@theaterwork thanks so much. My daughter did get accepted but she also applied to MPulse and Florida State’s new program, and I felt like I didn’t have much information about the programs other than MPulse (turns out we just found out she didn’t get in to that one anyway, but she is just a sophomore so knew her chances were slim). I didn’t know how big the group was going to be at Penn State, so your information is very helpful. Hope your D gets off the waitlist and onto the accepted list!
Well Congrats to your D @TwoBusyMom . Yeah my D was a bit bummed she was waitlisted but just gotta move on. If she gets called we will have to see if it still works out as she really has to put down deposits on other programs or risk not going anywhere as they will all fill up.
That’s good that your D is a sophomore & got in. I didn’t even know Sophomores could audition at first. Has she decided to go?
@theaterwork Yes, I think she is going to go-- she hasn’t heard from one program that she applied to but I think she would likely go to Penn State’s anyway. Hopefully another spot will open up for your D soon!
Have you looked into OCU MT summer program? My d is doing that one this summer. She also attended last summer and LOVED every minute.
@mom2MTgal the OCU camp would be too far for us:)
Has anyone done Emerson’s summer musical theatre program? Would love to hear feedback!
Does anyone know anything about Broadway Theater Project in Tampa? Or TPAP…which would be better? DOes anyone know when TPAP decides on acceptance?
My D attended both - and while she found both programs valuable - she preferred TPAP. BTP puts more emphasis on the end product of the final showcase, and TPAP puts more emphasis on the process - and there is no final showcase. For my D, she preferred the emphasis on the process over the product; even though she found the instruction at both to be excellent. TPAP usually notifies this first week in March - I couldn’t find an exact date listed on their website.
Waiting to hear back from TPAP and OCU. D was accepted to CCM’s Immersion Summer Program. We are first timers in regards to summer programs. D will be a Junior Fall 2016. Any thoughts?? Also, accepted to Tanglewood’s Summer Vocal Institute, but too much $$ for us.
@danils I don’t think you can go wrong with any of those choices! Just comes down to what kind of experience you’d like for her. My older D is a junior this year and she did CCM MT immersion last summer and loved it! It’s a great program and it mimics what a BFA program would be. They are chaperoned, but not led around by the hand so they are responsible for getting themselves where they need to be on time, in the proper attire, and prepared for class. They do breakfast on their own in the dorm and head over to class around 8:30 and go until 9pm most nights - at least last year they did. There were 35-40 of them last year and it was mostly rising juniors & seniors but there were a handful of rising sophomores. They were divided into groups based on dance level I believe but they all started with Pilates together and then split out for voice, acting, dance, etc. but there were classes on preparing for auditions, career choices, technology, etc. Faculty was top notch - from CCM & other colleges in area (Joe Deer from Wright State, etc.) & D felt she learned a lot. They live in the dorm and it’s not glamorous - community bathroom & old school style so they have a realistic view of life on campus. Great way to make sure they’re ready for what’s ahead and my D LOVED the friends she made there. They all are on a group message and chat daily. She met up with some of them for dinner at unifieds this year and they are all really supportive of each other. My younger D has been accepted for this year too & we’re pretty sure she’s going to go since her sister enjoyed it so much. My older D also applied to TPAP this summer. My understanding is that you’ll find the same caliber of students - highly talented & motivated - no matter which of these 3 she attends - but that TPAP brings in staff from several of the big name programs so you can have the opportunity to meet different people with different styles and learn about different programs and see what she prefers vs. focusing on one school. Also supposed to really encourage creativity I believe. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about CCM.
Thank you so much for your reply! It sounds like a fantastic program at CCM. I also have two girls with a passion for musical theater. My older daughter is currently a freshman at Cal State Univ. Fullerton. She wanted to stay close to home after all! Thanks again, maybe our younger daughters will end up at CCM together?? Take care
I agree - all 3 are great programs. Our D went to OCU one summer, and mPulse at Michigan another summer. She adored OCUs camp. It is very much like a day in a BFA program during the day - then they rehearse for a show at night. And on the weekends they have other electives they can choose from. She liked getting the training during the day and the fun of mounting a show with her friends which they worked on at night. At least that’s the way it was set up when she was there which was about 6 or 7summers ago. CCM and TPAP are also great choices. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
Have you heard from TPAP yet?
@danils for summer between Junior and Senior year, you may want to look into the Cherubs program at Northwestern. It is only rising Seniors and “life-changing” for almost every kid I’ve ever met who attended. It’s a 5 week drama program with an optional 2 week musical theatre extension. It is a special program! D also attended OCU and MPulse in earlier summers, and she also loved both of those.
thank you so much for your reply!!! My D got into both TPAP and BTP so now we just need to decide which to go to… DO you know if they are roughly the same size? I know BTP said they accept 70 and I’m wondering if TPAP is smaller. Also, my D is strong singer, but not such a great dancer and she REALLY wants to improve A LOT this summer. Wondering if one would be better than the other for that. Which do you think gave your D more individual attention?
@MadelynsMom - I sent you a private message.
What is BTP?
Broadway Theater Project
I have gleaned so much good info (across the total spectrum) from CC’s MT group. My son, a sophomore in high school, has only recently found his passion in this field. We are playing a bit of “catch up” at this point - including having just started dance and voice lessons. Several wonderful parents and MT alums here on this site have offered advice and guidance, which has been wonderfully appreciated! A thought for those who cannot (or choose not) to spend a great deal of money on camps or summer programs… My son was awarded a full scholarship to a large university in our region in order to attend their summer vocal intensive. It’s only a 10 day program, but it’s a good start and all expenses are paid. Maybe check into the colleges and universities near you that offer summer programs for highschoolers. Some offer scholarships (merit based) directly. And don’t forget to inquire from your school district - ours sometimes offers summer money to students who have been accepted into the district’s artistically gifted and talented program. 
Our D attended two different programs over the years --Columbia Gorge School of Theatre (Portland, OR) and Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory. She attended CGST after 6th and 9th grades. Its 4-week program is Meisner based and culminates in a play and a musical. It’s a very small program so there is lots of one-on-one attention and very good performance opportunities. D loved it! Shout out to Jesse and Laurel Merz for running a wonderful, very supportive, affordable, non-audition program!
D attended RSAC after 10th grade. It’s taught by Rutgers profs, college credit is offered, heavy Meisner training, trips on weekends to see all kinds of different shows in NYC, special guest classes on a variety of pertinent topics such as BFA vs BA, Acting vs. MT, career paths, etc. It affirmed D’s desire to pursue acting/MT. She would go back in a heartbeat. D made lasting friendships through both programs and considers both life-changing, incredible learning experiences. From a parent’s perspective, both were worth every penny. D hopes to attend TPAP next summer – it looks fabulous – and she’s applying to The Songbook Academy this summer (Feinstein Initiative) in Indiana. Worth a look.