Off Waitlist at STAGEDOOR - BUT a concern ???

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>Well we got a call that D. could attend stagedoor off waitlst and we were all excited about it!
I have to check on transportation with hubby who is out of town and get back to them so I have a day here.</p>

<p>Meantime she finally had a chance to view the video they sent and she felt it looked like a great place for "young" folks but maybe a little too young for her. She said it reminded her of the camp she went to a few years ago. </p>

<p>After reading some OLDER POSTS here I am a little concerned that maybe its great for younger campers or older ones who started there earlier and made friends and just love it for that.</p>

<p>I think someone posted that there were a lot of munchins or chamelons or something like that there, which made it sound like a pretty young crowd. Definately not something she wants..she would rather go with an older group.</p>

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<p>Susan I just saw your post on my other thread. I was rereading old posts and came across dizzidanis in the college for musical theater thread..and she said "The session was 75% new campers (and at least half of those were camelodians, it was munchkinland"
Which is what my daughter's concern was that it may be too young for her.
Thanks for your info. that you think its not.</p>

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<p>I posted on the the other thread to you about the age make up of the program. My D is not concerned WHATSOEVER about it being too young because it is NOT too young at all. She'll be in a musical and master classes with kids ages 14-18 and she is sixteen. She will be living with 17 year old roommates. Her pack of close friends have all graduated or will graduate this June and many are not returning. However, she has some friends her true grade (currently 11th) and so will room with them. </p>

<p>What DizziDani posted...by the way, Dizzi and my D did not go to SDM at the same time....was based on HER Experience LAST summer during THIRD session. That session THAT year, had many NEW campers, not necessarily younger ones per se but new to camp. In the last few summers, a bulk of the long time campers have chosen to attend first and second sessions. Kids wanna be with their friends, whatever. So, my own child who went many summers sessions two and three, switched in 2002 to sessions one and two (and believe me, she did NOT want to switch at the time with a vengeance due to friendships with kids who go third session but switched because she got a job to perform at Lincoln Center that conflicted with third session performance weekend and she had a big dilemma...she switched to sessions one and two that summer so as not to turn down her NY "debut" and when we came to her second session performance weekend, enroute to the camp, we got a call that the orchestra went on strike at Lincoln Center and thus the peformance had to be cancelled...which gave me a BIG dilemma cause she had given up going third session cause of her NY performance and so at the last minute, she stayed for a total of nine weeks that one summer making her the happiest kid alive...) but in subsequent summers, she stayed with sessions one and two because that is when all her friends went and there was a slight trend that third session had more "new" kids than other sessions though all sessions have PLENTY of new kids. Actually, it got even easier to get a lead in third session with less returning kids present, from what I know...way more openings in the cabaret troupe as well. But younger? I don't know that to be true unless it was unbalanced that session last year for some reason. But in any given session, there usually are just one or two shows with a "younger" set of campers and out of 13 productions ,that ain't a lot. </p>

<p>I can assure you that the 14-18 year old age group has lots and lots of kids and things like master class and certain shows are made up of this age group. Last year, for instance, I'd say that my daughter had about 15 very very close friends at least and almost all of these friends are currently seniors in high school and that does not even count the seniors that she was less friendly with. A few of her friends last summer were even heading off to college this past fall. Frankly, my daughter has always been the youngest of her friendship circle at Stagedoor Manor....I guess this summer she will be closer to the top end but even then, she is truly just 16, not even 17. But she has friends from there who are now juniors and seniors in college. </p>

<p>Again, my niece is heading to Stagedoor for the first time this summer (first session) and is the same exact age as my daughter....16 but in tenth grade (which is the grade my daughter is supposed to be in where we live by her chronological age too). She will likely do a drama. The point about the age groups at SDM, has never come up in my niece's case. My D's boyfriend who is over the house right now, is returning for his second summer, first session, and he is turning 17 and entering senior year. </p>

