<p>Our 13 yr old daughter has applied to the 3-week Intermediate Theater workshop (not musical theater) at Interlochen, and has also secured a spot in the theater program at StageDoorManor. Both programs seem great. The StageDoorManor people need us to pay the full tuition right now, which is non-refundable. Interlochen says they won't make decisions until April. We've heard Interlochen is "better", but we don't know. Our daughter (like most of the kids on this forum) is a very talented drama person (not musical theater). I would really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this decision -- I've searched these forums already, but didn't find anything exactly on this topic. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I attended stagedoor for the past two summers...the main thing about stagedoor is training by doing. The actual classes aren't really great but in my opinion, learning how to put on a show so quickly and so well is the greatest training an actor can receive. You essentially learn by doing and you constantly grow during the rehearsal process. Also, there are far fewer actors than singers at Stagedoor so your daughter has a good chance of getting a substantial role, even in her first year.</p>
<p>My daughter attended Interlochen 2 summers ago for the 3 week HS MT workshop. She was accepted into the 6 week performance program but had to decline due to a conflict. I am not sure how the Middle School theatre works but I can give you our reasons for choosing Interlochen.<br>
Out of all the summer programs that are out there, some require auditions to get in and some do not. Going through an audition process was important to us. Our opinion is that it lends credibility to the program and ultimately to the resume. Also, Interlochen is a non-profit organization that offers financial assistance to those who need it. I am not sure that StageDoor has that option.<br>
Interlochen is an environment that truly fosters all the disciplines in the arts and it is wonderful positive energy.<br>
I know a child that has attended StageDoor many summers and loves it. We honestly never looked into it due to the fact that there really was not audition. It was important to us to feel that there was a "selection" process. Being accepted into Interlochen is not easy. They get many applications and only accept a certain number. So if your daughter should be accepted it would be very special.<br>
This year my daughter is once again applying to a summer program. We have selected two. One that requires an audition and one that bases selection on essays etc. Both are highly selective. With luck she will land in one.<br>
I think if the process is "selective" it does lend more credibility in the long run.
Hope this helps, and I am sure that whatever your decision, your daughter will have a wonderful summer.</p>
<p>Thanks Jake and Bwaymom!</p>
<p>My daughter went to Interlochen two summers ago for the HS Musical Theater workshop. She too was accepted for the 6 week Musical Theater Performance but because of other commitments was unable to commit. She thoroughly enjoyed her experience at Interlochen and felt she came away with improved skills to make her a formidable triple threat. She is applying to the program again this year because she wants to continue honing her musical theater skills. </p>
<p>Interlochen is a very professional environment of working artists. The kids are busy from early in the a.m. until dinner every day. </p>
<p>Stagedoor from what I have heard is lots of kids from NYC who think they will become the next big thing. Interlochen has the bette reputation. </p>
<p>So there you have it.</p>
<p>If you decide against stagedoor, does your daughter have an alternative if she does not get in to interlochen? This might be something to think about considering the competitiveness of interlochen.</p>
<p>tmelcher...</p>
<p>In my opinion, your daughter should examine what each program offers and pick which one best fits what she is looking for. I would pick SOLELY on that basis. If needed, I would get references from students and parents to talk to them directly to ask any questions you may have about each program. If you are picking based on "reputation" (again, would not be MY criteria), you need to know that BOTH Interlochen and Stagedoor Manor summer programs enjoy excellent reputations in the theater world. I would recommend either very highly to any student. I advise students and work with them in applying to summer programs and have had students who have applied to both of these programs which I have recommended. </p>
<p>Another consideration is that your daughter already has a slot at Stagedoor and she doesn't know yet if she will garner one at Interlochen, even if her chances are strong. What I believe at Stagedoor is that by a certain date (ask them the date), if you back out, you can get the tuition refunded except the deposit (though admittedly the deposit is a chunk of change). I know this to be true because SDM has a LONG wait list every year and kids get off that waitlist every spring. SDM filled up as early as Sept. or Oct. as they have been doing for years. By spring, some kids' plans have changed and they back out and kids on the wait list get in. I have a student who was going to return to SDM this summer but has now backed out, for example, as she is going to pursue Vocal Performance this summer, even though she really loved SDM last summer. I have a student on the wait list too. And others who are returning. So, I am not sure I would give up a sure thing for an iffy thing and then be left with NO thing. I'd either stick with Stagedoor (if my D was happy with that program) or if she prefers Interlochen, back out of SDM when she is admitted, hopefully, to Interlochen and lose the deposit at SDM. Again, BOTH programs are terrific. </p>
