Reporting on how the auditions went, what to expect at individual schools...

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>Sarahsmom,</p>

<p>Your description of the situation at FSU is exactly what I assumed had happened. The audition requirements had not changed from the time your D applied to the time she auditioned. I just didn't want any readers to think that the school would pull a fast one like that:) The audition requirements haven't changed since my D auditioned 3 years ago.</p>

<p>The thing that confuses some students and parents is the differing vocal audition requirements for the BFA vs the BM. You are not the 1st family that got mixed up. I will suggest to Michele that she may want to put a bug in Kate's and Gayle's ears about stating the difference in the requirements on both the School of Music and School of Theatre websites.</p>

<p>The good thing is that your D feels that her audition experience was positive. I hope that she'll be receiving some "happy" letters soon!</p>

<p>Kathy</p>

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<p>Thanks! We hope she hears happy news too!</p>

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<p>Here is my review of my SUNY Fredonia audition:</p>

<p>I auditioned yesterday (Sat. Feb. 3) at the school itself, in the morning. The campus is very small and very cold as it is right on the lake, but it is nice and quite pretty. We drove around a bit and found Mason Hall, where we were to sign in. There were about 8 of us auditioning in the morning, half in Mason, and half in Rockefeller Arts Center (a short walk). We had a chance to warm up if we got there a little early, then they walked us over to the other building (I auditioned at Rockefeller) where I waited for a little bit. The students working at the auditions were very friendly and helpful and chatted with us and answered any questions we had. In my audition room were two guys (heads of the theatre and music program I think) who were super friendly, they got up and shook my hand when I walked in, gave me a minute to get situated with the pianist and then had me get started (songs first). They were very responsive, I didn't look directly at them, but could sense them getting into my songs and monologues and stuff which is a nice change from the typical auditor.</p>

<p>After my songs and monologues, the music auditor came to the piano and had me do some pitch matching which started out just being one tone (he played, I sang it back), to I think 5 different tones. Then there were some rhythms, all on one pitch, similar kind of thing. Then he had me sight read two lines (he also asked me what key they were in and how I could tell). I messed up once or twice but he was very nice and let me try again. Overall they were very friendly and chatty.</p>

<p>Next I went to the theory test which was very hard (most people got from the low teens to the mid 70 percentages), but is just for placement, not for acceptance, I believe. </p>

<p>Then came the dance audition, during which the people auditioning later that afternoon joined us. We were auditioned by two of the dance teachers, and first we did ballet. We started at the barre and did very simple exercise(all explained in the least ballet-like terms the teacher could manage, for those not trained in dance). We also did some things in the center and across the floor. Same deal for modern (no barre, but a center warm-up type thing and some things across the floor), and then a short, pretty easy jazz routine. We did things in groups ranging from 2-5, and we each had a number pinned on our outfits.</p>

<p>After the dance audition, there was a quick informational meeting during which we found out that approximatley 100 people auditioned for about 13-18 spots. There seems to be a strong alumni connection and the faculty seems very dedicated to the success of each student as an individual. While I didn't immediately fall in love with Fredonia, there were no real downsides to my experience there (besides the snow, which I am used to, being from Ithaca, NY!). It seems like a good program and they are strengthing their dance program which is definitely a plus!</p>

<p>Oh and for a quick little anecdote, I was looking for the dance audition, and took a wrong turn and ended up in a guys locker room (I am a girl, haha). I turn around and see this big sign saying "No Females allowed, Men Only!" and was like aah! Luckily I was right near where I needed to be, but at least I have a funny story to take away from the day!</p>

<p>As always, anyone with specific questions about the day, feel free to ask me!</p>

<p>Katie</p>

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<p>So I am coming up to my last three auditions at Emerson, BoCo, and CMU the next two weekends. I was wondering if anyone had auditioned at these places yet this year and was willing to share their experience for those of us who have not yet walked the plank (at least not at these schools). I would love info about the day's schedule, how the audition is run, time to change, just what to expect in general etc.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

