NYU & CAP 21 summer program

<p>Has anyone on this board done this “highly competitive to get into” program? Or, has anyone participated or “defaulted” to CAP 21’s own summer program (by audition only and thus very competitive as well)? My D is begging me to go and I would love to hear feedback from the experienced CC crowd. Thanks so much!</p>

<p>I did the CAP 21 pre-college last year and really enjoyed it (I was going into my junior year, most kids were going into their senior years). I'd love to answer any questions you may have. </p>

<p>Dani</p>

<p>Thanks so much for getting back to me so fast! Did you apply through NYU or through CAP? I see you are from NY, so I am guessing direct (meaning you did not stay in the dorms), but correct me if I am wrong. I would love to take you up on your offer to contact you directly (I would pass you info to my D). We are from CA, so this would be quite a trip, plus she would still only be going into her junior year (like you). As you can see any and all info will be most helpful.</p>

<p>In a separate summer program thread (that was getting kind of long, which explains the separate NYU/CAP 21 summer thread) I saw that your D applied both ways, direct to CAP and through NYU. My D and I are contemplating to to do the same thing. Can you let us know how you went about that. Was she was accepted in both programs? Since NYU does not require an audition for their CAP21 MT summer program, and it appears that space is extremely limited, do they accept people on a first come, first served basis? Thanks so much</p>

<p>camtmom-
I applied through CAP21. The NYU one, I don't know for sure, but I was under the impression that that wasn't affiliated with CAP. I could be wrong though. You're right, I didn't stay in the dorms, I commuted. If you'd like my email address to contact me privately, just send me a private message via this website and I'll reply with my email address. Many kids came from CA last year, specifically there was a group of kids from Orange County High School of the Arts. I don't know if there were any juniors in that group. It's hard for a junior, because I believe you have to be 17 to stay in the NYU dorms. Any other questions I can answer?</p>

<p>Dani</p>

<p>My daughter also attended the 'less competitive but still by audition' session at CAP 21 last summer. (She was only 16 - and so we rented an apt and my husband and I split chaperoning duties)</p>

<p>She did apply to both programs (but was a year younger than what they ask for) I have been told subsequetnly that about 1000 kids apply for those 16 spots (sounds like auditions for MT?) but -with no audition - probably all of the kids have great grades, great recommendations, and we couldn't really get a feel for WHAT they might be looking for.</p>

<p>She, too, had a GREAT time at CAP - it is on her short list for college. (she is going to CMU's program this summer)</p>

<p>E-mail me if you want more specifics.</p>

<p>janenw</p>

<p>I'm one of the kids from the Orange County High School of the Arts who did the CAP21 program. There are two programs suring the summer, a Tisch program, and a CAP program. The CAP program is directly through CAP21. Coming from California, my friends and I did stay in the NYU dorms. A big appeal to us of the CAP program is that you are in class from 10-5 and then the rest of the time you are on your own in NYC to do whatever you please. The Tisch program is run more like "camp" and there is not as much freedom. Being 17 years old and being able to run around NYC unchaperoned for six weeks is like a dream come true, not to mention the amazing classes you are able to take through CAP.</p>

<p>Your mail put a smile on my face :-); how early in the school year did you apply, where did you audition & how soon after did you learn if you were accepted? Also, have you heard anything about 17 being the min. age to stay in the NYU dorms? My D will only be 16 and I am wondering if that may be a problem. I went through the entire website but could not find anything. BTW, congrats on all your acceptances, and seeing that you chose Tisch/CAP 21 makes me also realize tat you must have had a great experience.</p>