<p>Next, I want to offer to answer any questions you may have about Stagedoor Manor. My own child attended for 8 summers for a total of 16 sessions for a total of 128 weeks. To say she loved SDM is an understatement. I would say it was the most significant experience of her life prior to college. She would tell you that everything she knows about theater came from Stagedoor (this was before the last four years she has been attending Tisch). Stagedoor is a balance of training classes, as well as high level drama and musical productions. They also have a select MT performance cabaret troupe and a select Acting one as well, both by audition. Last year, they started Dramafest where campers could submit prior to summer original short plays and the winners were all performed during camp. They also have some classes such as Acting Master Class, by audition. I could go on and on about Stagedoor and every aspect of the training, the staff, the shows, the experiences, the bonds with others who share a passion for theater, but rather than do that, I'll just say I am available if you have specific questions about this program. </p>
<p>I would like to respond to some posts on this thread, however.....</p>
<p>I completely disagree with bwaymom21 who contends that a program that admits by audition has more "credibility." Stagedoor Manor is VERY well known in the theater world. There are other summer programs as well that are not by audition such as the pre-college program at Carnegie Mellon and the pre-college program at NYU/Tisch and the drama part of the pre-college program at Northwestern/Cherubs. Those three, for example, ALSO are highly regarded in terms of summer theater intensives and do not admit by audition. There are extremely talented kids who attend those programs every summer and I know a number of them as well. My daughter has been to auditions in NYC such as Broadway, growing up, and OFTEN the audition panel would comment about Stagedoor on her resume (a couple times, people on the audition panel were alums themselves). All the BFA programs have heard of Stagedoor Manor as well. Some even commented on it at my D's BFA auditions. I would say the same of college programs. I know some top talented actors at non-audition programs such as Yale, Brown, and Northwestern and they also succeed in the theater world despite not having to audition to be admitted. </p>
<p>Stagedoor Manor has a range of talent that attends. This includes, however, some extremely top talented kids in drama and in musical theater every year. Stagedoor Manor kids have or are attending all the well known BFA Drama and BFA Musical Theater college programs, not to mention top BA ones like Yale and Brown. Go to any top BFA program and you will find SDM kids attending. Just thinking of my D's particular peers from Stagedoor and I know kids who went onto NYU/Tisch, CCM, CMU, UMich, Syracuse, Ithaca, UMiami, NCSA, BOCO, Emerson, OCU, NYU/Steinhardt, Juilliard, BU, Northwestern, Yale, Brown, for example. Also, just from my own daughter's circle of friends from Stagedoor (she is now 20), there are MANY who have had lead roles on Broadway and National Tours, not to mention those on TV, Film, and Off Broadway. And this is a young group I'm talking about. This doesn't count those who came before her time at SDM, such as Natalie Portman, Zach Braff, Julia Murney, Robert Downey, Jr., Jon Cryer, Amy Ryan, Kim Grigsby, Jeanine Tesori, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mandy Moore, and many others. Frankly, I would not pick the program for this reason (we surely did not), but in terms of how "credible" this program is, I am mentioning that it is not only well known in the theater world, but those who have attended have made it in theater, film, and TV, including many who attended within the past six years. And LOTS have gone onto the well established BFA programs where SDM on the resume is recognized as well. I am sure this is true of Interlochen and many other well known summer programs, but just saying this in response to how "credible" Stagedoor Manor is in the industry. </p>
<p>I should add that casting directors and agents also scout talent every summer at Stagedoor. Not to mention that even some parents of campers are well known in the industry and a lot of networking goes on (i.e., one parent is a Tony nominated Broadway director, and after seeing my D in a show at Stagedoor, asked her to audition for something in NY). Another parent who owns an opera company saw my kid on stage and called her into NYC for a project she was doing there. A little girl from our home community was called in for Mary Poppins after the casting director saw her at Stagedoor. The show, 13, came to audition kids at Stagedoor. Every summer, agents visit and observe and contact kids they are interested in. Again, I would not pick the camp whatsoever for this reason but in terms of how credible the camp is in the industry, I am bringing it up. </p>