<p>I would ask the camp director to give you the numbers to make sure you feel you have the most accurate information. But based on even just last summer, there were many many kids there who were heading into senior year and your D is only heading into junior year, she'll be fine. Which session is she going? I can think of a bunch of returning girls who are entering 11th grade next fall who will be there first/second session. Is your daughter going third session? I can't vouch for returning campers during third cause none of my daughters friends attend third anymore. If Dani said the make up appeared younger third session last summer, maybe it did, but again, it likely was easier to get parts that session with so many new kids, so there was that advantage as well. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>i went to stagedoor 2 years ago (when i was 15) and i must say, the 12-15ish age groups were probably in the minority. Most of the kids were older, approx. 16-18 and all were very talented. I never had to worry about the camp being "too childish," it felt so professional. Of course, there are young kids there, but what SDM (stagedoor manor) does is they set aside one show to be the "kiddie show" reserved primarily for the younger campers --- my year it was Annie.... so don't worry about her being in a group of kids that are too young --- SDM was an amazing experience</p>

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<p>My d went to SDM for the first time last summer at age 14. Wild horses could not keep her away this summer. I think that for her, 14 was a perfect age at which to go to camp, although she wishes she could have gone sooner. She would up being the youngest in a production of Nine, and she was thrilled to be part of such a "grown up" show. I think, if anything, SDM lets kids perform in shows beyond the usual kiddie and teen fare that might be offered at their schools or community theaters at home. Every child is treated like a professional regardless of age. My d has stayed in almost daily touch with several campers her age; a few are year younger.</p>

<p>I heard about this camp from SoozieVT several years ago on another board and wasn't sure my daughter would like SDM, but it met our hopes 150 percent. My mom came to see the final performances, and she was blown away, and has since encouraged her friends to send their MT loving grandchildren. She kept saying, "I can't believe these are KIDS up there on this stage -- amazing!"</p>

<p>G/L with your decision!</p>

<p>Yes, Soozie, it's TxT! :) Hope all is well with you.</p>

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<p>Wow, TxT, you are now Dramama! You know, now that I see you unexpectedly found this forum, you belong here cause honey, just you wait, this is gonna be you in a couple years dealing with this college stuff! I did not know that was you until I got to the bottom of your post and my mind kept thinking, ok, who is this that was in NINE with my daughter? LOL. </p>

<p>It was so great last summer to meet an internet friend in person and to have our girls end up in the same exact musical after all these years. I am only sorry that they won't be together the same session this year. But my D is still hoping to go first session!!! And maybe we will see your D somehow anyway because now my daughter has high hopes of returning to the Catskills for Stagedoor's 30th anniversary event (which takes place during second session) and she likely will get her way and if we take her down there, I'm sure we will go by camp too. She even has changed the dates of the musical theater cabaret camp that she has created and will direct to accomodate another trip to the Catskills this summer! </p>

<p>Another thing about age that I just thought of because thinking of the cast of Nine made me think about this....many ages mix and bond at SDM. While recently in the hospital, my child got gifts, flowers and very very meaningful notes and calls from kids at SDM of all ages, some not her own age, some who had "admired" her from afar (they said) and even the young boy who played the young Guido sent her flowers...because they really bond across the ages there. I always marveled when my child was just a wee nine or ten year old there, how she made close friendships with some kids four or five years older than herself and these friendships continue to this day and when she went to visit college MT programs, she connected with these kids who were many years older than herself while on campus because they never treated her like a little kid....they were all passionate about theater and they had that common link. At SDM, at times, it feels "age-less" and more like one big multi-age family. </p>

<p>Also TxT daughter's experience is a good one to share with Angstridden here. This very talented girl with much experience, including leads in her home region in Texas, came to SD for th first time for three weeks last summer. She could easily have been cast as a lead in a show for kids ages 10-14, I have no doubt but instead, her talents were recognized and she was put into a very high level show, with the oldest campers (most of the cast was 15-18) and she experienced a production at the highest level there and was very happy from what I could tell. Her experience reminded me of when my D was younger and after having played leads in many younger productions at Stagedoor, she ONLY wanted to be in the most challenging highest level shows with the oldest kids and in fact, was very very happy to play ensemble two times because it meant doing a much older show and the level of it. Also TxT's D's experience at SDM reminds me of a point I posted to Angstridden on a different thread, and that is....while this child was new to camp and only went one session, she got into the most sophisticated production that session, and though she played ensemble (though sang a short solo beautifully), I am sure when she returns, that her casting will be based not only on her new audition but on having worked with her in the past and her professionalism in that production no matter how small the part. It was such a great show. By the way, TxT, the boy who played Guido, is going to CAP21 with my D in the fall.</p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Thanks for everyones wonderful advise..and thanks CLUELESS for chatting to me on the phone about it! </p>

