Does anyone have recent experience/thoughts about the summer pre-college programs at Penn State, OKCU, MUNY Webster and Texas State? Most posts are pretty dated. My daughter just got into OKCU’s program, but probably won’t hear from the others until after the OKCU deposit is due. OKCU looks like a great program, but I’m concerned about rigorous training time being robbed by rehearsal time for the performance (they do a full musical). Highest priorities for my daughter is rigor of training, experiencing what colleges/BFA programs may be like, and getting ready for college auditions. Thanks in advance!
MUNY Webster application has passed. Offers have already been sent.
My son did the first 3 on that list over last 2 years, if you have specific questions email me at jasonruss.jr@gmail.com and i can try to answer
My D did the OCU program about 3 years ago but did the two week program with the cabaret. The rehearsals I think are in the evening, but the classes are during the day. That is a similar experience your student will have as a BFA student, so it’s a good immersion.
The experience of “practice” auditions and dance calls are useful, as well as the master classes. But, if your student is behind in dance training, I always recommend doing a dance intensive at home or out of town, unless they are getting adequate training during the year.
The program is taught by faculty and the department head remembered my daughter two years later when she came to her college audition. It was a top consideration for my daughter and she felt very comfortable as a result in her audition, which I think is important. She was asked a few questions and it really helped that she was familiar with the program and she was accepted to their BM MT program.
My D did OCU’s two week program four years ago (before sophomore year in HS) and the NEXUS program at Texas State two years ago (before senior year). The first program was to see if she truly wanted to pursue MT in college. Yes! I don’t think there is as much “training” in these programs as there is exposure. OCU leveled some classes, provided a broad spectrum of the MT life, a great peek at campus life, and a solid introduction into the audition process. The next summer she stayed home, took some summer school classes to allow for more voice/dance during the school year, rigorously applied herself to ballet at a local studio, had a part-time job, and learned to drive. It was a very unglamorous few months. NEXUS, in its first year of existence, was a great platform for college audition readiness. Groups were leveled by dance ability. Much emphasis was given to audition preparation and execution while working on students individual strengths. D made many friends at both camps, running into them at UNIFIEDS in Chicago and again as college freshmen this winter at summer stock auditions. Happy to answer any questions you may have.
At OCU, (OKCU) typically rehearsals for the show are in the evenings and do not take away from any training/classes during the day. Also, on the weekends, they have electives the students can choose from in a variety of different disciplines, which just adds to the training they receive.