<p>Sounds like a good mix of things for the musicals-comedy, straight musicals etc. Not too familiar with the plays though. I am sure they are well mixed as well.</p>
<p>So how does this work then..two of the musicals run Friday night and Sat afternoon and 2 Sat night and Friday afternoon..When do the others go?</p>
<p>Some plays are on an A time slot which I think is Friday Matinee, Sat. Evening and others are on a B which is the opposite. I think it might depend on what theater you are in but dont quote me on that.</p>
<p>I'll try to help. </p>
<p>First, there is the same number of musicals and dramas second session this year as every other session....8 musicals and 5 dramas. Many of these musicals are premieres but not all....such as Follies and Lucky Stiff. Follies is the Sondheim show, NOT Will Rogers Follies. </p>
<p>As far as the schedule of shows (which you will get in the mail and it will be available online as well)....
Friday matinee has four musicals and two plays and Friday night has four OTHER musicals and two other plays. Then on Saturday, vice versa happens and whatever shows appeared during Friday matinee then perform Saturday night and the Friday night shows appear on Saturday matinee. If you follow me, this means that SIX productions are showing SIMULTANEOUSLY at ANY of these time slots. Then ONE play, the one in the Garden Theater, is shown Thursday night to the entire camp and again on Saturday morning for all visitors. The Players Ensemble performs around 10:30 or 11 PM Friday night following the completion of all six evening shows and The Our Time Cabaret performs at that same late time slot on Saturday night following the completion of all second session performances. </p>
<p>The vignette about the girl who wanted a drama but is now in a musical.....First off, kids can specify on their audition form if they prefer a musical or a drama or EITHER. She MAY have put down EITHER. Some kids do that and do one drama one session and one musical another. The lead in Follies this session was in a drama last session for example. Anyway, the ONLY way they could have asked this girl to do the musical is IF she had done a singing audition and IF she did one, it is cause she put down "either" because kids who audition solely for a drama, do NOT sing at auditions. In other words, they did not put someone into a solo singing role who can't sing at all and who did not do a singing audition. If she truly preferred a drama, she should not put down "either" and should not have done a singing audition. </p>
<p>Angst, I am sorry for your daughter's disappointment. As I think we discussed in various posts along the way over the years, it is best to go into this kind of thing with no expectations and if something "big" happens, it is a nice surprise but you have to want to do it no matter if that does not happen as well. I bet she will still have a good time, unless she truly had strong expectations and these were not met and so it starts out on a bad feeling. But I hope she gets past that initial disappointment because I think she COULD have a fantastic time. You know how your older D was originally quite disappointed about not getting into UNC-Chapel Hill? But look at her now....she is very happy at UMaryland, right? Kids rebound and realize there is lots that is great about what they did get to do and get past the initial disappointment. You did not say which musical she got but if you would do that, it is possible that I or others may be able to comment on the director, the musical, or whatever. There are certain casts where being in the ensemble can be an amazing experience. As Editrix wrote, the ensemble for Jekyll and Hyde was SO strong (as a group, wow) and also each one in it sang a solo verse and they were of the quality that could be leads. My D said one girl in her ensemble who was brand new even got into Our Time Cabaret. Dramama's D was ensemble in Nine last year, one of the best productions I had ever seen with a top notch cast and terrific ensemble and it was her first time there and she sang a solo verse. Now she is cast in the "big musical" again and has a supporting role. She was good enough for that last year but had the BEST time in ensemble and at the camp, enough to come back this year and look what she got this time. </p>
<p>As mentioned in many posts in the past few months, SDM is more than the productions. Yes, the productions are about half of what they do there, but my experience is that just being IN these talented casts that work intensively to put a musical together in 16 days is a wonderful experience. My child has loved it no matter if she played ensemble, a small part, a supporting role, or a lead (all of which she has done there). As well, there are the classes/training and if I recall, a big reason you sent your D was to get some more training and that is a big part of what she will be doing there. Lastly, but likely the biggest part of SDM is the people....the professional staff and the other kids. I have had numerous SDM kids from all over call my house just in the last 24 hours....the bonds are very tight...lifelong friendships form with others who share this passion and who likely will cross paths in college or in their careers if they choose this path. My kid is going to college next year where she knows a