My son was invited to audition for the Theater Under the Stars, Shakespeare in the Valley Summer Season in NH. The audition would be at Straw Hats in NYC. Does anyone know anything about this program? We would have to pay tuition, but it is nominal compared to other programs. I’m just trying to get a sense of the program and what type of experience it would be for my son. If offered a contract, they want him to sign it the same day as the audition which makes me a bit wary. This is his first summer stock experience, so perhaps that is standard. Thanks very much.
It’s pay-to-play and not very well-regarded. Signing the day of audition is NOT standard. Most theaters take days if not weeks for callbacks and final offers. What if your kid gets a better offer? I would proceed with caution here.
Thank you. That was my instinct as well. As a freshman, many of the opportunities seem to be apprenticeship that require some payment but if we are paying we want it to be worthwhile. Appreciate your input.
The home location is in Waterville Valley, a beautiful and quaint resort community. They also perform in a few other outdoor venues in NH, in great towns. NH is a lovely place to spend the summer (I grew up in NH in this area, and love coming back in the summer). Asking for a commitment the day of the audition is not standard. At least 2 to 5 days… if not, sometimes, longer is customary. If made an offer he could ask for a few days to make a commitment.
I am from the area and have worked at theatres in the area. Feel free to PM me with any more specific questions. I will do my best to answer them. 
Just sent you a PM…thank you!