OCU summer program

<p>Did anyone audition for the OCU summer program (either live or via DVD)? I am curious if anyone has heard anything back on acceptance.</p>

<p>I auditioned for it last year on december 3rd and heard back around the end of January. If you get in, it’s an AMAZING program. I’ve never had more fun and I’m applying again this year.</p>

<p>My daughter auditioned via DVD. We are waiting to hear. I would be curious to learn what the acceptance rates are for DVD vs. live auditions… if anyone has any insight.</p>

<p>mtandbassmom, </p>

<p>Things may have changed, but when my d auditioned (via DVD), we had the same questions. She ultimately was accepted (and attended – fantastic program!) and asked some of her friends who did the live audition what that was like. Apparently (and this is from 3 summers ago…so things most definitely may have changed, also second-hand, from a friend attending her summer!!!) the live audition THAT YEAR was done essentially for a video camera – the kids had a space to have their audition recorded, and all would be looked at by the faculty together at a later date. I think they realize that families aren’t necessarily able to travel for a h.s. summer program audition (we live in Ohio…), and so are willing to work with the DVD submissions.</p>

<p>It is still the same. All live autions are taped and reviewed later by the faculty. Any submissions that made it in by Jan. 20th are supposed to be notified by email on or before Feb. 1st to indicate their acceptance or not into the program. If anyone hears anything please post. We are eagerly waiting my d’s results as well.</p>

<p>My daughter just got her acceptance email. And it comes just as she’s auditioning for the school musical this week – what a great encouragement!</p>

<p>My d was accepted as well! However, she decided to do the voice / opera program going on at the same time as musical theater.</p>

<p>My D worked HARD on her audition DVD, which she forwarded to the school in November so we would know about our summer plans in December. She made the program. it was nothing short of a boot camp…they worked from breakfast until 10 pm or so each weekday night. They were required to sing several audition pieces before their colleagues while being critiqued by them and by Dr. Herendeen (who chairs the MT program @ OCU). They did acting intensives, learned elements of music theory. My D and her best friend were absolutely exhausted…but loved it! There were high school jrs. and srs. from all of the country and 2 foreign countries. The only “surprise” to my D and her friend (friend is in NYU Tish now) was that the caliber of students were SO amazing that neither of them got major parts in the musical. Both of these gals were used to major parts in musicals and theater productions (UIL winners, etc). but still, they LOVED the program, as relentless and demanding as it was. It was truly a game changer for my daughter. She got 1000% more serious with her vocal coach, started taking advanced dance classes locally and was, for the first time, interested in lighting and costume design. One of the BEST things about OCU’s summer MT intensive is that they formed a FB community and communicated with each other as to which Unifieds/Regionals they were participating in, which MT programs they’d been accepted into, etc. Their FB group is still active (most just completed their FR year), wich members commenting about the programs they’re in, the courses they took ,and what they’re doing over the summer in MT, acting. Expensive program, but worth every cent. i might add that there were several kids in the summer MT who realized how competitive the field is and how much work it entails who decided to pursue something else in college. that in and of itself is worth the price of admission…</p>

<p>Has anyone applied to OCU summer program for 2014? Have you heard anything? </p>

<p>D just got back from OCU’s summer intensive. She had the time of her life and adores Dr. Herendeen & and raved about Dr. Crouse! She worked hard but literally loved every minute of it. She is in awe over the quality of instruction to be found at OCU, as well as the supportive, family environment where these kids are simultaneously challenged and nurtured. As a parent, I found the faculty and staff to be friendly, helpful and passionate about what they do. Their easy rapport with the students was evident, always eager to be helpful. I can’t say enough good things about her experience. She has been on her phone texting and communicating with fellow campers through social media all day. I can see that these kids will continue their friendships though they may live far away from each other. Many of the seniors are already trying to coordinate dates so they all attend college auditions at OCU on the same days to ensure seeing each other again! Many thanks to all who had a part in making this “camp” so worthwhile & special. Oh, yeah, and Footloose was AMAZING! SO MANY TALENTED KIDS!!! Wow!</p>

Anyone headed here this summer? S just applied and I’d like to hear more details on the actual program. He’s coming into this whole field rather late…

