<p>I've been doing theater in school since I was in kindergarten and I've won a couple of awards for it (both high school and otherwise); during my middle school year summers I did a bit of like small everyone-gets-cast company things. However, once my mom realized that I really am taking this performing thing seriously, she has totally cut me off from drama stuff during the hs summers (even if she hadn't, my family would honestly not be able to afford any of the more famous programs). I try to keep up with theater during the school year as well; but due to scheduling conflicts these past two years, I've instead helped with costumes and a director's assistant. (However, I am going to make SURE that it is at least an OPTION to act in my senior year musical) I see a lot of people doing these super awesome and talent-laden classes/programs, regional productions, or private lessons/coaching sessions and I'm really kinda nervous. I would very much appreciate an honest answer. I do feel as if I'm talented (although I am aware it's not just talent that gets you into these really good programs, i.e. CMU, CCM, etc.) but my question is: would the lack of prestige on my resume really set me back?
Like if there was me and another auditionee who were equally talented and the committee had to choose between me and him/her would I be knocked down because of my resume? Again honest answers only!!! Lay it on me, I can take it. :)</p>
<p>I sort of have the same problem in that I’ve done a lot of shows/camps/workshops, but I kind of got on the college train a little bit late and I feel really behind with dancing. Also, I kind of don’t have a lot of impressive stuff on there…nothing professional at all…mostly school/community/youth theatre (which is like community theatre for all teenagers and you have to audition but also pay to be in shows but they’re the best quality around so we do).</p>
<p>Also, money is totally an issue for us too. My parents are doing their best but sending me to a pre-college program/getting a coaching package will likely be impossible.</p>
<p>My D had only high school productions on her resume for theatre plus lots of dance in and out of school and voice lessons. No professional shows. She was accepted into 3 auditioned programs plus an audition-for-scholarship-only program that she loved as well. </p>
<p>Her school performed on the Main Stage at the International Thespian Festival (in Nebraska) and some of the college directors saw her there and remembered her (plus she participated in their auditions and met them in their call-backs). If your high school’s theatre department goes to the festival, you can participate in the auditions as a rising Junior in HS. It gave my daughter some great feedback and she could talk to people from many colleges. It was a good starting point for her list.</p>
<p>You never know who they’ll pick and why so just go for it!</p>
<p>The bottom line is: don’t worry. If you search through past threads on this topic, you can find some reassurance that lack of experience on a resume is not that big a deal:</p>
<p>My D had leads in two plays but never was the lead in any musicals while in HS. She went to a huge HS with alot of competition, and was a bit concerned. She was accepted to 2 MT BFA programs and one BFA acting program out of ten. My advice: find someone who knows the business to give you an honest appraisal of your talent. If they say go for them go for it!</p>
<p>Not ever being on the other side of the audition table, most of us cannot really be sure what happens in the decision-making room of college MT programs. The way I have reconciled it, is that IF talent were equal between candidates, and IF you qualify academically to attend the school, the decision-makers move on to other items. Type is probably the most important qualifier after talent and academic qualifications, and is not to be overlooked. Dance ability and/or potential is more important to some schools than to others. Personality/attitude, ability to take direction, and the experiences on your resume do matter, but I do not think lack of experience rules you out. It is just part of the package. If you have made choices that reduced your opportunities to perform, it is OK, but recognize they were choices. Some schools will value whatever you did other than perform, so don’t be afraid to address it in essays or to discuss those interests in interviews. Absolutely apply to a variety of schools. Especially consider BA MT programs and BFA programs with flexibility to allow you to explore those other interests. And make sure that in addition to non-audition schools, you apply to some of the programs with a higher admittance rate so you have a better chance at finding a school where you can follow your dream. Good luck!</p>