65

<p>when is your BoCo audition?? Mine is next Sunday, the 25th
My boyfriend just had his Emerson audition last weekend. He said the dance portion was first, and that it was not too difficult for him to do, because he is not a dancer, but he picks up choreography very quickly. He said he then did the songs in another room, but only had to sing one of them. Then he did his monologue in another room. He said the audition went very well, and was pretty relaxed. That's all I know of it...the basic outline, and how he, himself, did :)
But he also said the people there were nice.
I would have liked to audition there...but alas, no transfers into the BFA program @ Emerson :(</p>

66

<p>I am auditioning at Boco this sunday, the 18th, I will be at CMU on the 25th, so we will just be missing eachother! But good luck and I will let you know what the BoCo audition is like! Thanks for the Emerson info!</p>

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<p>Is anyone or has anyone auditioned for U of Miami in Chicago? Our s. does so on Wednesday... dunno what it's going to be like except that there will be a musical theory test etc. He has a delightful cold right now and we wish he could get a shot.</p>

68

<p>I meant, auditioned for the University of Miami at their CHICAGO auditions? I realize that didn't come out quite right.</p>

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<p>kasl, I'll be at cmu on the 25th too. I also have emerson this saturday and nyu on wednesday. Then I'm done!</p>

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<p>babyg and kasl, my d will be at BOCO on Sunday too and CMU on the 25 also! See you there!</p>

71

<p>As a junior, my rounds of auditions will not happen until next year, but it is great to read about all the different experiences and get a feel for what goes on. I am rooting for all of you!</p>

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<p>Elon Audition - Friday, February 16</p>

<p>I had a great time at Elon when I went to audition on Friday. First I was welcomed by mum2four (best of luck to your daughter!)</p>

<p>[note] Before the audition day, they send you an email with your schedule of the day. This includes what time you have to be where. They schedule you a time to rehearse with your accompanist (how nice is that!?), and give you your own audition time.</p>

<p>I went to the Center for the Arts a little before 10:30 AM (when we were called), and checked in for the day. Then we were off to observe an acting 3 class. The auditioners observed the acting class while the parents had free time (mine talked to mum2four @ a coffee shop nearby). The acting class was really cool, the students were working on showing impediments/pain. Very interesting. The teacher gave great feedback.</p>

<p>Next we had a bit of free time, so we walked to a campus all-you-can-eat dining hall, and it was great!! Then we met back in the Arts building for an information session, held by the department chair and 4 current MT students. They all seemed so nice and so happy to be at Elon (especially Katie). After the info session, 2 of those MT students sang a song together for everyone... This was awesome to hear current student talent. I wish they did this at every school (so far i've heard current students only @ BW and Elon - i guess seeing a musical would be helpful too!)</p>

<p>The dance call was next for me, at 4:00. First we went through a bunch of ballet stuff (I'm not a dancer, don't know all of the terms, but it was a bunch of pleas -spelling-). Then we did a simple, short ballet-ish combination. We learned it all together, and then performed it in groups of 3 twice each. Next they taught us an awesome Charleston combo--kind of long, very upbeat, and fun. So far I've auditioned at 3 other schools, and I think the Elon dance call (the Charleston combination) was definitely the most fun, and the easiest to show your personality..</p>

<p>Next I had my accompanist rehearsal at 5:20, I went upstairs in the Arts Building and it was very easy - just to make sure tempo is right, etc. He was very nice. Since we didn't have tempo problems we just ran through each song once.</p>

<p>One of my friends from high school goes to Elon for MT, and so after the rehearsal he gave my parents and me a tour of the campus. This was AWESOME. If you don't know anyone there, I suggest you ask for a student to show you the campus. It is BEAUTIFUL and you need to see it! I think it is definitely one of the pluses to the school, so the auditoners would benefit from seeing it. They have a gorgeous library, nice athletic work/out facility, nice dorms, tons of green grass and brick buildings, sand volleyball courts (im a volleyball player</p>

<p>Anyway - my audition was scheduled for 6:55, but they were ahead of schedule so I ended up going a little before that I think. I had just walked in from my unofficial "tour" and they were like "Kyle, you are on deck!". The auditions were held in the Yeager recital hall (it was awesome to sing in!), and (I didn't count but) I would say there were about 6 faculty watching. A current student escorts you in and out (and also listens to your audition). You presented your material, and could do it in whatever order.</p>

<p>Overall the people were very nice (faculty and students) - I think Elon is just full of friendly people who LOVE Elon. The audition day was very welcoming, don't be nervous (like you've never heard that ).</p>