@arisamp - our D is a sophomore MT at OCU. She went to camp after her freshman year in HS (she was one of the youngest there - most were juniors and seniors in HS) so I’m sure some things have changed since then - but - I can tell you it was one of the best experiences she had attending camps. It was by far her favorite. The kids she met were so talented and now attend many of the top MT programs in the country. Some like her chose to attend college at OCU. They are in a variety of majors including MT, Acting, Vocal Performance and dance. When she was there, the days were full of all sorts of classes - acting, voice, dance - even music theory. they were busy all day long. There were also master classes, recitals and other events in which to participate. The evenings were spent rehearsing for the show (her year they did Urinetown). The last week they also rehearsed numbers for a cabaret. On the weekends they were offered a variety of electives they could choose from to take. Both end of camp performances were top notch. For the most part they wore casual summer wear or dance wear. She brought a few songs and monologues to work on. And we got her things like bottled water, some breakfast bars and snacks to have in her room. Brought her linens etc… But really not much else. They eat at the cafeteria. They were housed in one of the dorms on campus. The kids were and still are very bonded. Really nice, talented kids. It’s a great intro into what it is like to be immersed in MT 24/7 while having a really fun summer. Someone who has attended more recently will have more up to date info. But Im happy to try to answer any specific questions you may have. I think your S will have a wonderful experience!

@arisamp I sent you a PM.

My daughter has been accepted to the two week program. She is a freshman, so we thought that was plenty for her first time away – we are from California. Any suggestions on what to bring or not is appreciated.

@vvnstar - thank you! From past reports, this does sound like a wonderful camp. S’s counselor has been encouraging him to apply to other summer programs (specifically Ithaca and NYU). Anyone out there have info on how this camp compares to those two? He’s not sure if he wants to apply…

@arisamp - There are lots of great programs to consider for the summer. Our D attended mPulse at University of Michigan in addition to OCU! I think its great to consider all of the options and try different programs if you can. It can really help your S know what he wants in a college (big school, small school, big city, small town, etc…). Here’s what I do know of their differences:

Ithaca focuses mainly on audition preparation, particularly on songs.

NYU has classes in acting, music and dance. It is very pricey.

You can earn college credit at both of these programs (not sure if it transfers to other schools if you choose to go to college elsewhere).

One thing kids like about OCU that differs from the other 2 programs is the ability to be in a show. Most camps just have a “sharing” of some sort at the end where they do a few song selections, but not a full show. At OCU, they enjoy the time spent together mounting a real show. It really bonds them together and they have so much fun getting to perform together.

The other thing to consider is that they are very different settings. (big city (NYC), somewhat smaller city (OKC) and small town (Ithaca)) so not sure if you have a preference there. All are among the top college MT programs in the country and all boast many alum currently on Broadway and working throughout the industry. The training is top notch at all 3.

OCU is the only one of the three for which you have to audition. The other two accept kids on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as they meet their basic requirements.
Be aware attending any of these summer programs does not give you a leg up on being accepted to their programs for college. Just consider the math. Say they have 50+ kids attend their summer program and 20 spots in their college MT program - and then they audition hundreds of others each year - not everyone who attends camp will get in. So make sure you pick the one that makes sense for your budget, location, and where he will learn and grow. He will learn a lot at any of the 3.
If you look at other programs, I would consider TPAP on the campus of Wake Forest also. It does require an audition. However, I think applications for TPAP and NYU may already be closed for this upcoming summer. I’m not sure about Ithaca.

Lots to think about!

@vvnstar - thanks so much for your response. Spoke to S today, he’s not keen on trying any of the other camps - he wants to go to OCU!

I thought I read somewhere that kids could take private voice lessons - is this feasible during the 3 week camp? Will there even be time?

Does OCU do anything with helping the kids pick out their music/monologues for college auditions?

Well I’m excited for your S that he will be headed to OCU this summer. He will have a ball! And he will learn a lot!

I am not sure about private lessons at camp. My D did not do that. I believe each day they have both voice studio and master classes in the afternoons where they will and can work on their own material. I know D came back with quite a few options for songs and monologues, suggested by both friends and teachers. But since she was between her freshman and sophomore years, auditions were not yet on her radar. The faculty is so amazing. I’m sure they will help him if he just asks if it doesn’t automatically come up in his classes. Their schedule is pretty jam packed so I’m not sure when private lessons take place. Possibly on the weekends? I know they do get to choose electives to take on weekends. So I would ask if that is something you’d like to do.
Hope he has a great time. Just let me know if you have other questions!

My S went to OCU last summer for the 3 week program. He did not take private voice, but wishes he had. Many of the campers did. They just fit it all in somehow. My S LOVED the summer camp.

@vvnstar‌ - thanks! You’ve been so helpful.

@MTDadandProud‌ - do you know how the campers signed up for private voice lessons and what the charge was for this? We figure that if he can fit it into the schedule, it would be great for him to get some additional instruction while he’s there. Thanks.