<p>BTW Susan..what do you mean by taping your D's stuff....Are you using some kind of tape instead of a marker to mark clothes and such? If so what do you use?</p>
<p>Angst, I read something somewhere of which better known alumni were coming back but I honestly forget who....I recall perhaps Michelle Federer, Josh Charles...but there are way more, sorry. But MANY alumni are going back. My daughter and ALL her friends from the past 8 years are going (including Freelance's D!). I know that the person who was the head of musical theater and directed the cabaret for 25 years (including five of my D's years in it) is returning and putting on the cabaret with various alums from different generations. I do not think any kids from the past few years are part of that but she knows two older friends (not famous, but are current college students) who will be part of it from kinda her generation but from her older than herself peer group (she was with these kids for years because she was in the cabaret troupe since age nine). So, we are not just talking famous alums but ANY alums. I expect there will be some from all the 30 years. My D's peer group alone is pretty big and she says they are all coming in for it (many are flying in even). I have to go and drive her because of where we are from there is no other way to get there on her own and she has to squeeze this trip in amongst rehearsals for a professional show she is in at the time, so I will be there myself. I don't think it is the kind of thing where your D is gonna know a lot of those in it....she may be familiar with some of the names. It is not so much a show as an "event". And it is focused on Stagedoor itself. It is not like they are bringing in some show...just to clarify. It is a celebration of what Stagedoor is and has been for those whose lives it has touched. Unfortuntately the person who started Stagedoor and headed it, Carl Samuelson, died in recent years, as did his wife, Elsie, and I am sure a lot of the tribute will be to them. Unfortunately your D will never have met them or known about them but they were a major part of the camp. Carl loved these kids. He meant a lot to them, including my D. I know he'll be there in spirit. You will notice that the newest theater at SDM is named after Elsie, his wife, as it was built shortly after she passed away when the theater at that spot burned down. I think your D will enjoy this event but it likely will be more meaningful to those who have gone a while as it is kinda looking back over the years and the experiences. It is for alumni but they plan to let the current second session kids attend the event. I know that the alumni are invited back to camp right afterwards and we will be there too. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Im praying I get in. My mom is going to call them next week to see if they moved me up the waitlist at all. I will keep you guys updated</p>
<p>hey! I might be going to Stagedoor, third session this year. (If I get off the waitlist). I would have def gone second , but I decided to go to late and second was full. The only semi avalible session was 3rd. I was reading Soozievt's post in the college thread pt. 30 and got a little worried. Coupled with your experince ti seems that everyone is new and YOUNG ( Im almsot 16). Also that the caliber of shows and the caberet are not that good and everyone is tired and there is no real passion left, come third. If you have AIM it would be easier to talk on that, but if not we can just talk here.
-Lauren</p>
<p>Defying Gravity, I would have to go back and see where I wrote that because I can't imagine I said that. This topic came up very recently on this forum and in fact, I explained it fully and even refuted that notion to some degree. My own daughter went second and third sessions for YEARS and only switched to first/second sessions in recent years. So, um, not only was she NOT new when she went third session, there were PLENTY of older teens in third session. The only inkling of truth there is that in recent years, more OLD TIMERS (kids who have attended for several years) seem to go first/second session, more so than third. But there are returning campers during third for sure. PERHAPS there are MORE new campers in third than in first/second but there is still a MIX of returning and new campers. Maybe there are simply less of the old timers in third, that is all. The mix of ages is similar in all sessions. I believe one person, not me, stated that in the last year or two, they felt that there were more younger kids going third. I do not know as my child did not go third session the past few years BUT I think that person simply meant there were more younger kids in that session THAN OTHER sessions, not more young kids overall at the camp. In my opinion, the smallest group of campers is the group ages 8-12. There are more girls who are thirteen and over than any other age. There will be PLENTY of sixteen year olds in any session. I just returned from Stagedoor tonight. Believe me, there are tons of teenagers and plenty of new kids. I hardly recognized the majority of the names. And in your case, the more new kids the better, right? There definitely is passion in any session. Kids who go there are passionate about theater. If they only attend third session, they bring that passion and every session is a brand new entity...it all starts anew. There are great shows in every session. I think the only true part of this statement you wrote is simply that some of the people who have attended for a long time, tend to not pick third any more. But my child LOVED third session when she went. And ya know, there are more openings in the cabaret third session and there are benefits to going third session. If old timers leave, less competition for parts, etc. </p>
<p>The place looked great and everyone was hyped up when I was there today. Exciting sessions and shows to come. If you go to SDM, the floor you will live on will be filled with girls ages fifteen to eighteen, don't worry. My niece who is sixteen is brand new to SDM and today is her first day. She came all the way from Alaska, though arrived with me from Vermont. Half her room was new (and were all her age). </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Awsome! Can you post the shows when you hear what they are?</p>
<p>Defying Gravity, I will wait until Wednesday to mention first session shows out of respect for those who run SDM. They keep the shows hush hush and were doing so today in fact. When I left, they still were not "known" but I heard through little "leaks" what the majority of them supposedly will be this session. I know they would not want them publicly mentioned until final decisions are made (shows could change) and cast lists go up Wed. AM. When I hear the final scoop and of course the casting (which has yet to occur), I could post the shows, yes. They have been auditioning all afternoon, tonight and through tomorrow.</p>
<p>OMG I GOT IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!they called about 5 minutes ago!</p>
<p>WOW! THAT IS SO EXCITING! I WANT TO CHANGE YOUR NAME TO "DEFYING THE ODDS"! :D</p>
<p>I am glad you get to go cause you wanted to. I am sure you will love it. Sorry we won't meet but if you need any help before third session, I can try to help.
