<p>Choose a song:</p>
<p>"The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha
"If Ever I would Leave You" from Camelot</p>
<p>Assume both sound decent (to limit the response "whichever sounds better"). Also, I already sang The Impossible Dream for the "judges," except it was two years ago. Would they remember or does it matter that much? Thanks for any input.</p>
<p>angst, I believe that among the clothes and linens packed in the incredibly large and heavy box that we shipped to SDM earlier this week there was a bathroom tote but don't hold me to that! My D's been doing the overnight camp bit for eight or nine years now so we don't worry too much anymore about what she may have forgotten to pack. They are all pretty resilient at that age and will survive any absent "necessities" (as long as they are not directly related to the MT experience).</p>
<p>Soozie, I'm looking forward to your report on J & H...and I hope you do have a chance to meet my D. Jessica will be in the oldest group (I assume since she'll be a senior) and has long dark brown hair. She's watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail as I type this in preparation for our visit to "Spamalot" when we are in NYC after SDM.</p>
<p>PaKidNyc....I am sure your daughter is loving it and too busy beyond words to call ya. For years, an ongoing "issue" with my D when she has been away for six weeks is that she barely calls home and never writes. My other D was not like this but this one is. I KNOW she is having the time of her life but I still like to hear from her. She has been better about it this year but, well, let's just say it is about time cause she is going off to college. I'm not sure why you are looking into other summer programs (though of course there are many other ones just as good) or are thinking of switching but I know in my kids' cases, no way would they ever consider changing. The attachment is fierce. My D can't pull herself away and this is definitely her last time. While she is still sixteen, college awaits and she has to move on. SDM has been an extremely significant part of her youth, no question and has been a major influence in who she is today and what she has chosen to do with her life, as well as lifelong friends she has made. </p>
<p>Angst, I am sure whatever you pack will work out fine. For a bathroom tote, which you said you found to be particularly large, you must be looking at the ones sold for back to college (I know what these are cause my college kid has one)...but there are all sorts of sizes of plastic tote type things in stores, even if NOT made for "college toiletries totes".....the ones I sent with my D and my niece were not made for this purpose and are smaller. But you also can just use any kind of large cosmetic bags, anything. Just think in terms of little ways to organize their stuff amongst six girls in one room and one bathroom. Even THEN, it won't matter if they are like my youngest daughter, cause it is a MESS and everyone's stuff is mixed up, shared, and what not. This is not true with my older kid but I can tell you the situation in the bathroom at SDM was a sight to behold, nuf said. No sense fretting over this and that little detail here.....it all looks nice on the first day but the situation is way different by the time I go back on parent weekend. </p>
<p>Angst....as far as commission....yeah, thanks for the vote but it ain't happening, LOL. Truthfully, it gives me pleasure to pass on a program that my theater loving kid has adored so that any others with the same interest can also benefit. Over the years, I have "sent" countless kids to SDM (they should only know). Off the top of my head, I can think of three kids from VT there this summer who heard of it from us and a handful of other VT kids who went in the past who also learned of it through our family. My niece is there now who lives in Alaska, cause of our sharing about it. On various internet forums I have participated on over the years (not including this one), other parents have learned of it from me and have contacted me to learn more and have since sent their kids. So, I really am thrilled that others have enjoyed what my kid has and I am happy to pass it on. Free tuition would be nice, LOL.....</p>
<p>Matt, don't have lots of advice for you. I would almost have to hear you sing both songs and give an opinion.....maybe you could sing both for your parents and get their feedback as to which shows you off the best. Both are great songs of course. It sounds like you do both real well and so it is a matter of which either shows more of what you can do or which you feel best about. I don't know if they will remember your singing Impossible Dream from two years ago (after all, they audition SO many kids each summer) but there is a chance that once you get going, it might ring a bell in their memories. That is not so terrible, of course, but I think showing something new that you have worked on in the past two years might be better and fresher...like look at me now, kind of thing. My D has never repeated an audition song there. Again, it is not bad if you do but why not come on with something new they have not ever seen you do? I have confidence in you as you were cast well in Les Mis and my feeling is that Jeff will remember you as he was your director. Talented boys, particularly your age, usually get cast well as they are needed. I think you are gonna do just fine. I can't wait to hear about which show you do. Most of the lead boys from the past will not be there when you are. Lots of new talented boys are there but things are wide open. Go for it.</p>
<p>Scogor, I will try to report back about performance weekend after I come back. I would love to meet Jessica when I return on July 24 for the 30th bash but am not sure I will ever run into her because they are expecting 1500 people at it and I imagine she will be in the audience, like me, unless she is in Our Time Cabaret which apparently will do an excerpt as part of the bigger performance. I think my D will be appearing with that cast. Considering my kid will not be a current camper at that point, nor will I be there on second session performance weekend, I am not sure my path will cross with you or your D unfortunately. I am hoping that your D has a wonderful time...I can't recall where she is coming from but if my memory serves me, is it the south? like Georgia? You said you shipped stuff so I am thinking she is flying in, like many kids do. </p>