<p>Camille57 wrote:
[quote]
Interlochen is a very professional environment of working artists. The kids are busy from early in the a.m. until dinner every day. </p>
<p>Stagedoor from what I have heard is lots of kids from NYC who think they will become the next big thing. Interlochen has the bette reputation.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I do not believe that Interlochen's SUMMER PROGRAMS have a better reputation than Stagedoor Manor. I believe both have a very good reputation. Both programs are in demand. Stagedoor is turning away kids in droves every summer as their reputation has them filling up by early October. </p>
<p>Stagedoor ALSO has a very professional environment of working artists. The staff are professionals and demand a high level of professionalism in the production work where they put together shows in 2 1/2 weeks time on top of the class work. THe kids are also busy from early morning until bedtime, immersed in theater the entire time. </p>
<p>While you may have "HEARD" that SDM is all kids from NY who think they are the "next best thing,".....I have first hand experience and the kids who attend SDM are from states all around the country and from many other countries as well. My own kid is from rural Vermont. I have seen the list of campers every summer and they are truly from all over. There are definitely quite a number from the East Coast given the camp is in the East but the population is quite mixed. Thinking of some of my D's friends from SDM and where they were from, it includes VT, CA, FL, ID, PA, NJ, MI, OH, NY, CT, TX off the top of my head. Thinking of some of my own students who have attended SDM, they are from CA, FL, Puerto Rico, Mexico, NY, VA, NJ, PA. I can't recall how many countries are represented at SDM every summer but it is quite a number. I do not think the kinds of kids who attend SDM are any different than you will find at a place like Interlochen. </p>
<p>My D met some of her lifelong friends at Stagedoor and is still very connected to them. Many attend other college programs but actually there is quite a number of them right at Tisch where she is and in NYC and the networking is there, let me tell you. </p>
<p>I very much recommend either Interlochen or Stagedoor, as well as many other fine programs out there. My comments about Stagedoor are not meant to convince you to pick it as it is not better than Interlochen. I am merely responding to posts that discuss why they feel Interlochen is "better" or "more credible."</p>
<p>I am not sure if you are aware, and it is hard to find this in a Search on this forum as the camp's name is not typed out correctly in the subject heading......but there is a long ongoing thread for many years on Stagedoor Manor here on the MT Forum. </p>
<p>Here is that thread:</p>
<p>There are a few other threads that are not as long as the above one but may have something pertinent for you:</p>
<p>Susan has covered just about everything I would say about the two programs, and I agree with her assessment. Don't be influenced by comments about one being better than the other or about one being filled with kids who think they're the next Idina Menzel. It's not an accurate portrayal of the program, any more than comments in the past about Interlochen being filled with geeky music kids is. Both have good programs and chances are that your child will enjoy their time at either one. One comment I'd like to respond to is the contention that an audition somehow lends some sort of increased credibility to a program. I disagree. There are many excellent programs out there, some of the 'best' as a matter of fact, which require no audition. Also, in the big picture, it isn't going to make a bit of difference whether you have Interlochen or SDM on your resume, especially for a child who is only 13. Does your D have a preference? </p>
<p>Oh, and a disclaimer. My D did not attend either of those programs so I have no affiliation or preference for one over the other. She has friends who have attended each of those programs, actually more from SDM than Interlochen probably, but we've always heard good things about both.</p>
<p>I agree that it doesn't matter which is on the resume! I feel funny even talking about that aspect as it had NO bearing on my D choosing her summer program. </p>
<p>I have to say I brought it up, however, in response to the "credibility" of Stagedoor or its reputation. In that regard, SDM and Interlochen are BOTH credible and BOTH well regarded. I cannot see picking one of these over the other on that basis. </p>
<p>It really comes down to which program fits what your D is looking for. I feel certain she could enjoy either one and gain a lot out of the experience and that is what it is truly about. </p>
<p>If you read this forum, for example, you will see people rave about the CMU pre-college program. It is excellent. It doesn't require an audition. </p>
<p>I just don't see one of these as "better" than the other as some contend. While my own kid attended SDM and we thought very well of the program and she adored it, I recommend Interlochen all the time and I have two students currently applying to different summer programs there. One has already gone to SDM and enjoyed it and one is on the wait list at SDM. </p>
