<p>At all the camps I've been to 4 in total, I've nevr been able to get the kind of feedback I did at STagedoor and getting this kind of feedback really makes me less nervous and more sure I will have a good time. Unless all goes wrong, ala the last camp were I had the nastiest girl in my cabin who would routinly bully me and say nasty things to em and treat me liek dirt which than made me break down and spill my guts to my cabin (not a good idea) or the year before were I got my cd player and a shirt stolen by another camper. It seems the only camp I have .loved enough to go multiple times (which looking back was very strict in there rules, it was a YMCA camp) msot of my friends stoped attending the same time I did.</p>
<p>No..Defying..dont worry about your mom reporting..we want YOU to report!!!!!</p>
<p>I can list shows for Session III from last year: Hair, The Mikado, Secret Garden, Music Man, Children of Eden, Cobacabana, Joseph and the Amazing Tech. Coat, Ellis Island, A...My Name is Alice, Under Milk Wood, The Odd Couple, Story Theatre, and The Women.</p>
<p>OMG I MISSED SECRET GARDEN NOO :( I <3 secret garden!</p>
<p>My D played Mary Lennox in Secret Garden some years ago..That is a lovely play.
Yes please have your mom post your show and role.
As far as roommates go, if you have trouble my D. said the counselors are really great. Hopefully you will find the other kids to be very friendly just like my D. does. She said her roommates are awesome!</p>
<p>I am sure you will have a great time Defying. Just make sure to manage your expectations. One parent was telling me that second session they had so many returning OTC girl members that some were cut so its unlikely they took many if any new ones. (Not sure what it will be like third session) For shows etc they are likely to select returning kids that they have worked with. Except of course for the younger kids who are on a more equal playing field because they are newer or males because there are not as many..(D. said there are some very talented males there btw) Also this applies to classes
So go to learn and have fun and not worry about if you get in this that or the other thing. D. took that approach and she is having a great time.
However do try out cus you never know!</p>
<p>Spoke to my S last night and all is going well. They are all excited about the gala this upcoming weekend and all the rumors circulating about which alum are returning...Mandy Moore, Natalie Portman, Todd Graff, Jon Cryer...etc. etc.
At the time, he was getting ready for a camp wide pool party that evening. He said the camp is really cohesive-he has met many new kids and while we were chatting he kept stopping to say hi and make plans to meet with kids after our phone call. He said everyone is nice, working really hard on their shows and just having a good time. Def Grav, I hope, and am pretty sure, you will find this place wonderful. If you love theater, or any aspect of it, you will enjoy the magic this camp has to offer. Even if you are a bit part, you will have so much fun just being there immersed in the whole thing. My S was ambivalent about going back-just thought maybe he should try something new, but he decided to return and he commented last nite, he is so glad he decided to go back. It is just alot of fun and I am glad he is able to relax and do something fun before he returns home about to start his senior year in high school. So, I hope you are feeling better-you still have a week to recover. Just do whatever you need to do to get well.</p>
<p>You think Natalie or Mandy would actually go back? I cant see that happening..but wouldnt it be cool if they did!</p>
<p>On to the CAT scan. Depending on how you look at it a week could be a short amount of time or a lenghty amount of time. Also does anyone know if they do any shows currlently on Broadway that have been running for many years, like Chicago etc. I heard a rumor on the Stagedoor Boards they might be doing Beauty and the Beast third session (which would be a pretty big show I assume)</p>
<p>I don't know about any of the famous alum returning...as I said, these are rumors flying around camp. I guess we would know after sunday night. I would also highly doubt these people would return to a camp reunion but you never know.