<p>Advice:
-Bring Chapstick to all auditions (haha). Walking out in the cold makes my mouth/lips dry. I realized this @ Syracuse.
-Wear jazz shoes (the slipper kind, i think) and not jazz sneakers... At least the instructor had me take my jazz sneakers off so I got to do it in socks (which I like better actually). But there were like 3 other people with jazz sneakers on?? lol... Maybe they made me 6'6" and that was too tall?? Not sure haha.
-You will probably have a good amount of free time. Try and get a campus tour--It is gorgeous.</p>

73

<p>NYU (TISCH) Audition in Atlanta- Sunday, February 18</p>

<p>I was a bit nervous going to the NYU audition, just from its prestigious reputation and such. BUT It was actually very simple and I left feeling very good about my audition.</p>

<p>I auditioned in Atlanta, I had to be at the Sheraton Buckhead (great name huh?) Hotel at 10AM. There were only 12 artistic reviews for the 10AM slot (There was also a 2PM slot). They brought all 12 of us and whoever came with us into a small (very small) room, where we filled out an audition form (just to fill out your audition pieces-songs & monologues). They had water & brochures available. There were 2 reps from NYU. One guy and one lady, I think both were current Tisch teachers? The guy talked briefly about NYU and the Tisch setting, and the demanding academic nature of the program. The lady (who was so nice!) then described each of the 8 Tisch acting studios. They wanted us to have in mind which studios we were interested in, and if we would accept any other besides CAP21.</p>

<p>After that, they announecd that half of us would audition with the guy and half with the girl. They called out the names and read them (that was the order of the auditions). I auditioned 2nd for the lady's group.</p>

<p>I walked in with my boom box (haha) and she told me I could put it on a chair in the back. SInce we already had written our audition pieces down, we did not have to announce them (which was nice, actually). I went straight into the songs and then did one monologue after the other. It seemed like she wrote a lot (but "don't interpret anything from the audition process"). After you perform, I sat across from her at a table and there was a quick interview. Let me say, she was SO nice! She seemed genuinely interested in what I was saying. One of the questions was about studios - I said I was only interested in CAP21. Other questions were about school, community service, books, etc.</p>

<p>Then we were done! Quick & Simple (kinda nice not have to wait around- I guess this is what unifieds are like?)</p>

<p>Advice:
-Don't forget the boombox (I think this is crazy to have to bring your own, and I felt kinda stupid carrying a boombox into the hotel haha), but you could probably use someone else's if you forgot. ??
-Be honest in your interview. That's what they said they wanted.
-Also, they did NOT want the headshot & resume in a fancy binder</p>

<p>In conclusion, the guy definitely spoke about the rigor of the academics involved in the program, and the lady was very genuine and nice and supportive. I left with a good feeling, I hope it was this way for everyone.</p>

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<p>kasl and evasmon, what time slot do you have? I'm in the 9 o'clock group.</p>

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<p>how was BoCo...all you people who went sunday? i have my audition next sunday..and that's my last one, hurrah!!
i just had my HARTT one on saturday..it was the best yet...i felt so good about it</p>

76

<p>Emerson Audition - Nov. 17th</p>

<p>I don't think Emerson has anymore auditions this year, but I will post this anyway for future auditioners :)</p>

<p>So my mom and I drove to Boston (about a 6 hour drive from Ithaca where we live, not too bad at all) on Friday just in time for a performing arts tour. It wasn't super exciting, we didn't get to see the theatres, but we did see the costume shop and some studios which was pretty cool. The student leading the tour answered all of our questions and seemed to really like it at Emerson. That night we saw a cute show that was going on at a little theatre by our hotel called Respect (not affilliated with Emerson, but a fun little musical). </p>

<p>On Saturday, we slept in and it felt really weird to get up at like 10 because I hardly ever sleep in and also because all my auditions so far have been in the morning, so I felt like I should already be auditioning or something! I arrived around 1:30-1:40 for my 2:00 spot and registered. They take a picture of you and already have your resume so you are not expected to have either (I gave them an updated resume with some more recent shows I have done, but they did not really seem to care haha). After a brief introduction by the head of the department, they split us up into two groups, mine danced first. The dance audition was quite easy in my opinion and the dance teacher was just hilarious, she really helped to put us at ease. After the dance (which was to Hairspray), she had us stand in a line and asked us Why Emerson, one interesting/unique thing about ourselves, and what our favorite show was. It was not high pressure though, we were all giggling and joking the whole time.</p>

