As a parent, I always can’t help but feel that kid #1 is the experiment in parenting, and kid #2 has a smoother path because my learning curve isn’t as steep. Now that your kids have started college, are there any tips/lessons you’ve learned, things you wish you knew last year?
For the search, I wish I would have known/paid attention to which schools were weed out/break you down to build you up-type programs, which were tough/high standards for the craft but supportive to the person, and which were gentler all around. My D thankfully ended up with exactly the right training style/environment for her, but in hindsight we could have skipped her applying or auditioning for the others, and focused or even expanded the list in her direction.
@CentralOHmomof4 - I totally agree. The key is to know your kid- and try to get an understanding of program methods (which can be challenging)
Another thing to think about is training vs performance. Some schools put a ton of focus on big splashy shows - others do not. I recently had an opportunity to watch a compilation of show clips from “top” theater schools via a friend … and I was intrigued at the variations in production values at these programs. Note that I am not talking about the skill level of the kids - but who had fancy sets/costumes, and whom did not.
Neither of my two are in the kinder, gentler type of program. D1’s is particularly intense. I’m not sure I would have been entirely supportive of her choice had I known how tough it would be but she is thriving and has gotten comfortable with her weaknesses and is working on them. I can easily see it having gone the other way for her and her shutting down. In hindsight, the have both done very well in their respective programs so far. Of course, for D2, if she ends up with choices, I would like to see her in a high standard but supportive environment.
As for performance vs training, S has been on the main stage since freshman year. It certainly doesn’t mean he’s not training - he’s just also been performing. D1’s program does not cast freshmen/sophomores on the main stage until junior year (with rare exceptions) but she has had numerous other performance opportunities in different venues. She mentioned over break how much she is just now missing being part of a full-scale performance but is glad she’s had the time to really work on her skills. Different approaches - both valid - we’ll see this time around!!
I don’t mean that schools can’t offer training and productions - just that I was interested that some well regarded schools (many of which were not on D’s list for one reason or another- so I had not researched them) clearly weren’t putting the tuition $$ there.
It’s a good point to being up performance opportunities as well- that is another difference between schools.
As of this year at NYU - they are choosing to back focus off of “main stage” productions. Instead of established shows - they are highlighting new works- especially by NYU alum. More traditional productions will be done in studio (where there is guaranteed casting)