Susan</p>
<p>Thank you! I will def. take you up on that.</p>
<p>As promised, I can now tell you the shows that are being produced during first session at Stagedoor. They have been cast. </p>
<p>The musicals, directors, and theaters are:</p>
<p>Jekyll and Hyde - Jeff Murphy - Elsie Theater
Cabaret - Larry Nye - Elsie Theater
Fame - Chris Sorensen - The Playhouse
Crazy For You - Paul Stancato - The Playhouse
Pirates of Penzance - Jacob Brent - The Forum
Working - Rob Scharlow - The Forum
Jerry's Girls - Caroline Altman - Cabaret Theater
Once Upon a Mattress - Jill Harrison - Cabaret Theater
A Piece Of My Heart - Ryan Weible - Carousel Theater
Flowers For Algernon - Chris Tyer - Carousel Theater
Stepping Out - Dennis Gleason - Merman Theater
12 Angry Women - Joni Weisfeld - Merman Theater
The Crucible - Michael Raimondi - Garden Theater</p>
<p>My daughter was cast in the role of Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Wow! Thats so many shows. Now that means then that the second session would not do any of those plays? Also how did you get the info ..I thought kids couldnt call for the first week? I am hoping we do not do certain shows that D. just did..LOL..</p>
<p>Is there a significance to the theater the show is in? </p>
<p>Defying..I had a feeling you would get in! Enjoy!</p>
<p>Soozie, congrats to your daughter on getting Lucy! That's a great part and is on my list (with sooo many other parts) of "dream roles."</p>
<p>Thanks for the nice wishes BroadwayWannabe. I know she is happy. It is what is often referred to as the "big show" of the session and she has only been in one of those, once (Nine) and to be a lead in it and with this director is big for her. I don't know the show but I know it is a big part with many lines and songs. It is thrilling for her to return to the stage so soon, having had to miss several performances she was to have been in the past few months due to her accident and injuries. So, I am happy for her to have this opportunity now and to be making a come back of sorts to the stage quicker than anyone's wildest dreams. </p>
<p>Angst...when you mention that is so many shows, I thought I had written in one of my posts way back when to you that they do 13 productions per session, 8 musicals, and five plays...every year. They try to keep casts small as to feature everyone. No, they will not repeat ANY of those shows next session and in fact, won't repeat any of them for three years at least. Some of these shows are premieres at Stagedoor including Jekyll and Hyde and Fame and MAYBE Pirates of Penzance (have not seen it in the last 8 years done there but not positive if that one is a premiere but the other two are). I am positive that the shows being done second session and third session will also be a wonderful mix of great shows.</p>
<p>As far as getting information, you can call the camp and get it. Also they will mail to each family the show your child is in and the times of performances. As far as the significance of which theater the show is in.....there is not a huge significance. Each theater space is quite different. The largest and newest theater is the Elsie. The other is THe Playhouse. The Forum is an outdoor theater (under cover). The Cabaret Theater (not a raised stage) is more suitable for revue style shows (like Jerry's Girls) and often used for the youngest kids' show (this time Once Upon a Mattress). The Garden Theater is outdoors and suits certain dramas. The Merman and Carousel theaters are black box theaters for plays. One subtle significance is that usually one musical is considered the "big show" of the session....somewhat due to who the director is and what theater it is in, the time, and the level of the production. This session that would be Jekyll and Hyde for musical and Crucible for the drama. BUT...ALL the shows are amazingly good and my own kid has normally never been in the "big show" but was in Nine last year which was it. For many, the role is not the big deal but WHICH show can be. I know when my daughter was thirteen, one session she ONLY wanted to be in the oldest kids' "big show" with this certain director (who at the time directed the cabaret for 25 years) and she did not care the part...she had been a lead in the younger show the previous session but preferred a bit part in a higher level show. She got two small roles and ensemble in Little Me and was thrilled to even BE in the show. If you recall, Dramama posted here that her D who went for her first time last year, second session at age fourteen was thrilled to be in Nine, the big show, all older kids, even though her part was very small but she loved it. </p>
<p>I cannot emphasize enough to you that Stagedoor is NOT like casting at home. At Stagedoor, you get numerous kids who are very talented from all over the country (and other countries), MANY who have played leads in their home area. My D's boyfriend is the leads in the musicals here but got into a revue at Stagedoor, Working, and had a smaller part in West Side Story there last year. My D says there are so many talented kids and boys this year and she can see how this could happen. As well, new kids get major parts. For instance, in Cabaret, the boys playing Cliff and the MC are new. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Susan--As I think I told you at one time, Lucy is one of my D's dream roles (like BroadwayWannabe!) and she was planning to do the role in an abridged competition version at her school when the show was switched. Tell your D CONGRATULATIONS from both of us!</p>