<p>Hope to meet PaInNYC and Brown Sugar maybe this coming weekend, though. </p>
<p>Will rely on second session parents to report back on those shows and experiences. This is it for me. My kid will have to move to alum status.</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Susan,
How would your D. be in the Our Time Cabaret for second session - is she coming back as an alum? That would be very neat!</p>
<p>Angst, if you go back to post #137, I had mentioned it there. She is not in the second session cast of OTC, no worry. I was talking about at the 30th anniversary bash at Kutschers, where there will be various performers, many alum....she informed me that the second session OTC cast will perform some excerpts of cabaret and since she was in OTC this summer already (with much of the same cast that stays on for second session), she is going to perform with her cast in that excerpt. So, while she will have left camp and is NOT in cabaret second session or in any show for that matter, she is joining the cabaret for this one thing at the anniversary celebration as she was in the cast this summer with them. Don't know more than that. Same with another friend who is in it this session but is not staying for next session (this other girl has gone ten years and has been in OTC for a long while, not positive on number of years but at least seven). My daughter is not coming back as an alum, but as a current member of this summer OTC. I think she may be the longest running member of the current cabaret in that she has been in 15 casts of it. To clarify, they are not in second session's cabaret cast, will not be in OTC performances for second session, and are not taking any slots up in cabaret second session. I am merely talking about joining their cast in the excerpt at the anniversary celebration at Kutschers.</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Very cool for your D! And special too.</p>
<p>I didnt realize so many kids stayed over from session 1 ...now I see clearly what you mean about OTC being tough to get into..cant get in if its already full!</p>
<p>D. hasnt mentioned the OTC but she has been talking about the classes and I know she is excited for all of it.</p>
<p>Angst, many kids go to SDM for six weeks. My kid always did (til this year) as did the majority of friends she made there. There are openings in OTC every session. However, my guess is that more openings exist in first and third sessions, than in second. There will be some openings possibly in second, cause some kids from first session are leaving (NOT all) but then some are arriving second session who were previous cast members. There are many kids who have been in callbacks in previous years and still not in OTC and so in some ways those kids are more likely to get in than someone never seen before. As I said, sometimes you pay your dues, like varsity in school sports. You work your way to something. I would treat OTC as a little extra something but definitely not the focus of this program. The focus is the close bonds with others with this passion, the opportunity to work on a high level youth production in an intense atmosphere (putting a show together in about sixteen days) and in training/classes in a myriad of skill areas. OTC is merely an ensemble. There is also Players Ensemble this year by audition for acting. I would think of SDM without OTC. If ya get into OTC, it is just an icing on an already scrumptious cake.</p>
<p>When I have commented that OTC is difficult to get into, it was only partly cause of the number of new slots each session but the main reason it is difficult to get into is because there is FAR more talent at this program than can fit into OTC. It is like BFA programs...some who are not admitted or who are waitlisted, are often as talented as those who got in. SDM is FULL of talent. It is NOTHING like at home. At home, your child can be a standout (which sounds like yours is) but at SDM, there are a bunch of standouts in ONE place. </p>
<p>Thus, getting into OTC is difficult because there is more talent than for this one cast. But that is why everyone is in a show at SDM. I know very very talented kids in ensemble, not even lead roles. </p>
<p>I know someone new to camp last year who had a small to supporting role in a musical and this summer, she is singing solo with Andrew Lloyd Webber.....please realize this is the kind of talent at camp and if a kid is not in OTC, they will have a fantastic time and it does not mean they are not talented enough. They can't take everyone, plus sometimes you earn your way in over time, like it is with so many things.</p>
<p>Susan mentioned many girls take a small set of drawers to stagedoor..I am sure she is gone now to see her daughter.
Does anyone know if she would be referring to the drawers that set on top of a dresser or the rolling drawer set that sits on the floor.</p>
<p>We are leaving tomorrow. Thanks!</p>
<p>We took a rolling dresser for my D's stuff. But if you have the other, that might work , too.</p>
<p>Have a great time!!!</p>
<p>Ah thanks! So glad you were able to answer!</p>
<p>I was a little worried because all the girls on the message board that were going 3rd were like going into 7th grade or 6th or 8th but I found a bunch of girls my age that are going and a bunch of them are also new so it should be fun. Susan how did your D. enjoy her last summer?Angst, update us on how your daughter likes it when you find out. I cant wait for wensday when we learn the shows.</p>
<p>Well we just got back from dropping daughter off at SDM...It does look like everyone is very involved and loves it.