I have heard that there are versions of plays that could be done at SDM (like Beauty and the Beast) even if it is running on Broadway. There is a site (I have to ask my S) which he found which showed shows and who have requested the rights to them. I remember he found out that they requested the rights to Godspell so maybe they are doing that one 3rd session. I will ask him next time I speak to him but it doesn't mean that it is a definite.</p>
<p>Oy! There is now rumors flying around the Stagedoor Manor campers board that Natalie Portman is going to show up during 3 rd session. I highly highly doubt it as she is filming a movie right now but I guess you can dream.</p>
<p>Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida<br>
Disney's Aladdin Junior<br>
Disney's Beauty And The Beast<br>
A Christmas Carol (Broadway)<br>
Disney's Cinderella Kids<br>
Copacabana<br>
Doctor Dolittle<br>
The Full Monty<br>
Grand Hotel: The Musical<br>
Hot Mikado<br>
Jane Eyre<br>
john & jen<br>
Disney's The Jungle Book Kids<br>
Kean<br>
The Last Five Years<br>
Les Mis</p>
<p>Defying Gravity....hope each day has you feeling better. Yes, SDM does shows like Chicago that are on Broadway...it is just about getting the rights. They did that a couple years ago in fact. I saw it and it was very good. </p>
<p>Rumors abound about which shows SDM is going to do which session. They even throw the kids off on the audition forms the first day and list an incorrect listing of shows. If you saw it second session, it included shows such as Bat Boy or Phantom which are not being done this session. Rest assured that there will be a fine mix of shows third session. What Audi was talking about, DG, was not about recently released shows on MTI. She meant that for each specific show listing on MTI, sometimes they list who recently requested the rights to that show. But this can be misleading. For example, SDM was not listed under the Jekyll and Hyde rights recently, but they did it first session. Last year, I recall seeing that SDM had gotten the rights to FAME but they did NOT do it last year but did it this year. So, it is not set in stone. They have done Godspell in the past and I wouldn't be surprised if it was up again as these things go in cycles. Afterall, they produce 39 shows per summer and do not repeat any for at least three years so there are just so many shows that exist, LOL. This summer, they are doing many premieres for SDM. DG, you asked which shows they did last summer and it would take me a while to recall them all but someone posted the third session shows for you and I will think for a moment of some from first/second sessions but not a comprehensive list: Sweeney Todd, West Side Story, Grease, Nine, Guys and Dolls, A Little Night Music, Starting Here Starting Now, Oliver, Seussical, Honk, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, World Goes Round, Jesus Christ Superstar, Babes in Arms, Bye Bye Birdie, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Laramie Project. </p>
<p>As far as casting, and looking at what Angst wrote....while naturally it is easier to cast someone who is not there for their first time, every session NEW campers do get leads and supporting roles and sometimes even into Our Time Cabaret. Over the past 8 years, I have seen this happen every session including this year. This past session and this session have several brand new kids in leading roles, as well as the cabaret. That is not even including supporting roles. This session, for the first time, they did not take all returning members of the cabaret as there were too many and they had to reaudition and there were cuts. However, several people got in for the first time. Audi's son is one example. They did not have many openings but I can think of two girls who got in this session. Usually there are more openings in first and third session. Many in the cabaret will be leaving after second session and openings will arise. My message continues to be, however, to go and enjoy the immersion in theater and casting is only one aspect of this program. My D has enjoyed her ensemble or smaller roles at SDM very much because of doing some high level productions. While it is natural to want to get a "good" part, you can embrace and enjoy any role. I also think that certain people stand out on stage no matter the part. I saw a production last night here where some people who did not have the leads were better than and stood out more than the leads. Also, I feel there is lots to learn from being in ensemble. If you are going to enter this field, it is likely you will start out in ensemble roles so learn to like those now because that is a big likliehood professionally at the beginning. Also, I find it is beneficial to experience a production from all angles. I feel that when my child has played ensemble, she has seen what that is like and can appreciate the ensemble's perspectives when she is a lead in a show. A show is not good if the ensemble is not good. I have seen some shows at SDM even where the leads were good but the show needed a better ensemble. In contrast, when I saw Jekyll and Hyde and Nine at camp, the ensembles were excellent and it brought the level of the show up no matter who the leads were. My own kid cares a lot about the level of a production, more than the part. She'd rather be a small part in a better show than a lead in a so so show. So, keep that in mind and enjoy the experience of the production and the bonding of the cast , no matter the role. Use the show to gain more production experience too (I don't know your background but this is a chance to learn a lot by doing the show). </p>
<p>As far as the Anniversary/Reunion this weekend, indeed there will be some alum who are well known in the field who are attending. There will be people from all 30 years of SDM. Also the retrospective video they will show at it will include the past 30 years and I am sure you will get glimpses of this one and that one in their younger days. </p>
<p>Audi...so glad your son is having a great time and that he is glad he went back. He is having quite the session. I forgot one kid when I was telling you of some of his Les Mis cast....the boy who played Enjolres (sp?) is also going to Tisch/CAP21. </p>
<p>Angst, glad your D is having a great time. I imagine the dance show must be this weekend. Which dance classes did she take? I know you were hoping she'd get some dance and I bet that show is likely tonight. </p>
<p>OnTheRun....so wonderful to hear that your D also has found this program to be so significant in her life. I know it has been for my daughter and so I am always glad to pass it on to others so they can enjoy it too. Sorry our daughters' paths never met. Last year she went first/second so missed your D in third and then this year went just first (her last summer) and missed her. We will be down there on Sunday for all the happenings but I won't know who the kids are that I don't know, of course. </p>
<p>DG, you asked if I was going to third session performance weekend....nope. I have never gone to SDM performance weekends other than the ones my own child has been in. I have now gone to 16 performance weekends at SDM. I live five hours from there. I have all I can do to schlep to and pay for all the events my OWN two kids are in, that I don't add the events that they are not in. I am only going back down to SDM this Sunday for the evening because my child would never want to miss this major gathering of all her SDM friends from the past 8 summers and to be a part of a celebration of one of the most significant things in her life (Stagedoor). This will be the last time that every single one of her theater friends from her summers, will be gathered together in one place, or there at least. I have to go as well because there is no other way for her to get from Vermont to the Catskills and she is already missing a full day of her rehearsals here to make this and must leave Monday morning to get back for rehearsals here that night. I must admit, however, that I look forward to seeing this event as well. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Soozie, when you referred to the "kid with the big hat" were you referring to the boy that played Javert (policeman chasing Valjean)? Is that the one going to LA? I couldn't think of who you were referring to except possibly him. Was just curious.