<p>Thanks MTMommy. I don't know this show and have never seen it. My girls saw it with their grandparents in Philadelphia once and about 2/3's through the production, the power in the theater went out and they stopped the performance and the actors came on stage with flashlights and explained how the show ended, so my D has never seen the ending! </p>
<p>I looked the show up and see that the role of Lucy has several solos and duets as well. One is Someone Like You and I know that song because I recall her singing it for an audition on Broadway when she was about twelve years old, lol. I have to order her the CD because while she owns so many Broadway musical cast recordings, this is one she does not. I just realized that she auditioned this session with a song written by Wildhorn, which was by chance. </p>
<p>Angstridden,
I forgot to respond to you about your hope that they do not do shows that your D just did. They do thirteen shows each session. There has GOT to be several amongst those that they select, that she has never done.</p>
<p>I mean, my own child has done more than 40 musical productions in her life, and out of this session's shows, has only done the following ones previously: Cabaret, Pirates of Penzance, and The Crucible. So, that left ten more shows she has never done.</p>
<p>I feel certain that even IF there is a show your D has done not just recently but EVER, that there will be plenty more offered that she has not yet done. Which musicals has she done in the past couple of years? I can tell you if they were done at SDM in the past two or not because those will not be repeated this soon.</p>
<p>I also cannot emphasize enough that no matter the part or the show, most kids who go to Stagedoor Manor do not want to leave when it is over and remark that they had a terrific time. Remember, as well, that being in a production is only one part of the experience there. There is the training/classes, plus the bonds with other kids who share this similar passion. That last part is likely the most significant for my child. She has made lifelong friends there. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Susan...we are not worried about getting the lead ..I think I said that before. We know how that stuff works and are fine with whatever part she gets.</p>
<p>I am curious what your D sang for her 16 bars? Since she is done..it shouldnt matter to share right..D. is not sure what to sing..she keeps changing. She has a really strong voice with a wonderful range. </p>
<p>How do you know which musical is the "big" show? Is it the Sat. night show?</p>
<p>Congrats to your D. sounds like a GREAT way to finish her time at SDM!</p>
<p>I could share the audition song, sure, but of course picking a song is very individual as to which one suits your own strengths. My D did not sing what I thought she was going to sing! I thought she was going to sing one of the songs she did for college auditions but nope! She considered three songs but told me which she picked when I took her but she did not sing it. Instead, she sang How Did We Come To This from The Wild Party. </p>
<p>As far as which show is the "big show"...hmmm....well, again, this is not THAT significant....but for the drama, I would say the "C" show which is in The Garden Theater is often called the big show, but other shows often are just as big...like second session last year, Laramie Project was pretty big and was in a black box theater. For the musical....well, I would say whichever musical Jeff Murphy does and if it is in the Elsie. This is not black and white factual, however. Let me say too that the other musicals can be big hits as well. I am sure Cabaret with Larry will be great as will other shows. Jekyll and Hyde is on Saturday night but so are five other shows. </p>
<p>The fact that your D keeps changing her mind on her song....well, as you can see, my D did too up until the last minute as it was not what she had told me. She waffles a lot. Just have your D pick a song that she feels shows her strengths.
Susan</p>
<p>Congratulations to your D for Lucy! I don't know much about SDM, but it sure sounds like loads of fun and GREAT theatre experience. Are the shows full scale? It's amazing that they stage soo many shows in one session! Wow!I am sure it does your heart good to know she is up and running again so soon after her accident.</p>
<p>Song selection is always tough for D.! She has several picked out ..not sure what she will do.</p>
<p>On the shows..I was under the impression (from you I thought..but maybe someone else ) that there was an A show a B show - something like that..I just wondered how you knew which was which?</p>
<p>Now on what to take...you suggested a lamp and a fan right?</p>