<p>I can't see picking a summer program based on which is "better" but rather based on which really offers what you are hoping to do. I had one daughter attend Stagedoor Manor and one attend French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. Each D picked what she wanted and we let them. And in the end, after they attended (and went back to their respective programs many times), we felt each child picked the program that fit her best. Both progrrams were very good and one was not "better" but both were great for our kids. </p>
<p>I would be the first to say that Stagedoor is not "better" than many of the fine programs discussed on this forum.</p>
<p>i attended interlochen as an intermediate camper and a high school camper....and worked there last summer. it's a wonderful place, but so is stagedoor. i don't think you can go wrong...but i'm happy to answer any questions about interlochen. it's a very special place</p>
<p>My D did Interlochen's intermediate MT workshop two summers. The opted for the workshop route versus because she did their ballet intensive the other half of the summer. We did not know about Stage Door at the time so we were never choosing between the two. What D liked about Interlochen was the opportunity to do other things - not all related to theatre. She liked the cabins with kids from a mix of arts areas and that cabin-mates would go to each others shows, performances, readings ...
She liked her classes and learned from them, but did not feel the "workshop" to be that intense which for her was a good thing. D was (and maybe still is) overbooked and even at 13 used to be in more than one production, as well as training, so Interlochen was a time for her to relax and do some other stuff.</p>
<p>Stage door manor sounds wonderful too, but I think the more relaxed structure and setting of the Interlochen workshop program fit HER needs better. And jsut to clarify the other stuff - she took a pottery elective one summer and a ropes and out-door activities elective the other. THings she does not have time for during the academic year.</p>
<p>I am SOO grateful to everyone who is responding -- your replies are heartfelt, intelligent, and thoughtful! </p>
<p>My wife, daughter and I all agree that the key is what my daugther is "looking for." The challenge is that the Interlochen Theater Workshop (not MT), and Stagedoor actually seem similar, except for location. This is our first foray into "drama camp", so we're certainly not sophisticated judges. </p>
<p>May I therefore ask if anyone can succinctly describe the differences between the two programs (other than one requires auditions, one doesn't; one in Michigan, one in Catskills)?</p>
<p>Thanks again. We really appreciate your feedback!</p>
<p>I can't speak for Interlochen, but the area Stagedoor is in is pretty remote. That being sad, it is not difficult to get to. It's about an hour and a half north of NYC. It really doesn't matter, though, because the campus is pretty and secluded and you spend almost all of your time there. When you do go out to eat with your family, it's fun because the town basically lives for Stagedoor haha. But really, location doesn't matter that much at Stagedoor because you will basically feel like you're in your own little world up there.</p>
<p>It is hard for me to fairly list the differences when I have first hand experience at one of these and not at the other. What might be better is to ask specific questions of those on here familiar with SDM and those familiar with Interlochen. Once you get the answers, then chart out the aspects of each program and how those aspects fits what your D wants. I just think that might be more accurate. For instance, you could ask me or any other members on here specific things you want to know about Stagedoor and ask Broadwaywannabe and keepingcalm those sorts of things about Interlochen. </p>
<p>With Interlochen's Theater Workshop for middle grades for three weeks....based on what I have read.....I see a few differences with Stagedoor. It seems that in the Theater Workshop at Interochen, it culminates in a performance that is sort of like a showcase with various material including original work, established texts and improv. At SDM, your D would be in a full scale drama production of an established full length play. One is not more valuable than the other but simply different. </p>
<p>At Interlochen, it appears that the program you have selected has an acting technique class, voice and movement. At SDM, your child would have 8 classes and can choose from a long array of options and take anything she wants. She could stick with all drama related classes or choose to take a dance class or even singing. There are no required list of classes. She signs up at the start of the session for her courses. At Interlochen, there is one elective. It seems that the electives include an array of arts related courses but also an array of recreational options such as sailing or archery. At SDM, the camp is theater ALL the time (though they have breaks and there is a pool). There are no traditional camp activities. </p>