<p>Susan, I dont need D. to get the lead, not at all. I just or I should say We just like to know that its not all pre-set from the past...that they give equitable chances to new kids.
There are lots of great shows out there that she would not be right for the lead..I mean you have to look the part. </p>

<p>Will your daughter attend 2cd session also or just visit?</p>

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<p>I am glad you spoke to Clueless too. Her son went once for third session and got into the cabaret that my D is also in and so he is a good example that you can be new and do well there. I was going to suggest that you get the names of references at Stagedoor because I know when we picked it, as well as many summer programs over the years for our girls, we always called both parent and kid references and got a better idea that way and more perspectives. I don't want ya to just count on mine here, for sure. </p>

<p>While my D always goes six weeks, usually sessions one and two, this year she is only going three weeks, for session one. She was not supposed to go back this year because our expectation was for our kids to work the summer before college. Since she is graduating a year early, that meant that we said last summer would be it then, even though conceivably she could go few more summers to SD as she is still just sixteen. She was dying to go back again (I'll caution you this...once they go, they usually wanna go back, that's the problem, lol). She had gotten a present from her grandparents to go on the school trip to France this week, as a sixteenth special birthday gift and she said, "France will always be there, but Stagedoor Manor will not be for me after this summer, can I go there instead?" and so they agreed to put that gift toward one session of camp and I have been working to pay the rest of tuition. Actually as it turns out, she never would have been able to go to France this week due to her terrible accident and her current condition. So, she is only getting to go back one session which she is fine with because most of her friends will not be back, but just a few who are closer to her real age/grade. Then the day she gets back, she is to start rehearsing a professional production of BAT BOY in our area, where they bring in NY and equity actors (she normally is never home in summer to do shows which is the one time of year when there are more opportunities in VT for theater) and she will earn some money doing that, and then she is going to earn a tidy sum of money for college cause she has created with another friend (also going away for a BFA in MT next fall) a two week musical theater workshop where she will create/direct a musical theater cabaret for kids ages 9-14. So, that is her summer. </p>

<p>Is your daughter going second session? That is when Dramama's D will be there and she is just a year younger than your D. Lots of new faces at camp as my D's crew will basically be gone this summer, for the most part. What I was mentioning before is a big event SD will be holding for their 30th anniversary in July during second session (not sure current campers will get to see it or not but it is at one of the local Catskill resort hotels where the cabaret troupe performed every summer until last year) and she wants to go to that event. I am sure, however, that she would also stop by camp when there. No plans as of yet but I know her, she has already asked about it and we likely will find a way to get her to Loch Sheldrake one last time!
Susan</p>

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<p>Susan, Your daughter sounds so incredibly talented and energetic! I was so surprised that we got off the waitlist which I understood was long that I never really figured out how to get there!
Anyway it sounds fantastic! I am so glad you have shared so much with me.</p>

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<p>Glad to have helped. I know as a parent, that it is important to find out as much as you can before sending your kid off to a program away from home. I know that we always asked others too and have had plenty call our home to chat with our daughter to glean her perspective. </p>

<p>I am also happy to help because my child has loved this program so much and credits them for being a major influence in her life. The friends she has made there are sure to be forever and believe me, wait until you see the minutes used on the phone and in IM to stay connected to friends from around the country. I can talk about the training and the performance experiences but it is very hard to explain that the bonds made between the kids there are a major part of the love of the place. </p>

<p>My D looks forward to returning even though it was a big question mark following her accident but it appears that it should be able to work out. I don't know that she could do a dance role though but she'll be happy to be back at all. </p>

<p>As the refrain in a Sondheim song goes at the close of her beloved Our Time Cabaret at SDM: "Someday we'll come back to this theater; This is where it began; being what we can." </p>

