A huge congrats to @MTLUVER whom I do not know. I am sure you are very talented to be accepted to CCM already. I think you are a good example, based on what you shared here, of not needing any connections to get into a top MT program. You obviously have talent and you have experience in theater in your region and going to a summer theater camp. Lots of kids who attend BFA in MT programs have a background of that type and no connections whatsoever, no performing arts high school, no major awards, and no major professional credits.
My D’s best friend from theater camp got into CCM for MT and attended. She had the typical training, school shows, regional theater, and summer camp experiences. She is only 4’10" tall.
I couldn’t agree with this statement more. Stagedoor is not an “exclusive club.” Yes, it is not cheap, but nor are many other summer theater programs away from home, including pre-college ones. Stagedoor has no part in and no connections with the college admissions/audition process. They don’t even prep you at ALL for college auditions. If anything, one could argue that at least at a pre-college program, you are working with faculty of their BFA program. Stagedoor is no different to have on one’s resume than having attended a myriad of summer theater programs, something I venture to say that LOTS of MT applicants have done either locally, nationally, or on a college campus. It is just another form of training. It doesn’t help you get into college. My D attended Stagedoor Manor for 8 summers for the pure enjoyment of it, having selected the program at age nine. It had nothing to do with college for her. We had no performing arts high schools in our state and it was a chance to focus on theater for the summer and meet kids from all over who shared her passion. There is no audition to get into Stagedoor Manor. When my D applied to BFA in MT programs, no programs or faculty knew her or of her whatsoever until she walked into the audition room. Also, I do think type plays a part, but I don’t think you have to be gorgeous to get into most programs. While of course I think my D is a pretty girl, she is not a classic beauty, and she got into a number of well regarded BFA in MT programs and is now doing well in the professional theater world in NYC. Edited to add: My D chose not to apply to CCM as she didn’t think it was a good fit for her.
The Art Institute is very close, like a block or two. Chicago Children’s Museum is on Navy Pier, an easy walk if it’s warm enough or a short Uber if not. You’d have to take a cab or subway to Lincoln Park Zoo but it’s a very nice zoo (again assuming it’s not brutally cold). Shopping at Water Tower Place can be fun, too. If you do, take a look at the Tribune building nearby which has bits of rock from famous buildings all over the world embedded in it. On a nice day (and it has been nice this winter) you can walk or rent bikes along the Lake Shore Path.
I’m not crazy about eating right in the Loop but you can find plenty of adequate restaurants nearby.
@BarbaraD you will also be close to the stretch called the Magnificent Mile with every shopping / dining option you can imagine. Kids love Shake Shack and Eataly. Chicago is also a great theatre city, so you might want to check out what shows are playing.
Some fun things to do in Chicago:
-Chicago Cultural Center is a free museum type place with some interesting exhibitions
-art institute is free on Thursdays after 6 pm
-if you want to stray from the beaten path, the Logan square neighborhood(a 10 minute el ride away) has a bunch of cool restaraunts and has a generally more artsy vibe.
-the nearest chipotle is on Madison/state. You’re welcome.
-forget starbucks, the Argo tea at Adams/dearborn or the intelligentsia at state/Van buren is where it’s at
-if you forgot any dance piece, there is a dance store a block from the Palmer on wabash, forget the name.
-if you want some cheap theatre, my school’s musical opens next week
Break a leg everyone!
@BarbaraD - when my kids were younger, they loved the Museum of Science and Industry (what kid wouldn’t love a place where there is a 727 hanging from the ceiling, a fairy tale castle, a mathematical pattern forest, and a silver train?). There is also a huge American Girl Doll Store.
There’s so much to do a short cab ride away: Shedd Aquarium (get tickets for the animal show; it’s worth it), the Natural History Museum, the Planetarium, shopping (The American Girl Doll Store, Lego Store, clothing stores), etc. Shedd and the History Museum are favorites of my family. In fact, even though we live OOS, we’ve bought the Shedd family membership pass for several years.
We like to use Yelp for restaurant recommendations; they seem pretty spot on.
@BarbaraD If you want to see a show, check out Goldstar Chicago for discounts. There is a Bubba Gump restaurant in Navy Pier. It is fun for Forrest Gump fans.
Any suggestions on a good place to watch the super bowl? Our D will be busy with friends but my H wants somewhere we can eat and actually see the game so wondering if all the sports bar places will be mob scenes or if anyone has any ideas? If not, it’s looking like room service for us…
We killed a very enjoyable hour between seeing the S and going to his play at this place which had lots of tvs and very good beer (didn’t eat anything). No idea how crowded it will be during the superbowl.
Anyone have the specifics on the “Warm Up and Movement Exercises” for the Ithaca call back? Is this a dance call that requires dance attire or is it something they do in their audition dress? Just looks like they wouldn’t have long enough to change before the monologue/song portion. Thanks!
@MTMusing I do know that at Ithaca, they had all the kids change into dance/movement wear and then change back into audition outfits. Not sure about how they do it at Unifieds though.
A couple of years ago, there was a sports bar at the Palmer and I watched some of the super bowl there while my daughter was in the Roosevelt dance audition. It was not crowded at all.
Thanks @LoveMyMTGirl and @Jkellynh17 - I appreciate it! Gotta have priorities and apparently the game is way up there for my H. The rest of us, not so much!
