Anyone attending auditions in Minneapolis this weekend?
@ThenSheSaidIt - That was the plan. But the Illinois High School Theatre Fest is this weekend. So S will be auditioning for Minnesota at Chicago unifieds. Wear your boots this weekend! Safe travels.
@ThenSheSaidIt - hope the weekend at Minnesota went well. Please share impressions & how it worked. Thx.
Hi all. D was on the opposite side of the table this time around. She is in the Freshman company, so was volunteering this weekend to check people in and answer questions, etc. Of course, I asked way too many questions (in her mind) about how it all went. She said the group on a daily basis was larger (last year they auditioned a combined total of 1400+ from all locations). They kept true to their schedule, which is nice for all, and almost everyone was asked to sing, even though this is not an MT program. Keep that in mind for those auditioning for the UofMinn at unifieds. The rehearsal space they use is spacious, but the waiting area is tight and can get stuffy… she was glad she was not on the mark to audition and could help everyone else this time around.
Some notes from last year: She had her three required pieces prepared and added an extra just in case. The “stretch piece” is an important one, so spend some time thinking that through. They did ask her if she had another Shakespeare piece, which she did not. (Think about that for unifieds…) Everyone seemed to be escorted out of the room and bid goodbye before the next person was ushered in. That didn’t happen for her; she came out alone. That made me nervous… Since Minnesota is the first location where they audition, the wait for a possible callback was an eternity - almost a month. When it finally came, she was ecstatic since this was her one and only audition. She was dead set on Minnesota and their classical approach with the connection to the renowned Guthrie. I wrote a bit about callback weekend last year and may add some when the time comes.
Good luck to all as the audition season ramps up to full speed.
Hi all, D is on the other side of the table this year. She’s in the freshman company, so was checking people in this weekend, answering questions, etc. Apparently, I ask way too many questions, but this is what she said. It was busy… they stayed on schedule pretty much and from what she heard, most were asked to sing. The waiting space is cramped and stuffy. Can’t do much about that, but it brought back memories for her audition there last year. The schedule was tight… last year UofMinn/Guthrie auditioned a combined 1400+ from all locations for 20 spots. Don’t let that discourage you… we sat watching the Golden Globes and she pointed out how many people had studied at the UofMinn and/or appeared at the Guthrie. Pretty impressive.
Advice for UofMinn/Guthrie at unifieds… Be prepared to sing acapella. Prepare an additional piece and maybe another Shakespeare piece just in case (she was asked if she had another Shakespeare, which she did not at the time.) The “stretch piece” Minnesota requires is an important opportunity to show flexibility and creativity. Show them your potential, not your accomplishments. Most programs are more interested in emotional depth, openness and originality.
Hope that helps…
@ThenSheSaidIt - very helpful. Thanks! I’ve read in accounts from last year that the impromptu song was a typical request. Great info. The Chicago Unified is coming up soon. Sounds like your D is in a good place!
@ThenSheSaidIt - if you/your D recalls – how many kids were at the callback weekend last year? Is the weekend for kids only (no parents)? S will be auditioning at Chicago unifieds. A callback would be nice!
@Atreuh Guthrie generally aims for about 60 at callback weekend unless they change it this year. I know two years ago they went over and had 80 at callback weekend. While parents can go, they say it is really for the kids and they will be busy the entire time. They set up housing and even airport transportation. Very well run.
Yes - two years ago it was 80. I didn’t realize they cut the numbers to 60!
@artskids i could be wrong but it had always been 60 and our Ds year was just high numbers. I think my D told me that when she returned from it.
@Atreuh Last year, it was a very big group; 93 I think. Not all attended the weekend, but most did. As others have said, it’s usually between 60 and 80. Parents are not part of it, although some were in town, I suppose. They house the kids with upperclassman, which is part of the experience… so any parents attending are on their own for accommodations. There was an opportunity to attend a play at the Guthrie for parents but other than that, its students only. One important thought; I’m sure it’s the same with other programs - Minnesota callbacks are MUCH more than performing for the faculty. Members of the other companies are around all weekend to answer questions, run workshops, meet in small groups with potential students, provide encouragement and get to know them on a personal level. IMHO, this is all part of the selection process as they put together a cohesive company that will work so closely together for four years.
^^wow 93! That is huge!
^^^I LOVE that the kids get to spend the weekend with current students (and frankly, sans parents). What a great way to know if there is a fit.
@ThenSheSaidIt - Thanks for the details! If he gets the call back, we will gladly drop him at the airport. It sounds like a fantastic experience and a great way to for both sides to know if it’s a good fit. Fingers & toes are crossed.
Hi! According to U Minn/Guthrie website, the callback this year is targeting 60-70.
Callback Weekend
60–70 students will be invited to campus in Minneapolis for call back weekend, held February 23-25, 2018. This is a great opportunity for all of us to get to know each other better through workshops and auditions as we work to build a freshman company. All costs are paid for except for travel to the Twin Cities. Letters will go out by after your audition to let you know your status post-auditions. Invitations to call back weekend will be by phone and email.
My daughter will be going. She will fly on her own, so if anyone else has a child going, let me know!
this is awesome @FourStars and Guthrie has a great program! So nice to hear early on so you’re not biting nails awaiting news. Congrats to everyone who have made it to this point
@FourStars - congrats to your D on the UMinn callback! Where did she audition?
Congratulations, @FourStars !
Hi. My daughter auditioned in NYC on Jan 19th and got a callback via email on Jan 24th.
@FourStars 5 day turnarounds is fantastic! They wanted her to knkw of their interest pretty quick in the midst of all of those auditioning.
These schools know what they are looking for. There is so much talent, they come with a list and wait for the kids to get there to grab what they need and then go home 