<p>My S’s goal for summer employment is to build his resume, gain experience and networking. He isn’t looking to earn equity points so soon.</p>
<p>My daughter also only did one summer of summer stock at a very respected theatre. All college students were considered “interns” and housed in a dilapidated tiny building, they were fed, paid a small stipend, and had a ball! What I liked best about the summer stock experience is that it was the first time she was performing in a show 7 times a week (Wednesday - Sunday) for about three weeks, rehearsing another show and performing in that one 7 times a week. Something like that, but in other words, in high school or college there are fewer performances and a shorter run generally so summer stock for her gave her a taste of the repetition while in a show. Not only did she love doing a show over and over and over again but the troupe found ways to entertain themselves with slight alterations that were unknown to the audience. </p>
<p>^ ^ yes @amtc My S1 S2 are in their 2nd summer stock seasons and part of the experience is building up the stamina for performing – lots and lots of shows each week, some in rep. It is the closest thing to an 8-show-a-week schedule they’ll find (sometimes even exceeds that!) and a good lesson in keeping their voices and bodies healthy and strong to endure a busy rehearsal/performance schedule. </p>
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It’s a great reminder that they are athletes… even the singers who move! I’ve been amazed to see the number of kids D knows who have suffered vocal and dance injuries over the years. MT is definitely a career that can take a rapid turn on a single injury, so I agree that it’s great for kids to get a chance to see how their instrument holds up under the strain of 8 shows a week. Some peoples’ bodies certainly seem better able to tolerate it than others.</p>
<p>A bit off topic but I saw Hedwig the other night and I must say, anyone who questions that stamina and care for your body is vital to a professional MT actor will have no doubts after the last scene where NPH comes out mostly naked. He could be an anatomy model, he is so lean and his muscles are so well defined, especially for a 40+ year old man. I’m certain there was some serious training prior to this role!</p>
@AlisMom I know this is an old thread, but on the chance that you will read this I wanted to thank you for talking up Theater Aspen. My daughter, a freshman in MT program just got offered an apprenticeship for this Summer. She will be playing Sophie in Mama Mia. We are soon excited! I don’t know much about summer stock, so having read what you posted made me feel really good about her opportunity for this Summer.
G