It’s so true that “these schools know what they are looking for.” It’s fascinating to see kids get a callback or acceptance at “Prestigious Acting Program A” but not at “Prestigious Acting Program B”. Same kid, same monologues, same awesome talent. The only “variable” is what each particular school is looking for at that moment!
^^^no doubt. Doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason. It’s also about fit. As my D has been navigating the audition process, she knows there are schools that would not likely be a fit. And I’m sure some schools will feel the same about fit for her!
@artskids our kids feed off of energy too (hello, look at this business). Oddly, my son thought that CMU were very nice people and he proceeded with all of the Promising signs but he just didn’t feel excited when he left. He said that it just didn’t feel right. I tossed it to their location
Great to read all the excitement and BAL to everyone. Let me just say that as a current parent of a UMinn/Guthrie frosh, I do know some things about this program. I’m no expert, mind you, but I’m happy to answer any questions about the weekend, the program, the school, the Twin Cities… the weather :-).
@ThenSheSaidIt - as our voice of experience on the UMinn Guthrie program, could you please tell a bit about this:
“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.”
Are these “others” from local theatre companies?
Also - same song as in the original audition or something different to show potential?
My S likes to go in without hearing every detail,
But I can drop a few hints. Thanks!
@Atreuh I’m happy to do that… give me a bit. I have some meetings this afternoon, so I can’t respond right now. 
@ThenSheSaidIt - sounds great, no rush! Thanks
Okay, here goes @Atreuh.
Sorry for the long post… I hope this is in some way helpful. First, let me say that there are so many fantastic programs available and UMinn/Guthrie is one choice. Each has its own unique quality and although rankings exist, it’s the student/school fit that’s important. I’m so impressed with the guts all our kids show to go after this. Kudos to everyone. So…
UMinn/Guthrie is an “acting company” based program. The “companies” are the student-actor groups for each year (Freshman, Soph, Junior, Senior). Students are referred to as members of the company, as in “I’m in the Junior Company of the BFA program.” The same group of 20 student-actors (10/10) stay together for four years. Putting together a company is a lot like putting together a team. A built-in group of friends from the very start. So, it’s important that they all get along, work well together and pull their weight.
SIDE NOTE: Students in the program do not audition for parts in productions produced at the school while they’re there; the faculty uses that opportunity to place them and help them stretch and grow.
During callbacks, members of the upper-class BFA companies will be around to help facilitate the weekend. I don’t know (neither does D) whether their input is formally called on to make decisions. But, there will be a lot of friendly, open people to answer questions and help out the whole time.
The Guthrie is integrally associated with the program. BFA students spend one day a week at the Guthrie (which happens to be right near campus.) As part of that, they regularly see, observe and meet professional actors appearing there or coming through town. If you’re not familiar with the Guthrie (one should not assume…) it is ranked up there with Steppenwolf, La Jolla Playhouse, Yale Rep… and they have a really spectacular facility.
As for audition pieces, students at callbacks are asked to perform the same three pieces from their initial audition, only to a larger group of faculty. If they ask your S to sing (and they seem to ask everyone), the song does not have to be the same. Funny story: at her initial audition, D sang Cosette’s “In My Life” from Les Mis; a role she has played. At callbacks, she said she took a breath in intending to do it again and out came “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from Phantom. I laughed at that one… BTW, this is an acting program, not MT, so the singing isn’t that critical but it never hurts, especially if you’re S is good at it.
Best of luck to your S. He’ll do GREAT.
Thanks so much @ThenSheSaidIt !! This is so helpful. And will make my D want it so bad! Sounds like a great environment for your D! Fingers crossed our kiddos can join her.
@ginaf1102 Glad it helps. BAL to your D. She’ll have a blast.
@ThenSheSaidIt - very helpful. Thank you!! So glad we can rely on other moms for info - as the S may not recall the details while making new friends. Hoping the best for our CC clan!
Hi @ThenSheSaidIt We just started gathering items for the trip to Minnesota. Do you remember if the kids need their “audition uniform” or just movement clothes? My D has picked out a nice outfit for the Guthrie performance so that’s set. She is unsure about what to wear Saturday during the day. 2 outfits? Just movement clothes? I think if my kid needs to put on that audition outfit again she may burst. Lol.
Any packing suggestions would be so appreciated. We need to pack a sleeping bag and pillow so space in the suitcase is at a premium.
@ginaf1102 D went for comfort last year. It seemed like most kids did, based on observations when we picked her up each day (we’re local.) On Saturday, she did bring movement clothes with her, plus her character and jazz shoes, just in case. In general, I would say callbacks are more casual… like a day on campus would be.
Kids seemed to dress up a bit for the Guthrie play, which happened the first evening they were there last year so fresh off the plane, but didn’t go all out. What show are they seeing? Last year it was King Lear.
@ThenSheSaidIt yikes. Didn’t think about dance shoes. Did she use them?
Thanks!! We may need a bigger suitcase! :))
@artskids I don’t thinik so. She prefers bare feet anyway…