<p>Then we went back to the waiting room and kind of sat around not knowing what was going on. There were students helping out but I didn't really talk to them much. After a little bit they started asking for volunteers to do songs, then a little later, monologues. They do not have a set order, but get volunteers so that you can go when you are comfortable and prepared. I sang first, and the man judging was extremely expressionless. He asked me to sing both songs and coached me a bit on one. Some other kids auditioning had a similar experience, and some had a bit warmer interaction. The monologue part was great, the woman was very nice and made me feel at ease. She sat down and asked me about a defining moment in my acting experiences and we chatted a little, I got to ask questions etc.</p>

<p>I was there for about 3.5 hours, it was a relatively laid back audition. The students there were nice, the man who introduced the program seemed fun as well. They did have an info session with coffee and materials for parents on a different floor. They also made it clear that Emerson values a strong liberal arts core alongside a performing arts education. I had a pretty good experience there overall.</p>

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<p>BoCo Audition - Nov. 18</p>

<p>So I have to start by saying that I did not have high expectations in terms of me liking this school. For whatever reason, I had convinced myself that as a more intense conservatory, BoCo would be stuck-up and not a place that I would really enjoy. That said, I had decided to try auditioning there anyways and I am so glad that I did. This school is now at the top of my list.</p>

<p>So my mom and I were in Boston for both Emerson and BoCo, but were staying closer to Emerson. We decided to drive to BoCo and between the two of us directionally-challenged ladies, got lost. However, when we did get on The Fenway, we saw that BoCo had put out little balloons to show us where to go. When I walked in there was a table of students that checked me in, signed me up for a dance audition (they have them throughout the day and you can choose which one you go to). I went up to the practice rooms (couldn't find the elevator at first, so I ended up walking to the 5th floor in my heels) and filled out some forms they had given me, ran through my stuff and tried to chill out a bit. Then I found an elevator, and went to the 3rd floor. Only I had gotten in the wrong elevator and this third floor didn't have the right room and I was all confused. I made it back down to the main lobby and into the right elevator and up the the right third floor. Haha okay so there was a little holding room but it was a little strange because there were no current students helping out, just those of us auditioning. The monologue and songs happen in the same room, the man and woman auditioning me were friendly but neutral (but not cold, yay!). I have to say that this was my best audition yet. It was the 6th out of 7, and I really felt that I gave it my all. The more auditions you do, the more comfortable it gets and the more you can really just perform, in my opinion! They sat down and asked me a few questions, the usual etc.</p>

<p>My mom and I went on a tour, and at this point I began to really be able to imagine myself in this school, after having my audition really click in, and walking around the buildings. The facilities are small and a little worn in, but the professors seem amazing. I had so many chances to ask questions and there was a student in the student center all day talking with parents (there was food and drinks there as well). </p>

<p>The dance audition was the hardest I've had yet, but the dance teacher really was amazing, both in skill and personality. We started out with a question session and then jumped right into this salsa-y combination that included turns and a leap and certainly endurance. She had us make up little scenes for the intro of the music, which was totally fun and goofy and despite the dance being really hard, I came out laughing and feeling like I had worked hard. </p>

<p>They did not try to cover up the fact that there are very little liberal arts required or even offered at this school. While the ProArts Consortium allows you to take classes at surrounding schools, they were honest in saying that musical theatre students cannot realisticallly expect to do this unless they test out of a requirement such as Piano. This does not bother me personally, and is in fact one of the reasons that I liked BoCo, because of the intense concentration on the performing arts, but my mom was not so hot on that aspect of the program.</p>

<p>One other thing that I loved about BoCo was the fact that they want to produced non-cookie cutter triple threats. They value individual strengths but equally emphasize singing, acting in dance (though for the auditions singing was the most important, then acting, then dance, in terms of admission). I have been a dancer my whole life and worry about letting that go at some of the other MT programs, and loved that BoCo valued all aspects of performance.</p>

<p>As always, any questions about this or my Emerson audition (above), feel free to ask or PM or whatever! Good luck to everyone!</p>

