<p>I think Lynn brings up some very valid points that I agree with as to some benefits of attending a summer intensive, though I realize her comment pertained to summer pre-college programs. While my kids did not attend pre-college programs, they did go away in summers. Sticking with my kid who is now in a BFA program, I agree with Lynn that one benefit of having attended a summer intensive program is that my daughter was in a grouping of a very talented pool of kids from around the country (and beyond). While we surely have talented kids in our region, it is different than one would find at a summer intensive which draws kids from throughout the nation. What the case was at my kid's program, which I think is likely true of many of the theater intensives talked about on CC, is that it was like putting all the standouts from local communities all in one place. In many ways, this is what auditioning to get into college will involve, a talent pool of the standouts from all over the country. By being amongst such kids, besides the thrill of being with others who share a similar passion, it was ONE opportunity to gauge one's talent beyond the home community. It is one thing to always be cast locally, or always get the lead back home, and another to feel out how one might fare amongst others of a similar level. This was not why my kid attended but now that she has, it was one plus because going into the BFA admissions process, she had SOME idea of measuring herself among the talent out there that is stronger overall locally. All the while, she realized there were kids coming out of many other summer intensives and also performing arts high schools (which she did not attend) and so this talent pool would be multiplied. But she could self assess how she fared in such a grouping. As well, by knowing older kids who went on successfully to BFA programs, like she wanted to do eventually, she was able to self evaluate herself against others who were seeking such a path and had been admitted. That is harder to do locally. Beyond the college admissions process itself, now that she is in a BFA program, it is a lot like this again...full of the most talented kids from all over, who have played leads many times over, etc. etc. </p>
<p>Another benefit that Lynn mentioned, which I agree with, is that a summer intensive involves living away from home for an extended period of time. When I grew up, while I did not go to specialized program, I went to an overnight camp for 8 weeks for ten summers. It was the highlight of my childhood. When I went away to college, the adjustment wasn't that difficult. Likewise, my kids have gone away every summer growing up and while all kids are different, mine are not the homesick type and they counted the days all year to go away in summer and hated when it was over. Once they entered college, they were eager to go and they were happy from day one on campus and the adjustment seemed like a piece of cake. </p>
<p>I also agree with Lynn that a summer theater intensive gives one an idea of what it is like to eat and breathe and sleep (sleep??? what's that?) theater, which is exactly what being in a BFA program is like. My kid didn't really need to examine if she wanted a BA or BFA because she already knew what an intense program could be like and knew she wanted that. Obviously college is even more intensive but the hours of doing it all day and night, seven days a week, is the same idea. For some, as I have heard, it is a way to realize that a BFA path is not for them. </p>
<p>Lynn mentioned a benefit of the pre college programs.....the ones that help with the audition process, and that is clearly helpful. I do think that that can be had with local coaching. </p>
<p>As well, a summer program MAY offer things you cannot get locally and so it is an opportunity to get what you can't during the rest of the year. </p>
<p>While you can get training in summer classes at home, there is something about an overnight experience that can't be replicated. There are just a lot of plusses that are less concrete. The bonds formed in a 24/7 program are one big benefit my child reaped. </p>
<p>I just don't think one NEEDS to do a summer intensive. Basically, there are things one needs to do prior to college to be ready for a BFA program....training in voice, dance, and acting, and production experiences. These can be had in so many different ways. Also, a summer intensive can't substitute for training year round. For instance, if someone wants music theory or piano at their summer program, then look for a program that offers it, but three weeks per year is not going to cut it in those skill areas, and so while it is beneficial to do an intensive to concentrate on those skills, those are ongoing lessons one should try to do throughout the year. </p>
<p>KatMT, I am glad you mentioned Walnut Hill as it is another very good program. Pre-college programs often are for the summer prior to senior year, and I think if one is going to do an intensive theater program, there are many out there that are offered for more than just that particular year in one's life. </p>
<p>I think there are some real plusses in summer intensives, though overall, I think there are many ways to piece together training, and also to do theater productions. For my child, on the production front, the youth productions and the intensity of the rehearsal process and the level of the whole deal at her summer program, along with the talent, wasn't like any youth productions we have locally (which for us, in terms of youth theater, there are just school shows....though my kid was in adult shows regionally as well). So, that opportunity at the summer program is an example of seeking something elsewhere that you can't get at home. Our high school has no drama classes and so again, the summer intensive had acting classes, and a chance to do what she couldn't do at home. It also is nice to experience different teachers than back home. For instance, in dance, it was cool every summer to learn from others than the home dance teachers as each person you work with can offer you something a bit different. </p>
<p>Anyway, the main thing about planning a summer is to seek out opportunities that fit your interests, wants, needs, and budget. All paths have their plusses and so many can lead to the desired goals. In my opinion, as well as in my experience, picking the program just because you want to do it, rather than what it will lead to later, is a good enough or even better reason!</p>
<p>Susan</p>