<p>camtmom, unless they've changed their policy recently, NYU will not allow anyone under the age of 17 stay in their dorms during the summer. The Tisch CAP21 summer program is a more 'controlled' atmosphere, I guess is the way I would put it. It's supervised, the kids are kept busy with all kinds of activities, seeing the city and various productions. It's a great program. They aren't allowed visitors in the dorms and there are curfews, so they are definitely not out 'running around unchaperoned'. :) The earlier you get your app in the better, but not because it's rolling admission, it's just because if you happen to be missing even one little thing on the deadline date, they won't consider your appl. They only accept 16, I believe, so it's very competitive. The kids also get college credit for the program which is nice. I think they're both good programs if you feel your kid needs that kind of thing in the summer. Good luck!</p>

<p>Collegebound, I smiled when I read your post about the freedom of being 17 and let loose in NYC! My kid would love that. She has not even done that for a DAY, lol. So, lo and behold, what is she doing next year? Going to NYU/CAP and being let loose 24/7!! AND she will be 16 1/2 when she arrives. If anyone ever told me in my wildest dreams that I would ever let MY kid do that, I woulda said, no way. But, well, she is doing it. Life is full of twists and turns and here we are today! I hope she meets you when ya get there. You are both in CAP so it seems inevitable. Another girl from our state that my D has known for years is also gonna be in CAP (and room with her) as well as a couple male friends. It is kinda cool that she will be hooking up with some of you kids or parents' kids on this forum. So, um, can you show her the subway and all that jazz cause you have one summer of being "let loose in NYC" under your belt???</p>

<p>:D
Susan</p>

<p>The CAP program is done on rolling admissions, so I wanted to audition as early as possible. There are two ways to audition: live and by videotape. I wanted to audition live (extra trip to NY!) but my schedule was too busy, and I wanted to get my audition in ASAP. So I sent a in a video in February, and I heard about 3 or 4 weeks later. Here's why I wanted to audition early: a friend of mine who is going this year auditioned at the very last date (about a week ago) and was told they really wanted her, but they weren't sure if they had room. So now she's waiting and praying they have room. So audition EARLY! I know apps go up online in January, so send it in with a tape or audition live in February or March at the latest.</p>

<p>If you had to choose between CAP21 and CMU summer programs, which would you recommend. My D is a junior going into her senior year...</p>

<p>Hey everyone! I was also at the summer program through CAP last summmer. It was amazing. Especially running around by yourself. I auditioned by video tape. I am from Florida so the trip was difficult to make. I loved the program through CAP because of the freedom it allowed me. I definitley grew over the summer as a MT actor and as a person. I mean with what other program can you get good training, amazing friendships, and NYC at your feet 24/7 ?? You have so much time after class that during my 6 and half weeks, I saw 17 shows, and it was great because I got them all for student price which is on the avg. like $25 for 2nd row mezz. or 2nd row orch. It was incredible!!!! Def. do the program through CAP and not Tisch. Have fun. Love to my fellow CAP summer program peeps from Cali. Oh and by the way, I didn't get into CAP for school. However I am going to CCM. Good luck everyone!</p>

<p>Hey! I went to cap last summer too! PS...Info Boy...who are you? Pm me! I really enjoyed it and think it was a completely worthwhile experience. I learned so mcuh about being on my own and preparing for college, as much as I learned in class. I was choosing between CAP and BTP last summer and I was happy with my decision for sure. IN response to the CMU summer theater program...I have no idea about the program itself but I have been told by three of my friends who are graduating MT's at CMU that the faculty kind of looks down on the summer program and unless you absolutely blow them away, it is not a good idea. But that is only what they told me 2 years ago when I was looking for Summer programs. Things may have changed. Good luck and everyone enjoy your summer!</p>

<p>I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with Cadget03 about the value of the CMU summer program, even if (s)he is only speaking in reference to the degree to which it may help with regular CMU admission.</p>