<p>I'm glad your daughter got in. I did not know that it would work out for you so that is great. I thought of you last night in fact because my D performed with one other girl at a pre-show event for an Audra MacDonald concert in VT and the other girl with whom my D has taken voice, said that this summer she is going to the summer program at Berklee, the one I thought sounded just like what YOUR daughter might like cause it is contemporary music. It was a funny coincidence cause here you are saying she picked Stagedoor, lol. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>We looked at the Berklee one..but it is 5 weeks and that was too long as she has to get in drivers education this summer also.</p>

<p>She liked the looks of the Berklee in CA but I did not feel comfortable sending her there and also felt 1 week was too short.</p>

<p>She really liked the looks of the Stagedoor and you all have addressed my concerns.</p>

<p>I am so glad your daughter is going to be able to go and is well enough..She has really been through alot.</p>

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<p>I think one reason for stagedoor..is the dance. She needs to get in more dance. She has the voice part but needs to pump up the dance part which MT does. With the classes they offer that will help her alot I think. Plus she loves doing shows. </p>

<p>She also likes horseback riding but I was thinking that it may take alot of time so she may be better off not riding while she is there and focus on the other offerings.</p>

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<p>That is the thing that will work for your D at SDM...she can PICK her classes. So, she gets to take 8 classes per session. She COULD opt to make several of these dance classes. The dance faculty is very good. The classes culminate in a dance show though that is not on parent weekend but you can buy the video (one more expense, I know). My D has taken at least one dance class there every session (doubt this year, have no clue her condition yet at that point), but she cannot take as many classes because those in the cabaret can only take four classes per session cause they have this second show to rehearse. Also Master Acting and Master Dance classes are longer and count as two classes a piece and I think those were the two she took last year. </p>

<p>I do not know much about the horseback riding. It is not on the premises but I have seen in the literature that you can sign up and pay to take it off campus. I am not sure when that happens and I am GUESSING it might be during the afternoon rec break between classes (unless it counts as classes?). But during the rec break, kids socialize, work on memorizing their lines, take a shower, jump in the pool, etc. So, the day and night is so full that this break is a little unstructured time that they enjoy. I never looked into horseback riding but you have to realize where I am coming from. Unlike those who go to a camp in the mountains and might live in an urban or suburban area and can't wait to do the kinds of things you can do in an area like the Catskills, it is not a novelty for my child who LIVES in the mountains and where there is LOTS of horseback riding. My girls did horseback riding for years growing up (were in horse shows, etc.) until they begged to go away to performing arts camps. They gave up riding entirely. However, for my D who goes to SD, she is allergic to horses so we knew it was never gonna be her main thing in life, lol....she had to be medicated to ride them...she could not do any of the grooming...her sister had to groom her horse (we never owned a horse, mind you) for her for the horse show events. And just like I have had to learn the ropes of being a stagemom, I also had to learn to braid the mane JUST SO for horse shows.....but now, I only braid HER hair for roles, lol. Sorry can't help ya on how that works at SD but I have never known any kids who did it there...but some must. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Hmmm yes mine took horseback riding for several years..till I had to say hey we cant do everything. And she misses it, but was just so busy with other stuff. But I think the dance etc would be a better use of her time.</p>

<p>I am curious I saw they offered modeling. I think that would be interesting though my D. is too petite to be a model. Do you know anything about that. I just think learning that special catwalk would be something different.</p>

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<p>Yes, modeling is a class you can sign up for. You likely won't want my opinion on this one, I am afraid ;-). Once my child took it for three weeks...she must have been about ten or eleven and a bunch of friends signed up for it and she did too and they had fun making up a modeling show with a beach theme but it really was not her thing, it almost was more of a fun thing to do with friends. However, I have seen the modeling show they put on because they record that on the same video I usually purchase of the dance show and my D is always in the dance show but not the modeling show. I have looked at the modeling show on the video though and I can't help it but I have trouble taking it seriously. I dunno, but I do. The kids who are in it do seem to take is seriously so that is all that matters I guess. Often they have little themes and they dress according to the themes and yes, they do a catwalk thing to music and all. Once I watched segment that was like this Miss Stagedoor thing, seemed very silly to me. I don't know but I get your point about the poise and all to carry oneself on a catwalk and stuff like that but I guess my kid tends to stick with the more theater related classes like acting, singing and dancing. But I think many kids sign up for the modeling classes as well. But that is the thing, there are so many offerings and lots of choices! </p>