dozen kids in the BFA program and another half dozen entering, all from SDM. I can't explain this factor but I hope your D experiences it as most do. My niece who went for the first time this past session, first got the teeniest role in The Crucible...but she was already happy because it was the "big drama of the session" with a top and beloved director and a very high level cast. She plays leads at home and has won drama awards. Well, it so happens that she was moved into another part which was not that big but bigger than originally and I can only tell you that the part was not what mattered in the end because this kid loved SDM so much and wanted to stay second session and wants to return. It was the total experience she loved, not the part which was not that big. She happened to win most improved in her cast and my feeling is, if she returns next summer, they will recall her and she might even be cast a bit better. Again, new kids DO get leads.....the lead female in Pirates of Penzance was new and I heard excellent. I hear the lead female in Miss Saigon is brand new, too. So was the male lead in Crazy for You and many other shows this last session. But this is not like home. There is a much deeper talent pool than in any one community. You have to go there not expecting to be cast like at home. That is how we approached it when my D first went. Whatever the role is, my feeling is that the experience of being in the show should be wonderful. I can't promise it but that is how a majority who go feel. But SDM is not for everyone and so you just have to see. It is only three weeks and no matter how it goes, she will learn and grow and make friends and have had some good theatrical experiences and classes. I can't say about sight reading music. My kid does as she plays three instruments and can sing or play a piece when viewing it for the first time. But there is a WIDE variety of kids at camp and some have little experience and some have a lot. I don't know who is in her cast and it is early yet to form too much opinion and it might be best to be open minded and see how it goes. If you can share which show, perhaps I can share anything I might know about it and who is involved. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Soozie, do you have any idea how the directors cast? Like someone could be so talented and be put in ensemble and someone equally talented can be a lead. Are they looking for looks,talent,abilty to improve,range? I know in my high school production if you didn't look like lets say Oliva Newton John you weren't getting Sandy.Also how was your neices experince at stagedoor?</p>
<p>Also is it possible to send you an email about something? I tried the pm thing and it didin't work,</p>
<p>DefyingG...I can't say for sure how the shows are cast but for one thing, the directors do not cast their own shows. The casting team consists of Konnie who is the head producer of ALL the productions, Jeff who is a producer but also directs shows, and Larry who is head of dance but also directs shows. I do not think casting at SDM is different than elsewhere...In a musical, they want people who can sing, and specifically sing the particular role requirements, plus ACT a song, AND act...and in some roles, also dance. Sometimes there is typing....like I would say my D sometimes tends to get comedic roles or triple threat style roles but this last session, I think her role was a departure for her and more serious and deep and stretched her musically as well. They are looking for those who have good work ethics and can learn quickly (on that last thing, it is harder to tell in an audition but is factored in if they have worked with you before). I do not think looks play as big a part as they do in professional or adult productions. The girl who played Emma Carew has very dark hair but had a blond Victorian style curly wig on. The cast of The Wiz was all white, as was Once On This Island. Looks might factor in a little but not as the main thing. </p>
<p>As far as my niece, she LOVED SDM and wants to go back real bad. Her part was not that big but she loved her show, the classes, the friends she made and the entire experience and atmosphere. She has said it was the best three weeks. </p>
<p>PM should work plus my email is enabled. I must admit that I have a list of emails that I owe so I can't promise when I will get back to you. I have tried to be helpful in this thread to the new parents/kids at SDM so I can respond to several people at once. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Angst, my D tells us she has a small speaking role in "Follies". She's very happy about it as she's a first timer and looking forward to learning a lot during the session. She also is in one of the higher levels for dance (which makes sense as she's been dancing since she was 4) but not master class which is again okay as she wants to concentrate more on acting (probably her weakest component). Most of all she is thrilled to be in theater land with like minded kids. Hopefully your D and mine will have a chance to meet and chat.</p>
<p>seg</p>
<p>Does anyone have any suggestions for audition songs? I basiclly have a wide range going anywere from low alto to highish soprano (Glinda in "For Good" range. I like upbeat songs but ballads are okay. My voice is calm but I can belt a little if necissary.</p>