<p>Interlochen has cabins. Stagedoor houses the students in what was once a Catskill resort hotel and the rooms are more like dorm rooms with furniture and private bathrooms. The campus is small and contained. There are about 250 campers at one time. Interlochen is a much larger camp in terms of the physical plant and the population (2500 campers). At Interlochen, there will be campers who are there for something other than theater. At Stagedoor, everyone attending is there for theater. Interlochen, in that respect, is more like the performing arts camp my older D attended, French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts where some attend for music, some for theater, and so on. Again, neither set up is "better' but these are some ways that they differ. </p>
<p>The program at Interlochen that you are considering is for a finite age group (entering sixth through ninth grades) whereas Stagedoor Manor is for ages 10-18 and there is much less delineation between the ages. Some productions are more geared to older kids, some to younger and there are levels of classes but there is a greater mix between age groups. For instance, when my child was your child's age at SDM, she was in a cabaret troupe and musicals and classes with high school kids. That will not be the case at Interlochen. </p>
<p>At Stagedoor, there is a select Acting troupe that puts in a final show in addition to the drama or musical each child is cast in. Can't say if your child would be in that (it is called Player's Ensemble). Also, Stagedoor has the Dramafest of original works the students create and stage (but there seems to be some overlap with that with the final performance showcase at Interlochen).</p>
<p>I don't know how this impacts anything but Interlochen's site says the experience level of participants in that workshop is "basic to moderate" and at SDM, there is no such distinction and I would say the experience level ranges from basic to moderate to professional in terms of who attends. You may get a kid who likes theater and has done school plays and another who has been on Broadway in the same cast.</p>
<p>I am not sure about the teachers for the program at Interlochen as it says that college students (including many alum) make up a large component of the camp staff, though teachers are also well represented on the staff. (please ask those more familiar if this is the case) This is not really the case at SDM. At Stagedoor, the teachers of the classes and the directors and musical directors and so forth are not college students. They are working professionals. There are secondary staff who are in charge of the campers in terms of living and then who also help with things like costumes, stage management, and tech and other facets of the program. They are younger but most of them come from other countries (and may be studying theater at university) and NONE are alum. They are counselors, so to speak. Those who teach and who direct shows are not college students. </p>
<p>Interlochen has financial aid and scholarships and Stagedoor doesn't (at least not publicly stated or that one could apply for). </p>
<p>Again, I think it would be more accurate to ask the SDM folks on this forum what it is you want to know about SDM and ask the Interlochen ones what you want to know about that program and then list what you know and compare those factors with your D's selection criteria. </p>
<p>Again, getting into Interlochen is not a sure bet and so there is that issue as to whether to give up your slot in one place without knowing the outcome of the other. </p>
<p>One thing I can say is that both programs seem very worthwhile. I imagine your child will have a blast no matter which option she chooses.</p>
<p>Jake mentioned something earlier that is quite true......with the dramas at SDM, there are less kids than the musicals and the casts are very small (well, the musical casts are small for musicals too) and thus there is a good chance your child will be cast in a significant role in a drama.</p>
<p>All the classes at Interlochen are taught by experienced theatre teachers, there are no classes taught by college students. College students generally makeup the cabin counselors and camp staff, but not the faculty.
I think the greatest difference between the two, will be that at SDM your daughter will be doing a show and at Interlochen she will be doing a "revue" type show.</p>
<p>BRbway, thank you for clarifying the staff/faculty at Interlochen. I am glad you did. That set up then sounds similar to SDM. </p>
<p>The production aspect is one difference. I think I outlined a few others. The one thing that I think is common between both is that a theater kid will have a wonderful time, learn a lot, be among those who love what they do, and both programs are well regarded. I don't think the OP's D can lose either way.</p>
<p>The Musical Theatre Production Program at Interlochen does a full scale production with scenery, costumes and orchestra. They typically sell out the 800 plus auditorium each night at the end of the program. I can't express enough how much my child learned from the very experienced staff from her dance classes to acting classes. Four of the 16 kids in her class at CCM were camp mates of hers at Interlochen. Other campmates are studying at UMich, Univ of the Arts, Syracuse, Wright State, NYU and Indiana.</p>
<p>Just so the OP is not confused, the program his daughter is considering at Interlochen does not put on a full scale production.</p>