Yes, the dance show is this Saturday-what a busy weekend they are having.
And yes, there is always alot of speculation and rumor about what shows they are doing each session and some of the info is correct and some is not. Def Grav you will know usually by Wed AM of the session you are enrolled in.</p>
<p>Audi, yes, Jalvert...the character name escaped me when writing that post that day. Yes, he is very talented and played Sweeney Todd last summer. He is one of my D's friends. He came up to camp and saw her show two weeks ago and will be at the reunion this weekend. Several kids from that cast will be there so hopefully your son will see them.
Susan</p>
<p>Susan she took hiphop and jazz and likes them both very much. Now she also told me they were singing a song for vocal performance. Is that something they do in class or as part of a show? I would guess it would be a class thing ..I think they also critique each other. She is loving that class. I guess today was the last day of classes and next week is all rehearsals. What is the dance show? Do all the kids in dance participate in that?</p>
<p>Hi Angst, </p>
<p>The dance show is for any students who took any of the dance classes. Each class, no matter the level, performs one dance in the dance show. The whole camp attends. If a kid was not in any dance classes, he/she just watches. If someone was in one dance class, they still watch the other performances when they themselves are not on stage performing. Think "dance" recital without fancy costumes. There are various performance nights at camp beyond parent performance weekend. There is the dance show, talent show (camper showcase) and others. As far as Vocal Performance and any "show" for that, I don't have the answer for you because my D has taken very few of those classes. Kids who are in Our Time Cabaret, may only take 4 classes, not 8 like everyone else and then she often has taken Acting Master Class which counts as 2 classes and often takes Dance Master Class which also counts as 2 classes so that is a total of 2 classes for her per session. So, I am not as familiar with what other classes are like or if there is some end thing they put on. I know the combat classes perform stuff, as do the modelling classes. The movie making class shows those. Not sure what else. When younger, she took some other things like Vocal Coaching or Comedy or TV Acting. That was long ago though. </p>
<p>You can buy a video of the dance show and we often do because it is not on parent weekend. This past session, my D 's class did a medley of dances from Movin' Out which is a show that my D loves. The audience for the dance show is very enthusiastic. I find that all the kids at SDM really root for one another, be it the dance shows or the theatrical performances. They are all very into it. So, they will root for beginner hip hop or Dance Master Class, does not matter. Older kids will hoot and hollar for the "kiddie show" and so forth. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>What is the camper showcase? That is good that the kids are so supportive. I know my D. was very glad the lead in Aida was so strong.</p>
<p>Camper Showcase is like a talent show. You audition to get in. Certain campers are organizers of it and host the show. If you are in Cabaret, you usually cannot be in Camper Showcase (as an "act"). My D hosted it one time last year with some friends (hosts can be from cabaret). It's a lot of work to host it because the hosts run auditions, write all the skits that introduce each act, etc. I have to say that it was pretty funny last year (I bought the video since she hosted with friends) as the hosts impersonated several staff and she rewrote lyrics to two Avenue Q songs and centered them on SDM. Anyway, the acts in the show can be anything. Some kids sing, some perform dance, some play an instrument, some do a monologue or scene, whatever. It likely already took place this session, not sure. Last session, a ten year old from our community who came for her first time (heard of SDM from us and my D gives her vocal lessons) performed a song and my D accompanied her on piano. My D is not in Camper Showcase because of being in Cabaret but it is a nice chance to showcase other kids. I think she was in it twice when she was quite young and maybe the rule about cabaret kids must not have been in place at that time is my guess. She has hosted twice. If your D had tried out, you'd likely know about it. There is also a staff showcase. There are other performance nights too. For instance, next week, there is the Show Sampler when each show puts on a number or small excerpt from their production so that all the campers get to at least see a little of every show because on performance weekend they can't see all the shows (would be impossible) and half the shows are on simultaneously and so they NEVER can see a show that is running on the same time slots as their own show. The sampler is a chance to "sample" them all. Also the Our Time Cabaret no longer performs at hotels but does perform for the whole camp one night in the third week and so does Players Ensemble (new select drama troupe). So, like every night, there is some sort of show thing going on! And the whole camp watches the "C" show, a drama in the Garden, on the Thursday night prior to parent weekend. Part of the fun at SDM is seeing lots of other stuff, during the session and on performance weekend. And lastly, supporting their fellow performers. I find it very NONcompetitive and a very supportive atmosphere.
Susan</p>
<p>Good explanation Susan. I remember from my video how supportive the kids were when each group went on. There must have been 20 different dance classes that performed (tap, hip hop, jazz, combat etc. etc. ) and everyone hooted and hollered for each other. I even commented to my S that it seemed so noncompetitive. Also, when we were at parent weekend, so many kids came to watch Les Mis and they were all applauding and giving standing ovations to the cast. We likewise watched Pippin and Fiddler and found the same thing. With so many kids in theater, I thought there would be a competitive attitude but I was surprised (happily) to see that everyone cheered every one on. The dancers showcase I believe is happening tomorrow evening.</p>