<p>Susan, Oldest D. was disappointed when she was waitlisted at UNC (which they called an honor) but is very pleased with UMD and recently she won a $10,000 scholarship for an essay she wrote..so good news there.</p>
<p>Scogor good news...congrats to your D!</p>
<p>Defying..just pick a tune you enjoy and dont worry about it!</p>
<p>Def-don't stress over it. Just pick something you are comfortable with and that you know and like.My child is a boy so it may be different but the first summer he sang "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha and they cut him off before the big "climax" at the end. This year he sang "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Camelot and they let him sing the whole 16 bars. It really is over before you know it. They generally don't have time to let everyone sing a whole song so pick a section of a song that you like and have done and feel comfortable with. Maybe there is a song that demonstrates your range in that short span. When we were dropping off my S this session there were kids practicing on the piano on the first day (for fun) and I heard "Home" from Beauty and the Beast. "Disneyland"from Smile and songs from Seussical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Shop etc. So, there were tons of different songs, different styles etc....and that was only the few kids we heard just practicing on the piano during the first hour we were there. But, don't stress-this is a fun thing</p>
<p>Would it be weird to sing a song that would be sung as a duet as one person? I was thinking of For Good which is both Glinda and Elphaba or Nowadays from Chicago or I get a kick out of you from Anything Goes.For Good I sang at my friends sweet 16 so I know it pretty well and everyone said I do it amazling but im afraid Wicked is overdone and I want to do something they havent heard. Also could someone fill me in on the cold reading scene as I hear they use the same one every year.</p>
<p>Def- I PERSONALLY think that Wicked is overdone. I am not sure how many times the directors have heard Defying Gravity on the audition (or other songs from Wicked) but I would guess it is alot. I would rather see you sing a song from another show that is not a duet. You must have some songs that you have sung and feel comfortable with.</p>
<p>Angst, that is what I meant...your older D as I recall was initially disappointed, as was you at the time of the waitlist but in the end, she is as happy as a clam and doing very well at UMD and won a scholarship to boot. It all turned out fine when she hung in there. </p>
<p>Audi....yay, I advised M. to sing If Ever I Would Leave You instead of Impossible Dream because he did that one last time and I thought it was best to show 'em something new. It worked, lol. When you talk to him, tell him I am excited for him. I told my D about it as well (they met the summer he went). Maybe if he gets into OTC, he could sing Impossible Dream because that is a solo in it and I think the boy who sang it last session (who was brand new, btw) may not be back this session. </p>
<p>Defying Gravity, it is too hard to suggest songs for someone I have never heard sing before. It is best to pick a song you feel real good about and also can act. It should show off YOUR strengths so what is good for one kid is not necessarily a good choice for another kid. Ideally, show your range too. Pick the best sixteen bars of the song. Show them who YOU are. Don't get too caught up on the right or perfect song. Pick the one that shows you best and you feel real comfortable with. And just let it happen. </p>
<p>SDM is much more than what role you get. If you just wanted to be in a show, you could stay home and audition for a show. This is a PROGRAM...with classes, friends, etc. If you go with expectations of roles and such, it is a set up for possible disappointment. The camp is full of talent. My D just told me that someone in her ensemble last session was in a workshop of a major show this past year (I know of this as my D once auditioned for it herself) and the girl got ensemble. She did get into cabaret. A girl who had a smallish role in her show last year (but got into Cabaret) is performing right now in London with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Did these kids LOVE camp? YES! Did they get a big role? NO! Are they working professionals already? YES. Please realize this. </p>
<p>The girl who is the lead in Follies was ensemble last year in my D's show of Nine. You work your way up to things. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>PS, I did not see Audi's post above when I wrote mine but I agree that Wicked is over done. It is not the worst thing to do it because they are judging your talent, not your song, but you stand out more to do your own thing, not being the 20th girl to sing For Good...and in some ways, it can appear like lacking experience to sing the most common songs. Don't stress on being ultra unique, but don't pick THE song of the year, either.</p>
<p>Angst,