<p>There are some other performance opportunities as well. There is a camper showcase that you can try out for and often kids who are not leads in shows or not in the cabaret, do something solo in this show. The MC's for the show are campers as well. My D was one of the hosts to the camper showcase last year and I bought that video because it was very funny...she likes to rewrite lyrics a lot and she and some of her friends hosted the show and did some songs to the tune of Avenue Q songs (along with puppets, you had to be there) and they were take offs on Stagedoor Manor. They also impersonated various staff and directors there. The actual acts in the show were varied and gave some kids a chance to shine....do a dance, a monologue, a song, play a guitar, and so forth. Conceivably in your D's three weeks, she COULD be in the Camper Showcase, her musical, a dance show, a modeling show, and maybe even in the cabaret. So, there is lots going on. Plus she will have a chance to see many other shows. And you will too. Most performance weekends, I catch about six shows! And as Dramama mentioned, SDM does not usually stick with the tried and true shows often done with youth (they do some of those too but not JUST those) and some of the shows are more sophisticated and kids ge a chance to do roles they never would get to do at home. It is pretty cool. </p>

<p>Anyway, if your D is into it, she could enjoy the modeling class. That's the thing...this is a chance to try out many things. Maybe she wants to learn to tap. Maybe swing dance. Do some vocal coaching. Explore Shakespeare. Learn about stage make up. Try Acting for TV. Make a film/video. Learn a specific acting technique. It's all there for the taking. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Oh wow! They do have a range of classes. I didnt realize they offered things like stage makeup, acting for TV etc. I thought it was mainly theater acting and dance.
Do older kids take the modeling too?
And what about hip hop?<br>
Are there any specific classes your daughter thought very highly of?
BTW does your daughter take sheets and bedspread or sleeping bag?
Thanks for your patience on these questions!</p>

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<p>Angst....They have a very wide range of classes. Do you have the brochure or have you looked at the website? You will get a more informative handbook this spring that outlines and describes all the classes (though she does not sign up for them until she gets there). You will see classes in every aspect of this field. I can't list them all here but they range from Speech/Diction, Scene Study, Audition for Musicals, Vocal Coaching, Modeling, Choreography, every level of dance in every dance discipline, Auditioning for the Camera, Video Workship, Costume Design, Stage Management, and so forth. That is just the top of the iceberg. </p>

<p>Yes, older kids take modeling. Older kids can and DO take ALL these classes (whichever interest them). As mentioned previously, when kids sign up for classes, there are offerings for the lower half of the age range and another set offered to the upper half of the age range at SD. The exception, I believe, are dance classes which are by placement. Also Master Classes are by audition and are only for older kids generally.</p>

<p>Hip hop...yes, older kids take it. My D took it last year but also has studied hip hop at home so was in advanced, as well as many of her friends who were age 17. </p>

<p>I can't tell you exactly which classes she thought highly of. She talks the most fondly of Master Acting Class and also Master Dance Class. Again, she takes LESS classes than the typical kid because she has always been in the Cabaret and those kids can ONLY take four classes, not eight like everyone else because they have to rehearse daily for the cabaret as well as two daily rehearsals for their other musical. </p>

<p>I have never known anyone to take a sleeping bag to Stagedoor. It is not set up like a "camp" (though frankly my kids never took sleeping bags to their summer camps that used cabins either, nor did I growing up). The kids live in a more dorm like setting in what was once a resort hotel. They have real beds, dressers, closets and a private bathroom shared with their roommates. You would send similar things like you do with your older D who goes to college....blankets, sheets, towels, lamps, fan, etc. etc. etc. The handbook will also indicate what your child needs to bring. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Is it air conditioned?
How can someone flying in bring all those things?</p>

<p>Susan, can you tell me more about the carbaret?</p>

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<p>maybe I can be of some help to you angstridden...</p>

