<p>My D did the three week MT workshop at Interlochen the last two summers. I am not sure how competitive it is – my D was impressed with the overall talent – the girls were probably stronger than the boys. She loved the program and turned down MPulse this year to go back. You can PM me if you would like more information.</p>
@endlesswonder I think the college summer programs are invaluable! The school really gets to know you and your strengths on a more detailed level (than a 5 min auditon). It also gives you the opportunity to see the faculty at work and get a great sense of the program and what your day to day might be like when attending. My advice would be to research schools and come up with a list of your top 5. Find out the type of summer program they offer and apply…no matter how competitive. If you can go to more than one for your money…do it! It’ll be great experience putting together an auditon video, by the time you film your pre-screens the next year you’ll be an expert. Figure out what is important to you. For example, my D really wanted a program that worked directly with the MT faculty. There are some programs that hire others or you may work with current students. You just need to decide what is right for you. I would say that if you make a good impression and you have a great experience, that it would definitely up your odds with that school when your college auditions come around. You’d be a known entity. Wherever you go, just remember to be your best self. I guarantee counselor’s and staff are watching and listening. Work hard and be kind! You are in the right place to glean the most info for your journey! Many of the summer programs hav early spring deadlines, so get started now!
Last year the MPulse deadline was January 17th I believe for priority consideration. There are some programs that do not require prescreens, like Texas. There are some with late spring deadlines as well. But I do think the earlier you apply, the better.
@spartandrew - just be aware some of the summer programs are audition only. MPulse is extremely selective and only takes approximately 30 kids into MT out of hundreds who apply. However, Carnegie Mellon is non audition so no problem there. Northwestern also has a good program that is non audition. You must audition to attend OCUs summer program. In addition to incredible voice training it is also home to one of the top dance schools in the country. And they do stage a full musical during camp for which they rehearse in the evenings. I would also consider TPAP on the campus of Wake Forest. It is by audition also. Just wanted to make sure you were aware you can’t just sign up to attend many of these camps. You may need to audition depending on where you wish to go.
@vvnstar Mpulse now accepts 40 into their MT program. Not sure how many apply. They do care about academics, even for their summer program.
Northwestern also requires you to submit academic transcripts etc for the cherubs program- and it is selective. If you want to do then7 week MT program (rather than the 5 week acting program) I believe you do have to submit a video audition as well - at least I think I remember doing it for my D a couple years ago.
I’m glad to hear they are taking a few more students @transmom :). I had heard the numbers vary year to year - that’s why I said “approximately 30”. But 40 is better! Our D was fortunate to go to mPulse several years ago and there were 30+ in her group. It’s a great program.
@toowonderful - I just looked up northwestern cherubs. You are correct. There is an application including essays and MT applicants also must submit a video.
Just a note… I don’t think the Northwestern faculty teaches at Cherubs, but I may be mistaken. I do know that one of D’s friends from MPulse went to Cherubs the following summer, and as I understand it he chose NU over UMich so he apparently really enjoyed it.
NYU also has a MT program through Steinhardt. The undergrad program offers a BM in VP with a concentration in MT. The summer program is 3 weeks, non credit, and considerably less money than the Tisch program. It is taught by full time VP faculty. Though a different MT program than Tisch, it will definitely give students a taste of NYU and NYC. D loved the program and ended up applying to Steinhardt. Many others did as well, but some students decided on Tisch. Know several students who went the other way–attending Tisch for the summer, but applying to Steinhardt.
@vvnstar thank you for the info! My D is currently working on her audition videos for Interlochen’s 3 week summer MT workshop. She is just a HS freshman so she is not eligible (or ready) for MPulse or the bigger programs yet. Just getting our ducks in a row for a couple of years down the road.
What is TPAP at Wake Forest? I assume it’s associated with UNCSA? I have their info as well and likely she will do that if for some reason she doesn’t get into Interlochen this summer. Also what is the major difference between NYU Steinhardt and Tisch?
Great thread - love all the info!
As I understand it- the primary difference between Tisch and Steinhardt is that one is drama based and one is music based. That’s how Tisch rep addressed it when the question came up at a parent meeting.
so which one is music based? Tisch? Thank you!
Steinhardt is music based, @SpartanDrew.
TPAP is not associated with UNCSA. It is an independent organization. It just uses Wake Forest as a host facility for the summer intensive. It is also an audition based program. Lots of info on their website. 
Tisch has a wide variety of drama studios: New Studio (MT) as well as other “straight theater” options - Adler, Atlantic, Meisner, Strasbourg, ETW, Playwrights
@SpartanDrew TPAP is the acronym for The Performing Arts Project - it is not affiliated with UNCSA - it’s an independent non-profit program. Google the name for more info. My D is a Company Three alum, and has nothing but wonderful things to say about her experience there. You can audition for Company Four at Chicago Unifieds on Sunday! (I think they may have auditions going on during NY Unifieds as well)
TPAP is not affiliated with UNCSA or Wake Forest for that matter. The program is just located on the campus of Wake Forest. It is a program unto itself that brings in top faculty and professionals from many different schools and cities to work with its students. I would highly recommend it. It is also by audition and is not a sure bet to get in.
Re: NYU - Steinhardt’s degree is based in music while the Tisch degree is based in acting.
Oops - I should read before I type! Sorry to be redundant - but glad you have lots of folks giving you good, accurate information
Also - if you audition for Tisch, be aware that they will ask you if you are willing to be placed in any of their studios. There is only one musical theater studio, NSB. So it is quite possible to be accepted to the theatre program at NYU but not be placed in the musical theater studio. Some people elect to say on their application that they only want to be considered for the NSB studio for MT. That way, they know if they are accepted that they are in the MT studio. If you elect to be considered for any of the studios (all are good - they just have different areas of focus), you receive your acceptance and then you must wait a few weeks more before you are told to which studio you have been assigned. You do not get to select which studio you wish to be in.