<p>Wondering what people think about what experiences look better or are more important to have when applying to schools? I have been involved in both but mostly on the professional/regional stage.</p>
<p>Though schools certainly look at people's resumes, what is most important is what you do in the audition. What is on your resume is interesting and will give the auditors information about your type, how you have been cast (and in the case of professional theater, by whom), but (as many of us CC longtimers have said before), there have definitely been cases where kids who have done extensive professional theater have not gotten into some of the top schools and kids who have hardly any experience other than in their high school or community theaters who <em>have</em> gotten in. </p>
<p>Perhaps alwaysamom or other longtime posters with more experience in this than I can comment, and probably will. But if I were your parent, I wouldn't recommend you make decisions about which roles to take/where to work based on which one will look best to the auditors.</p>
<p>I concur with NMR that what happens during your audition is what matters most. A nice resume may prompt some questions, but other than that, it is really what you bring to the table as you walk into the room that will stand out. </p>
<p>My D eliminated a whole bunch of performance experiences in favor of showing more of her training, because she felt this gave a better indication of being committed to her passion. She also included some funny "special skills", that actually got more attention than any of her (regional) theatre roles.</p>
<p>I personally know one gal in our area who has done professional theater for years, both vocal & dance roles. She auditioned for MANY BFA programs, and unfortunately was not accepted to any of them. Because I know that she is a talented gal, I can only assume that there was something "missing" in her audition...perhaps songs/monologues that did not showcase her talents or something. The problem was definitely NOT her resume. Also, when asked if she had any questions regarding the school or its program, she always answered "no"...and that was the end of her audition/interview. My D ALWAYS had a few questions in her back pocket to ask...this gave her a few more minutes with those in charge, and gave her an opportunity to show a little of her personality.</p>
<p>MotherBear brings up an important point to all of you about to start the audition process:</p>
<p>Make sure your real personality shines through in your audition, and one way you can do this (in addition to selecting songs and monologues that showcase you) is to be sure to engage the interviewer/auditor during the question and answer part of the audition. (For the record, these "question and answer" sessions are not formal. Usually, the auditor will say something such as "Do you have any questions?" or will start a conversation about something on your resume.) </p>
<p>When that happens, take the opportunity to show the auditor that you are interesting, lively and interested in the program. Saying "Um, no, I think most of my questions have been answered by your Website (or kids I know who have gone here.)" is NOT in your best interest. It is frankly a dull thing to say and worse than dull, it means you are passing by an opportunity to have the auditor(s) notice you more/get to know you and, bottom line, for you to set yourself apart for the hundreds of kids who came before you and the hundreds coming after. You want to be memorable. (This doesn't mean you want to appear to be class clown and be obnoxiously assertive. I am just trying to say, and not very elegantly! that you have a chance to show the auditors a little snapshot of yourself, do take advantage of that.)</p>
<p>The bottom line is that this audition is basically like a job interview. The auditors have to see that not only do you have the "goods" (talent, etc.) to deserve a place in the incoming class, but also that you are someone that they want to be around and to work with. </p>
<p>I hope that makes sense. I think this is very important and I don't think this aspect of the interview/audition has been sufficiently emphasized for some kids, to their detriment.</p>
<p>NMR, I think you said it quite elegantly!</p>
<p>Aw, thanks, srw! I am probably too adamant about that, but I know a few quite talented kids who did not do as well in the audition process as I would have predicted, and though I wasn't in the audition room with them (and thus don't know if they just are not good auditioners in general), one thing that stood out is that they mentioned that they didn't have much to say to the auditors when it came time to chat. They basically thought their auditions would "speak for themselves." I think that is a mistake, especially in a situation where there are hundreds more kids coming.</p>
<p>Ditto that NMR :D! Get your personality out and let it shine!</p>
<p>"Boxers or briefs?"</p>