<p>it is not air conditioned BUT there are fans...I suggest bringing a portable fan just in case because it can get VERY VERY HOTT sometimes..
A lot of kids fly to SDM and there is a policy with luggage and airport schedules -- I haven't personally done it but I know it has been done MANY times before (even kids from England came to SDM) and there hasn't been problems --- remember, it's a 3 week program -- I probably used only an eighth of what i ended up bringing to camp....</p>

<p>the cabaret is a select group of campers of all ages who demonstrate great talent in singing, dancing and acting. they assemble during the day to create a show to perform for local hotels and the campers on the last night -- it's a lot of fun and kids have great memories of OTC (our time cabaret)</p>

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<p>Matt covered those questions well. Some kids fly to Stagedoor and can bring less than those who arrive by car. I would think your D would be coming by car? no? </p>

<p>The camp places fans in every room. However, lots of kids coming by car bring additional fans...we also bring a floor fan to my kid's room and since there are five girls in the room, it only matters if one of them bring it and some of her roomies come by plane and we can bring a car full of stuff if we want. </p>

<p>The Our Time Cabaret, as Matt mentioned (Matt are you in it? Wonder if we know you?? My D is the girl from Vermont...had certain solos in OTC during first/second...not sure your session)....is a selected group of kids, mostly from ages 13-17, who are selected based on talent in singing and other musical theater skills (not all are dancers but some are featured dancers). It is sorta like a "Master Class" for Musical Theater. It is quite intensive because they must learn the entire show in about 11 days....the show has maybe 40 songs in it, some solo, some small group, some whole group. The show is a little like a revue style show...it is completely blocked and choreographed. Many kids are featured in it. They opt to get this show to a pretty professional level because they take the show off campus where the cast performs at resort hotel nightclubs on stage. They also perform the last night of the session for the rest of the camp and the parents around midnight. However, starting LAST summer, the cabaret no longer performs at resort hotels. </p>

<p>Often the kids who tend to be selected to the cabaret, are kids who have significant parts in the musicals (or even the plays) but not always. Often the kids I have seen who tend to go onto BFA programs in this field, have usually been in the cabaret as well but again, not always. Sometimes someone can be mucho mucho talented and wait years to get into cabaret. One mom's daughter on CC who is in cabaret and has been for a number of years, was not for her first few years at SD, yet now has many college acceptances into top BFA programs. It is kind hard to get in your very first year but not impossible....kids do every year, my own child included. But I would say less new kids get in than someone who has already attended one session in the past. There are about forty kids in the cast and there are NOT 40 openings each session. Rather, the openings exist when past cast members do not return. I can think of numerous kids from cabaret who won't be back this year and there will be many openings. However, I will tell you that in my view, second session is the hardest session to get into cabaret, particularly for a girl. That is because many kids attend for six weeks, both sessions one and two (or maybe two and three). And so when the openings in this cast are filled by audition first session, and IF those new cast members stay second session as well (and many do), then less openings are going to occur second session in the cabaret. As well, it is very very intensive to learn this show in 11 days AND be rehearsing another musical AND be taking classes and so it is logical to not add tons of new cast members second session to learn all this material from scratch again. Some cast members in cabaret are new that session but less so than during first or third session. I would say that third session is the "easiest" to get into cabaret for the first time because many cast members have left and they just seem to have more and more new kids get into it the cast that session from my experience. PLEASE be aware that when I am using the term "new" in reference to cabaret, I only mean NEW TO THE CABARET. New to the cabaret can mean new to camp or simply new to the cast. There are first time campers in every session and in every show...a LOT.</p>

<p>As a new camper, I would go NOT go to SD expecting to get into cabaret. Many work their way up to that by showing their skill in their musicals and classes and then coming back the next year or a second session and then the casting team has not just an audition to base this decision on but also knows the kid's work ethic plus stage presence. It is a major commitment and they expect kids to operate at the highest levels in this cast. The director of the cabaret for 25 years, however, left, and it is now directed by another director who has also been there a very long time. </p>

<p>I would go to SDM with the hopes and excitement of being in a great play or musical, taking many classes and improving training/skills, and making friends with those who are also passionate about theater. The cabaret is just a little icing on that cake. It might take several "birthdays" to get there and it might not. </p>

<p>Susan</p>