<p>Holly I just got done videochatting with my son and I was asking if he knew of your daughter, giving the circumstances you've mentioned on here. He said "Yeah, that's my friend XXXX that I've told you about; she's my best friend here!!" I miss my son so much but I am so thrilled for him and also love hearing the joy every time we talk. I can't imagine how hard it would be to be a parent of a child far away going through the challenges your daughter faced. He told me that they just had a conversation the other night about their parents both being on CC!!</p>
<p>sooz- Thanks for the kind words. You have also been a wealth of information and so supportive for these ups and downs. I hope your talented and smart girls are thriving in their schools.</p>
<p>MNK - I'll check with the D and see who the prof is for Meisner class. </p>
<p>AZK-I'm so happy for your son. It really is fabulous to know they are in a good place with supportive friends. Do you video chat with Skype? We have a camera so I need to figure out how that works.</p>
<p>Holly06</p>
<p>We use AIM when we videochat. We downloaded it for free.</p>
<p>MichaelNKat,
My daughter and I will be traveling to Philly on Friday, Jan. 30. Her audition is scheduled for Saturday. Might your daughter have any tips for her. She really wants to get in to UArts!</p>
<p>The most important things at this point are for your daughter to be as prepared as possible, know her material inside and out (and be prepared to talk about it if asked) , be organized, make sure to get plenty of rest the week before the audition and remember to enjoy herself. She will find the experience at UArts to be warm and friendly. If you would like recommendations for fun restaurants in the area that are popular with the "locals", let me know.</p>
<p>We will be there this weekend and I would love recommendations for dining! :)</p>
<p>Again thank you!</p>
<p>Here are some of my favorite restaurants that are a 5-15 minute walk from UArts' buildings on Broad St. In getting a sense of the walking distance, keep in mind that Broad St is the equivalent of 14th St (but no one calls it that) and UArts' campus on Broad St runs from Walnut St down to South (Walnut, Locust, Spruce, Pine, Lombard and South, going from north to south on Broad). All of the restaurants are located in areas that are very walkable and safe at night.</p>
<p>La Viola East and West - Located on 16th St between Locust and Spruce. 2 locations, across the street from each other. Great Italian food at very reasonable prices. When you get the check, you won't believe you had a meal that good for the price. Small one room dining rooms, which get crowded and you will end up knowing the people sitting at the table next to you, but that's part of the atmosphere and the fun. Reservations are a must from 6 pm on because of the small size and popularity. It's BYOB. Cash only, no credit cards. 215-735-8630, 215-735-8631.</p>
<p>El Vez - Located at the corner of 13th and Sansom. (Sansom is one block north of Walnut.) Very interesting, fun, upscale Mexican food at moderate prices. It turns tacos and guacamole into gourmet feasts as well as offering a variety of delicious fish, meats and chicken dishes. It's definitely Mexican but you won't believe how innovative and different it is. Margaritas and sangria that're out of this world. Very cool decor and atmosphere with lots of young professionals, grad students and some college students on a "splurge". Reservations highly recommended. 215-928-9800.</p>
<p>Estia - Located on Locust St between Broad and 15th. Greek food specializing in a broad variety of fresh fish. A bit upscale and pricey but very good. Reservations recommended. 215-735-7700.</p>
<p>Joe Pesce - Located on Walnut St between 12th and 11th. "Continental" menu with a real mixed bag of meats, fish, pasta and chicken. Special Grilled Caesar Salad (never on the menu but always offered as a "special") with shrimp and crabmeat is out of this world and one serving is good for 4. Moderately priced. Always seem to run into UArts students working there. Reservations recommended. 215-829-4421.</p>
<p>Mixto - Located on Pine St between 12th and 11th. Upscale Cuban food at moderate prices. Another fun restaurant with great food and atmosphere. Black bean soup is to die for. A good variety of meat, fish and chicken dishes. Another great place for sangria. Very popular with UArts students looking for a "splurge" night out. Reservations are recommended but sometimes they won't take them. Still trying to figure out what their reservation policy is but if you get there by 6 pm, you should be ok. 215-592-0363. </p>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>Wow! My D and I were only going to spend one night. However, I'm thinking of changing our schedule and making it 2 nights instead. We have a lot of eating to do!</p>
<p>Thanks for this information.</p>
<p>Michael- thanks in advance for all your help and advice. My D and husband will be down for the audition on Sat. I am passing on your recommendations!</p>
<p>mtfamily,
Would you please let me know how your daughter's experience goes this weekend? I'll be sure to say a prayer for her.</p>
<p>I'll be sure to let you know how it goes and thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers! Not a day goes by that I am not thinking about all these kids going through this craziness! When we started this process it was exciting to see all the great schools. Now at auditions you see all these great kids and you just want them all to get in everywhere! Glad that I am not the auditors!</p>
<p>My sentiments exactly! Where else (at what other schools) has your daughter applied/auditioned?</p>
<p>Michael...you're a gem! Thanks for the recommendations. We have a reservation at El Vez for Friday. (Saturday was already booked!). Looking forward to our first visit to Philly! </p>
<p>robinsnipesperrry: my D has been accepted to OCU's MT and VP program, but she is also auditioning/has auditioned at Point Park (Nov-rejected), CMU (Nov-waiting for admission results to be determined in March), CCM (Jan), NYU (Feb), Elon (March), & Webster (March) as well as UARTS this weekend.</p>
<p>Great Day! You're D a busy individual!!! And I'm sure that keeps you and your husband hopping as well!</p>
<p>Regarding her NYU audition, is she applying to Steinhardt or Tisch?</p>
<p>She's applying to Tisch...and yes...she keeps us hopping...but we love it. :)</p>
<p>oops! I realize that I never reported back on my D's experience. She went with her dad so I don't know all that much. She did enjoy the expereice and said that everyone was really nice. She did get a call back so she was happy. All in all it seemed really positive. Since I wasn't there I only got second-hand info. Sorry not much more to tell!</p>