<p>For those parents who have kids in college already who are majoring in MT or Acting, or Performance, etc., what did your kids do with their summer before starting college? My daughter is looking at a training program that would increase her acting skills, and I believe she should do it because after freshman year, I imagine her summers will be filled with summer stock and she won't be able to go to any rigorous training programs.</p>
<p>For those who have high school seniors now who will be freshman in the fall, do your kids plan to (a) just relax, or (b) get a summer job, or (c) continue dance classes, (d) continue their training classes but take a lighter schedule, and also, do any plan to (d) get a few college credits under their belt by going to a local community college so they can get some of their Gen Eds out if the way?</p>
<p>The summer before college was all about earning as much spending money for college as possible. She worked in a very unglamorous job but also was in a student produced show. In fact, the following summer between freshman and sophomore years she was back at the same unglamorous job because the boss was willing to work around her rehearsal schedule for another show. She lived at home. This summer she won’t be home and trying to get an out of town summer stock gig but I’m not sure yet how easy they are to come by for girls. I hope to be pleasantly surprised. But those gigs pay poorly so I suspect she will be broke as far as spending money goes come this fall which will mean either a severely curtailed social life, or working part time during the school year which she did this year. </p>
<p>Isn’t your daughter about to get plenty of rigorous acting training in college which you will already be paying tuition for? </p>
<p>My D plans to work part-time, participate in a small portion of a summer training program, and spend time with her friends and boyfriend prior to leaving for college.</p>
<p>My son will be participating in the Virginia Shakespeare Festival-- he has a small role in Julius Caesar. He will also try to find a job-- will be pounding the pavement soon… His last high school musical is happening the next 2 weekends. He’s going to definitely need spending $$ for college.</p>
<p>My son will be working, hanging with friends (especially his girlfriend), continuing with dance training, and possibly starting guitar or piano lessons with a friend who’s offered to give him a head start.</p>
<p>I recommend a job, too. Arriving on campus with some savings gives them a nice cushion. Nice for them to have a fund for shopping or theatre tickets or side trips. </p>
<p>My son managed one show in the spring (local theater) that culminated in May and then he worked up until the day before he left for school. His earnings were all put toward the fees and expenses for school. He worked 40 plus hours weekly through the summer and contributed close to $5,000 toward his education. University is all about training and summer is all about working in our household. </p>
<p>My son will be working as well. He’d love the summer to play but with the cost of college - he will be kicking in as much as possible. I also think kids appreciate the experience more if they help pay for it. </p>
<p>Our D took some piano and theory lessons to prepare for college as she had not taken either in high school. Did a lot of list making, organizing, packing and shopping for her dorm room. She was in a local summer theater production so her evenings were spent rehearsing for that. And she also was spending time with family and friends. But there are lots of great summer training programs if that is what your D wants to do. </p>
<p>I want my son to have a job this summer. He will benefit from the experience, one that he has not had time for until this summer. Earning his own money will be a very good thing!! He will probably do a community theatre production if he can fit it in his schedule.</p>
<p>I agree with Halflokum, a rising college freshman will be spending the next four years in rigorous training and the summer beforehand there’s not much point learning a different method. If there’s a show to be in, that’s great, but it is all about spending money for most kids. Remember that they will mostly need survival jobs after college while taking auditions, so this is a good opportunity to explore that kind of thing. My son, for instance, learned last summer that he does NOT want to work retail ever again.</p>
<p>My D worked, went on a mission trip, did a show and spent time visiting family and friends. Most of these kids end up going so far from home it’s nice for them to have a chance to hang out and get ready for the big move</p>
<p>My D taught at a Christian Yourh Theater program during the day to make some $$ and then was in Anything Goes rehearsals and performances at night. She did have a few weeks to just play and be with high school friends before they all went their separate college ways</p>
<p>After an intense senior year and stressful college audition process our D enjoyed being able to relax and just enjoy the summer doing the few things I already mentioned. These kids hit the ground running and don’t stop once they get to college so at least for us, some downtime before starting college was a good thing, But again, everyone is different so if your D feels she needs/wants more acting training before college that may be the best choice for her. </p>
<p>Since freshmen are not eligible for casting, my sone chose to be in a show the summer after high school graduation, then relaxed the last few weeks beforehand. This summer, he will be working. </p>
<p>My D went to Stagedoor Manor for 6 weeks. It’s her favorite place on the planet, and the last summer she was eligible to go. Then she got a tooth implant, then it was off to college…</p>
<p>Wow, I can’t even think past May (graduation) at this point! Not sure what my D will do this summer, we haven’t really discussed it. I know she wants to go on our church’s youth mission trip (as she has done the past few years). She probably also wants to participate in a barbershop camp she has attended the past couple of years. Beyond that I don’t know. Working would be a good thing, but she doesn’t have a job now and getting one will be like going through the audition process again! I guess we’ll see…</p>