Any thoughts or forums about summer plans for college age students? My D is in a MT program. Just got a big “hit in the face”, when she was the only girl in her year not selected for the Bigmusical. Proud that she doesn`t want to give up, but not sure how best to spend her summer-in summer stock, or in an intensive program. Or does she need to think about a school transfer?
It seems to me that if she’s in an MT program, then she’s already getting training, no? Does she feel that the training is good and challenging, and that she’s learning a lot and growing as a performer? If so, then the only issue is that she’s disappointed that she wasn’t cast in a show - in which case, summer stock seems like a better choice, to try to get the performance opportunity she wants (as well as something to put on a resume).
I think she would say Yes to your questions, that she feels she is getting the training, that it`s good and challenging… . Is summer stock the only way to get your mojo back, or are there other ways?
That’s so hard. Sorry about your daughter not being cast. It’s so tough to see our kids hurting in those situations.
I believe doing a show (or shows) in her summer break would help your daughter get her confidence back. She’d also get to do what she loves, and learn from the experience - maybe even more than a training program.
Not being cast in the big musical is tough, but transferring schools is not an answer. Frankly, “not being cast” is going to be part of your daughter’s life, and, although it will be a tough semester, there is an opportunity for growth here. I’m saying this from seeing my kid go through a similar situation. This has the potential to make your daughter even stronger emotionally and artistically. After the shock wears off, she may do some honest self-evaluation and it may actually encourage her to make some changes that will benefit her in the long run. (I’m not saying she did anything wrong to not earn a spot in the musical; I think you know what I mean.)
In the meantime, are there opportunities outside of the theatre department that your daughter can pursue during the semester? Maybe there’s a local theatre with potential for her being part of a production? Or even outside dance classes? Doing something like that will help her take control of a situation where she likely feels helpless. It’ll also get her off campus so she doesn’t have to see everyone happily heading off the rehearsal every day.
When I first read your post, I thought of this TED Talk called “Embrace The Near Win.” This event in your daughter’s college career has the potential to propel her further artistically. https://www.ted.com/talks/sarah_lewis_embrace_the_near_win
Thank you for the insightful and wise words. The TED talk is a must view!
I would definitely not give up. There are so many different factors that go into casting. They obviously saw something in her they liked or she wouldn’t have gotten in the program in the first place. If there is one thing actors must learn it is how to handle rejection and keep persevering. They are going to get a lot more no’s than yesses in their careers.
Perhaps she wants to have a conversation with one of her teachers and find out what areas she most needs to work on. For our D, she spent the summer after freshman year working on dance at Broadway Dance Center’s summer professional program. She was not a dancer entering college. Although her school has a tremendous dance school, she wanted to fast track her improvement in that area. It did wonders for her, she leap frogged several dance levels upon her return to school in the Fall, and lo and behold, she was cast in the first MainStage show of sophomore year plus had many other positive results after that.
Summer stock can be great. But they really vary as to what training, if any, they provide. There are some summer stock programs where you appear in some of their shows but that also provide training. Most of these require an audition to be selected, but could fulfill her a desire to perform along with receiving additional training. But they can be competitive for admission. These are usually referred to as internships or apprenticeships. Auditions are often at summer auditions you read about here like NETC, SETC, Srawhats and MWTA. Some ay take video submissions. For example, Maine State Music theatre is a well respected summer stock theater. It’s apprentices earn EMC points and are guaranteed spots in some of the Main Stage shows. But they also take classes. Hangar Theater is another where you can earn EMC points and get training in addition to performing. Williamstown Theatre Festival has acting internships. And I"m sure there are others. But really check these internships and apprenticeships out as some you actually must pay to be a part of and can be fairly expensive in which to participate. Other may not cost at all.
If you want all around training, and are open to a paid program you may also wish to consider The Performing Arts Project or Broadway Theater Project. They have attendees ranging in ages including college and post college students.
If she’s concerned, find out what areas need most improvement and then find a summer intensive that will provide training in that area and keep working hard. But don’t presume because not cast there is an issue with her skills. She could have just not been right for that particular cast and show. Be patient. Work hard. and keep auditioning!
Good luck to you!
Another incredibly informative response! Thank you(!) really happy to send this along to my D, for some introspective of next steps. Is there is a way to target the summer stock programs with training at SETC, or is it a matter of take anything offered and be grateful?
@summerstockmom Sending you a PM with specific info on Internships and Apprenticeships
I would love that info as well !