<p>Are senior showcases of real value or not? Why or why not?</p>
<p>The primary benefit I saw in D's CCM NYC showcase was the interest agent's paid to the kids. It's going on five years since that time, but as I recall most of the graduates were approached by more than one agent at the reception immediately following the showcase.</p>
<p>Well.. this was a big factor to what school I applied to, but I have even heard stories that after a few months, they dump their agent!!</p>
<p>mtdad, did the interest that the agents paid to the showcased students actually translate into work immediately and then in the long run?</p>
<p>notmamarose</p>
<p>It translated into the opportunity to find an agent (at least for those who did not already have one). As for work, in general that came later. To put the whole work and career thing into perspective, something like half of that years CCM graduating class are still in the business and are making a full-time living at their craft. Of those that are doing other things, some burned out, some simply moved on, and some had success but found the life not to their liking. But, the ones who remain generally earn their living as working actors and seem to move from gig to gig with only as much down time as they want. I doubt ultimate success has much of anything to do with the showcase, but it does seem to jumpstart those who want to start out in New York.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to that question, mtdad. Making a living as a working actor is what it's all about! It's most actor's dream come true.</p>
<p>A showcase with a well-respected school (aka a well-attended showcase - not all are!!!) is an advantage for many students, although each year, even at the top schools, there are students who get no agent interest. There are also occasionally students who DO book work directly from showcase, but this is not the norm. But for those who do get agents, this is a wonderful jumpstart to working life in NYC or LA, as mt dad aptly stated.</p>