<p>With regard to its general value, my D attended in '03 and found it to be an amazingly worthwhile experience, especially in evaluating her own desires for an intense MT BFA experience in college. She also found "value-added" in all of the classes and found the audition training and mock auditions at the end of the program especially valuable. She also made friends I know she will have forever (she has already stayed with and/or met CMU pre-college friends in several places in the country while doing summerstock auditions this year). The CMU faculty who participate in the summer program vary each year but the ones who worked with my D could not have been more enthusiastic or provided more worthwhile feedback during and at the end of the program. They also employ adjunct faculty for the summer, but those faculty members were also highly skilled, experienced and eager to work with the students. I would guess the ratio in '03 to be about 1/2 FT CMU faculty and 1/2 adjunct. (all dance faculty were adjunct, which was something of a red flag for us).</p>

<p>With regard to the faculty "looking down" on the program, I would question your sources for that information and ask you to be careful about passing along secondhand hearsay. Is this just "opinion" from the students you mentioned or have they had actual conversations with CMU faculty who participate in this program. Your statement that the program is not "not a good idea" unless the student "blows away" the faculty is a gross exaggeration. Does participation guarantee admission to the incredibly highly selective MT BFA program - of course not. If that was someone's intent on going to the program in the first place, they would only likely guarantee their own disapointment. Do they ever admit students who have attended the program? definitively, yes they do. One student in my D's class was offered admission for MT right after the summer and is a student there now. Two other boys who attended with my D (but who are a year younger) and attended for a second summer last year have also been admitted as a result of the standard audition/application process and will start as freshmen next Fall. </p>

<p>So, to those who are preparing to go to CMU this summer, have a blast. The faculty is there because they LOVE working with young artists and the time you spend there will yield fruit in many, many ways, some you may not fully understand for months and years to come. I urge anyone with the means to attend (for yes, it is VERY expensive, but we felt it to be a really valuable investment) to consider this program. Don't go if all you are interested in is performing, performing, performing. Especially as a rising senior, preparing to audition next year, I believe your time is more valuably spent continuing to hone your craft and given how few people actually get the opportunity to work with faculty as talented and experienced as those at CMU, whatever time you can carve out with them will be time (and money) well spent.</p>

<p>Camtmom,
You need to show proof that your 16 to stay in the NYU dorms. Once you are accepted in an NYU program, the housing office sends a letter with all the details. My D will be at NYU this summer and we just received that info.</p>

<p>Hi Collegebound87! hmmmmm running around NYC unchaperoned last summer! I know you had a great time because I know many (but I'm sure not all) of the stories! Our major ground rule for our D was no venturing out alone which wasn't a problem with you as part of the OCHSA group.</p>

<p>My D was one of the 10 OCHSA kids at CAP last summer. It was a great experience and she, and her friends, grew not only as performers but as young adults. She shared a NYU suite with 3 other girls and had a constant stream of friends and teachers from OCHSA visiting. I had no qualms about sending my D it was a great way to help her to focus on her goals and refine them before starting the college search. She is a very focused kid and now her dream of theater production is well on its way to reality. </p>

<p>It was a dream come true for her to be able to see 17-18 Broadway shows in 6 weeks!</p>

<p>I think the key to sending your child off to CAP is knowing that they have the maturity to make choices that appropriate. The OCHSA kids who are going this summer are excited and they are talented great kids.</p>

<p>mommd -</p>

<p>I may be mistaken, but I'm almost certain you have to be 17 to stay in the NYU dorms. A friend of mine who went this summer was only 16 and was not able to stay in the dorms. Maybe they changed it for this summer, but as far as I know the age minimum is 17.</p>

<p>WaitingMom-</p>

<p>Welcome to CC! </p>

<p>Most likely we know each other (OCHSA). So glad you found this site. Lots of great people and information to be found here!</p>

<p>Collegebound...looking forward to my D meeting you. But I am smiling about the having to be seventeen to live in the dorms for the summer program. When my D gets to NYU/CAP this fall for college, she won't yet be seventeen! Guess the rules for regular college are not the same. </p>

<p>Anyway, I hope you connect with her cause you have lots in common, as do most kids on here.
Susan</p>