D. was greeted by two really nice girls in her room. I was surprised that both had been there before and had been friends for many years...as I thought new campers were supposed to be in with other newbies..however another girl is to join them and they seemed super friendly and helpful.</p>
<p>The place did appear to be more run down than I thought it would be, though ultimately I guess that is not important..but it was just more than I thought. There was NO fan at all in the room. And the ceiling fan did not work. Thankfully I had taken the advice here and bought along a fan.</p>
<p>Also D. is in with 4 girls and it adjoins another room and they share a bathroom..so about 7-8 in the bathroom which seems like a lot. The one girl told me the toilet kept getting clogged and the tub is broken up..so I dont know how that will work. But I imagine they will work it out.</p>
<p>Anyway I was pleased by the friendly counselors, and staff...and also by the cheerful greetings.. and the kids were super enthused.</p>
<p>We stayed at the lodge at rock creek and it was nice but not really my cup of tea..I am very open to other ideas..like a B&B or something else for the next trip up.</p>
<p>Also we had dinner at Picola Piasse or something like that and it was exquisite!</p>
<p>Angstridden, I think your D might be rooming with Brown Sugar's D because there is only one suite like that on Main 3 that I know of where a room of four adjoins a room of three that shares a bathroom (no other rooms are set up this way.....it is just one room with one bathroom normally). Anyway, her D is in that suite and I bet they are either roomies or suite mates but you don't realize it! Her D is new this year but was there first session and is entering tenth grade.</p>
<p>Whats her name? Can you email it to me privately? When I talked to D. I will tell her. Was she there first session? How neat!
How many share a bathroom normally?
D. is going to be a junior..I am not sure what the ages of the others were in there...but the ones I met were super nice girls and seemed mature.</p>
<p>They didnt know what the shows would be but they were guessingThorougly Modern Millie, Aida, or A Chorus Line.. D was almost going to sing On My Own but was afraid that it was overdone and wanted to sing something more upbeat...We were praying they would not do Carousel..just saw that and it was so dark.</p>
<p>Anyway I am trying to remember how the return will work as far as shows go..If say D. is in a friday night or Sat night show can we (hubby and I ) plan to go out to dinner after? Or does it run really late?
I would love to go back to Picolas.</p>
<p>Hi all. I have been reading this site for awhile and just decided to finally join. I have learned so much from reading the entire site. My husband and I just got back from dropping off my son at SDM, his second year, and we were quite lucky that he was able to go. I kept asking him all winter and he said he didn't know if he wanted to do it again and of course, just 2 weeks ago he decided he wanted to return. I never expected there to be a spot for him since this program fills up by Jan, but much to my surprise (and his happiness)there was one spot left for a returning boy!!!
I laughed when you said the place was a little rundown. When we went 2 years ago, I couldn't believe how it looked. It has actually improved-new carpet throughout, new roofs and the office area has been painted. But, the kids don't really care about its looks-they just love the place!! By the way, we found out today some of the shows-Batboy, Will Rogers Follies, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.....I can't remember the dramas. No Thoroughly MOdern Millie or Aida (couldn't get the rights). They are almost finished with the auditions and the shows will be posted by Wed AM.
Oh, and SoozieVT, thanks so much for all the info and for helping my son with some of his decisions/choices. He respects your opinion greatly. He thinks your daughter is amazing and we both wish her the best of everything. (My son did the Cap21 program last summer and he knows kids in it now, and she is going to have a great academic time there. He has friends in some of the other studios too, so if you need any info. we can put you in touch with these kids.</p>
<p>just to let you know from my memory, evening show is 7:30 or 8 Pm and usually goes 2 hours, so unless you like eating at 10 PM, I would suggest eating before. Also, Piccolo Paese is one of the best restaurants around. Everytime we are up there (and it is only for SDM) we eat there.</p>
<p>Is Batboy a musical? (I saw that advertised here once but never went) I imagine Will Rogers Follies to be a big dance show? How to succeed in Business a drama? How did you find out the shows?</p>
<p>This might be a little...random, but I've recently heard that friends of a friend recently stayed at SDM and found it..."dirty". I was quite looking forward to applying and attending SDM, because I've only heard good things about it...but this makes me doubt the quality of the camp?</p>
<p>Also...I was thinking of applying/attending CAP as well...but in my opinion, CAP21 seems like a better choice than SDM, financially and generally...Can I get any opinions on this?</p>
<p>Replying to a few posts above:</p>
<p>Angst, the facility is nothing to write home about...it is all the program. If you can get beyond that, you'll be fine. </p>
<p>The show schedule this year is slightly different than in past years because they have to fit in Players Ensemble late Friday night (like Cabaret on Saturday night) after all evening shows have ended. So, the evening shows on BOTH Friday and Saturday nights are now at 7:30 PM. The matinees both days are now at 2 PM (unlike in the past on Fridays). If your child is in Friday matinee, then he/she is in Saturday evening and vice versa. </p>