78

<p>Audition at Penn State - Feb. 24</p>

<p>This was Penn State's last audition day, so this post will be for next year's auditioners!!! :)</p>

<p>I arrived "between 8:30 and 845" as the letter had told me. We were in the upstairs lobby of the Arts Building (lobby of the Playhouse Theatre), and I walked in and it was PACKED! I was so surprised, but there were 60+ people auditioning. I filled out a form (w/ vocal training, dance training, music theory training, etc) and turned in headshot/resume. They also told each pereson which of the 2 groups they were auditioning in. Then I changed into dance stuff quickly. </p>

<p>At 9:00 (they wanted to start right on time), we were split into our 2 groups to start the dance portion. First we did a short warmup, then one of the students taught us as ballet combination. It was not too long, and we went over it a bunch. We performed it in groups of 3 (w/ no student in front of us). Then another student taught us a jazz dance which was a lot of fun (and funny). It had a storyline to it which was also cool. Both combinations included a pirhouette (single,double,triple, whatever you could do - it was like this at all of my auditions). I have had no dance training (just from being in tons of shows), but neither of the combinations seemed too difficult. If you are a dancer, you should have nothing to worry about. It was so much fun, and we went over each combination many times.</p>

<p>After a quick vocal warmup, we started the vocal/acting part of the auditions. The 2 groups (of 32 or 34 each) waited in a holding room as people got called to audition. There was a posted order in the room (I was 16). For my group, I got called a few numbers ahead of time, and was able to listen to 2 people audition, and during one of their monologues we could quietly go over the music with the accompanist. When it was your turn, you announced your material and you could go in whatever order you want. For songs, they told us 1 in its entirety and one a 16/32 bar cut. And one 90 second monologue. After you were done, your student 'escort' told you whethter or not you needed to stay for an interview (i got a yes! :) ).</p>

<p>We still had a ways to go so my Dad and I walked to lunch 'downtown'. When we got back, they were just finishing up auditions. Then all of the people called back were in a room (there were 17 of us out of the 60+) and they brought us in 1 by 1. We were to bring our music just in case they wanted to hear something (I assume because the faculty was split up in the 2 groups for the audition portion??). I didn't have to sing anything, & the interview was really chill and simple. Normal questions, why MT, why PSU, etc. They were very nice.</p>

<p>After the interview, a student escorted you to a short Ear-Training /theory session. He would play a melody, you would repeat it, asked you to spell a chord, and also tested harmony and rhythm. Nothing too hard, don't sweat it!</p>

<p>I left feeling great about the audition day, I felt very accomplished because we had done so much, lol (And because this was my LAST auditioN!!!!!!!). It seemed to take a long time, but there were 60+ of us on this last audition day for PSU, too. Overall, everyone was very nice and most of the students seemed very energetic.</p>

<p>We left at 4:00.</p>

<p>HOpe this helps, good luck!</p>

79

<p>kyle style,sounds like they really liked you...good luck!!</p>

80

<p>Drake University BFA MT</p>

<p>Feb. 20 audition date:</p>

<p>Due to a death in the family, my D was unable to attend her regularly scheduled audition at Drake. They were kind enough to make special arrangements for her to have a private audition. This kind of attention and caring seems to be pretty common at Drake. We met several people there who were from the east coast. All were in agreement that Drake offers top notch training and lots of individual attention.
They have a young program, the current director MT has been there four years. Drake has a beautiful facility and the city of Des Moines is arts hungry and truly a gem! I'll just say that we've been much more impressed with this midwestern city than all of the the one's we've visited on the east coast and down south. The city of about 400,000 is sparling clean, transportation was a breeze, shopping, resturants, and hotels were outstanding! Des Moines sees all of the national tour shows that we do in Boston, inside beautiful new theatres with ample parking that does not cost $45 for the evening! Over all, Drake and Des Moines were a pleasant surprise to my D! (I knew because I grew up near Des Moines.) </p>

<p>Private audition: </p>

<p>9:30 a.m. Met with a warm and talented accompaniest. Warmed up voice/body.
10:00 Songs, scales & monos.
10:20 Interview
10:40 Tour of facility and campus.
11:30 Lunch in the student center
12:30 Met with admissions</p>