Tell your daughter to just continue to give it her all. The year we sent my son he had just turned 14 and had never had a voice, dance or acting lesson in his life and didnt really know how to audition. We sent him there more to show him that a career in MT was going to be very competitive and maybe he should consider something else. He arrived very late to camp and he had fallen asleep on the way up, as one of planes came in late so auditions were done. They got them out of the van and immediately had them sing their songs. I dont even think he was cast at first, but then they needed a tall guy for Cabaret so they took him. To make a long story short, he gave it his best, ended up playing the part of Victor and they changed things so instead of a group of Nazis singing Tomorrow Belongs to Me they darkened the entire stage, put a spot light on him and had him sing it solo. He was even added to OTC. How lucky I realized he was now that we kept telling him, These kids are going to be incredibly talented so dont expect much. And he kept thinking, If I am going to do this I have to do my best no matter what!</p>
<p>Clueless, that's the key....go thinking "don't expect much" and then you aren't as disappointed and if you get a big role, it is an added prize. That's how my D approached it and we were rather shocked at her outcome the first summer because we went not expecting her to do as well as she did because once we saw the talent there, we were blown away. I saw that production of Cabaret (the musical) that your son was in and it was TOP NOTCH. The girl playing Sally Bowles at the time, was very close with my D though much older than she. My D has always emulated her not only cause of her talent but also how she graduated high school early and had lots in common with my D in certain ways. As it turns out, my D is now doing what that girl did with high school graduating at age sixteen. I just tell her that don't do the other thing that girl did early...got married in college! LOL (though I did that too but that was ages ago)</p>
<p>The boy who played the MC that year, is now at Playwrights Horizons at Tisch and I thought he was outstanding. I was spoiled by that production when I saw the same musical there this past session. The one your son was in was one of the better ones I have seen.</p>
<p>Soozievt,
I know what you mean about that production of Cabaret, since then I have seen it twice with adults and I think the SDM was far better! S learned so much from them, but I have to laugh because when we entered the theatre that night there was a large sign for parental advisory for children under 15 and there on stage playing a very risque role / and a Nazi was my very naive 14 year old (who just happened to be 6' tall) LOL! But SDM change his life and our opinion.</p>
<p>Folks it was not the size of the role that bothered her. She is fine with a small role and she is always going to do her best. Naturally she would like a big one and she felt she did great at auditions...but thats the way it goes.
It was not the role.
It was the cast meeting. She said they spent the whole time going over one page and just didnt seem to get anywhere.... She didnt want to go back and she is pretty easy to please. But she said it was awful.
Anyway hopefully things will go better.</p>
<p>Clueless...that IS funny...he was too old for their "warning", ha! My D played a Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret when she was only 12 but the rest of the cast was all in HS. </p>
<p>This past session, my daughter played a prostitute. Her moves and actions were risque and she said it was a little hard to think of acting and doing those things in front of all her grandparents but they did not seem to care. I mean she was groped and lots else in that vein. </p>
<p>Angst...it is hard to judge a production experience on just one rehearsal. I have no clue which musical you are talking of and perhaps I can shed some light if I knew which director or show. But in general, they do not move slowly. They have sixteen days to mount the production and this is NOT the only thing the kids are working on....they have their classes and some kids even have two shows (if in OTC or Players Ensemble) so it gets intense. Unlike our high school which might work on a production number for a week, the SDM rehearsals do it one day and move onto something else the next. It is fast paced. So, I don't know what happened that first day but there is no way they are doing to do one page per day. It is hard to say cause I don't know which show, cast, or director and maybe it did not go well. I hope when you go on parent weekend that you catch shows others than your D's because it is good to see the full range of levels. For instance, this past weekend, had I ONLY seen two of the shows I had seen, I'd not be oohing and ahhing that much over the norm for youth theater but then I saw two others that were outstanding and so I encourage you to see other shows and look at a few in order to form an opinion on the standards. If you had seen Jekyll and Hyde, Nine or Sweeney Todd last year, or Les Mis the year before, to name a handful, they were truly terrific for youth productions. The talent varies and so do some shows....so do catch several if you can. </p>
<p>I hope your D hangs in there and gives it more of a chance to get rolling and see what it is like. I don't know which director she has. Does she have Larry, Michael, or Jacob by any chance? They are great in my opinion.<br>
Susan</p>
<p>Soozie when you said be able to act your song what do you mean by that?</p>