<p>To both Angst and AudiB4....let me caution you that the shows on the audition form are NOT necessarily the shows this session. They trip the kids up with putting those down. They are not doing Thoroughly Modern Millie, for example, as they were unable to get the rights. There are some shows on that form that will happen and some that will NOT. There are some that are going to happen that are NOT on the form. So, please be aware that the shows you quoted above are NOT accurate. Also be aware that they strongly do not wish anyone to post show titles until cast lists are finalized Wed. AM, so let's wait until then to mention them. </p>
<p>AudiB4....I did not realize you were the mom of M. who has posted on this forum and did call me for advice! He seems like such a nice kid. He and my D met one another the summer he came and was in Les Mis. He was great. I am glad he has one more time at this place. Sorry they were not there at the same time. </p>
<p>Angst...usually there are five girls in one room with one bathroom. This year, it seems that many rooms had six girls. Most years, my D had five in a room. Last year she had six out of choice of who wanted to be together. This year, most of her friends were not back and they were in one of the few rooms on Main 3 that just houses three girls with one bath. Your D is in what I believe is the only suite of 7. I do not wish to share another child's name and if BrownSugar wants to write you privately she can. Her daughter is the fifteen year old from NY who was in the ensemble of Cabaret (the musical) this past session...that info. should do it out of the handful of girls in that suite. </p>
<p>Defying Gravity....I can assure you that girls of all ages will be at camp third session. The floor you will live on if you are between the ages of 15-18 likely has 75 girls on it. And that is just girls, lol. My daughter had a wonderful final session at SDM. It ended with a bang. I must say that Jekyll and Hyde was one of a handful of the best productions I had seen at SDM over the years (there have been others of this level but this was among the top ones I have seen there in terms of the performance). The entire cast was so strong...the ensemble was terrific....each one of them soloed and had excellent voices. The people playing leads and supporting roles were strong. It just was great. The theater was packed Saturday night with quite the enthusiastic crowd. Among them were a dozen friends of my D's from SDM who did not come back this year and they were so supportive! The role my D played was her most challenging to date and I am glad she had a chance to be stretched in the role. She had never been the lead in the so called "big show" on campus, though has played leads in other shows there before. What was rather amazing was that in one number she was dancing, including a Rockette style kick line and it was hard to believe that this kid had only been walking about seven weeks and was just four months from the time of her injuries and surgery. Never imagined she'd be doing this so soon and it was great to see her back in her "element" so to speak, doing what she loves to do this much after a huge setback and being out of her performances the past four months. When she sees her surgeon this week, she ought to take the photo of herself kicking above her head (she had a fractured pelvis!). So, I was happy to see her have this chance to return to the stage. The Our Time Cabaret was very good and a poignant way to end it. The director announced before the performance that he was dedicating it to kids who were performing it for their final time having done it since age nine, which was sweet. I have to say I got a little teary on the final number which is the "anthem" to the cabaret, "Our Time" as she did sing the solo opening to it and I know it was meaningful. She said she feels like she did not just graduate high school three weeks ago but also graduated to alum status at SD which likely meant more (!). It was a memorable session. </p>
<p>I hope other kids on here will enjoy this program as much as my child has these past 8 years.<br>
Susan</p>
<p>Angst, Bat Boy is a musical and ironically at this very moment, my child is at her first rehearsal for a professional production of this in my neck of the woods. It played originally off Broadway and was a hit. This year, PSU is putting this musical on. </p>
<p>Again, the list of shows that were on the second session audition form which I saw, is NOT accurate, trust me. Some shows are, some are NOT. </p>
<p>Jalexis, this program's strengths are not the buildings. It is the program.....which consists of both training and productions. It is not better (or worse) than many other fine programs out there but it is matter of picking what experience best suits what you want in a program. Audi's son has done both CAP and SDM. I know numerous kids who attended SDM who now are in every one of the most selective BFA MT and Acting programs, let alone working in all facets of the performing arts industry. Just from this year's grads (as a whole), they are going to or were admitted at most every well regarded program out there. This is not a statement about the quality of the program but just saying that there are talented kids at this program as well as at many of the other excellent programs out there. There is a range of talent at SDM. The production staff for each show are professionals in this field. The other thing that kids love at this theater program is the bonding with other kids who have a similar passion for theater. That is a big facet of this program. I know that my child has stated many times that SDM is the most significant influence in her life. It is part of who she is. I truly don't care how nice the rooms are....the rest mattered so much more. You have to weigh what criteria YOU want in a program and go from there. It is not for everyone. Plus there are so many great programs out there and they differ so it is about the right fit. </p>
<p>Susan</p>