>The last point was important to us as parents. With all the energy put in by everyone - student/parents - in pursuing acceptance into an MT program we found ourselves asking, “Does he REALLY want this?” TxMTW definitely facilitated a “yes!”. Also, it gave us a glimpse into what life would be like after he’s out of the house. The flow of information trickles to a text or two a day and a phone call every two/three days. Hadn’t thought that far ahead and wasn’t ready for that. </p>

<p>Is this an extravagence? Sure it is. Did it get him ready for audition season? No, not really. Do I wish we would have just spent that money on private lessons? No, I think what he took away from this was larger than what one can gain from individual instruction. Did it give him an inside track to TSU’s MT program? No. Would we do it again? Yes!</p>

<p>From son: “Lot of work. Lot of fun. Really got me motivated to step up my game to improve myself as an artist.”</p>

12

<p>I notice that the Texas Musical Theatre Workshop does not require an audition. What is the general skill level of the students in the workshop?</p>