<p>I agree with what folks have said. I would just like to come out and say - do your high school show. Unless your school does completely abysmal shows with no redeeming factors - do your show. There is much to be gained from those experiences with your peers - educational, social factors that are rarely duplicated in the outside world. Have fun while doing a show with your friends while you still can. Unless you are doing impressive Equity work, it will not affect your acceptance into a good program at all - even then only slightly. It really is your audition and sometimes grades that matter.</p>
<p>One's resume isnt a huge factor, but most kids at these college auditions have not been in profesional shows! So when judges look at your resume, I'm sure they'll be impressed with that. I think whats most important on a resume, though, is how much expirience you've actually had, whether it be profesional or high school theatre. If you have alot of credits and expirience, the judges will be impressed! (please excuse the bad grammer, im a singer, not a scholar, lol) ;)</p>
<p>svb, I respectfully disagree. I do think that the auditors look at kids' resumes, but the real deciding factor is what you do in front of them at the audition. I know kids who had very little/hardly any performing experience who had good training and who did good auditions and got in various schools, and I know a few kids with very extensive and super impressive professional credentials that did not get into any of the schools to which they auditioned.</p>
<p>My daughter has only been to one audition so far, and I have to say that the resume seemed to be very important. Of course, the audition itself is what ultimately got her accepted, but the resume was looked at very carefully.
The head of the theatre department specifically told us before her audition that they are not looking for kids who just decided (after taking an acting class or being in a play) that it would be fun to do this in college. (This is not an exact quote.) He talked about the sacrifices kids in BFAs have to make and what a great commitment it is. It is not to be taken lightly. Because they only accept a handful of kids, they are looking for those with the most talent, training, experience, and commitment. I don't think kids need to have professional work experience on their resume, but they should have enough stuff on there to show a significant commitment to this field - even if its training, etc.</p>
<p>I concur with NMR & tinamay, and do feel that the resume is very, very important. Not so much that you have pages and pages of experience, or that you played "Mama Rose" in high school, but a well written resume can show dedication & commitment (training), highlight one's passion, and even have miscellaneous information on it that an auditor may choose to ask questions about. </p>
<p>In my D's case, after reading her resume, they asked her about her dance training, the summer programs she attended, to elaborate on & demonstrate some of the special skills she had listed. They even asked her about one of the directors she had worked with as it turned out that the head of the program knew him personally. </p>
<p>Also, even though there are indeed quite a few kids that audition with no professional experience, be aware that there are actually quite a few kids in my D's class with Equity cards and even Broadway credits. I guess I want to caution against underestimating your competition.</p>
<p>Needless to say, that a good resume should still be supported by a good audition :D.</p>
<p>The resume is important because it is more information about you and we are trying to get to know you in the short time we have. Please don't be intimidated by hearing about students with professional credits. Another thing we are well aware of is that not all extremely talented students have the same opportunities in life. Strong applicants can come from NYC and have had multiple opportunities to work professionally and they can come from rural areas with only high school shows on their resumes. Be confident and believe in yourself. Regardless of the outcome of the audition, it will serve you well.</p>
<p>NotMamaRose</p>
<p>I just wanted to let you know that I copied you advice about auditioning and emailed to my daughter before her first MFA audition. She was extremely nervous and for some reason psyched herself out. She read your advice about showing interest in the school and asking questions and went into the audition with a plan and a calm.</p>
<p>It was a great first audition for the season. She was called back which is quite an accomplishment considering the accept rates for MFA programs are even worse than BFA programs.</p>
<p>She is continuing on with auditions and I am sure there are going to be some tough auditions to follow, but she has that first "good" one behind her belt and is eager and excited to continue.</p>
<p>BTW, she like everyone else at this point has a great resume. At this level it is a complete crap shoot. Luckily, she has applied to many, many schools so hopefully she will come out of this with lots of choices.</p>
<p>Again, NotMamaRose, I just wanted you to know how comforting your advice was. Sometimes we post on this site and not even realize the impact of our words. Thanks!</p>