<p>Hi! I'm new on this site and have really been enjoying what I've been reading! So much information and it seems like folks are respectful and polite to each other. I really need to vent and ask for some advice from all of you.
My daughter is 14 and in 9th grade. In addition to being a highly gifted flutist she has a terrific voice and hopes for a life in musical theatre. She is at the top of her class at a highly regarded girl's prep school, Her voice teacher is wonderful and places students at all of the top colleges, including CCM and NYU. Pam is aiming for CCM, OCU, CCU or NYU and her grades alone will get her in- the problem is getting the stage 'experience" for her. She is a real mezzo "belter" and has a voice that we are constantly told is "too big" to fit in in her school musicals, and this year is understudying the lead to a girl who not only can't sing loudly enough to be heard 3 feet away, but can't even remember the words in the script- but she is 2 years ahead of my daughter in school. Pam is the youngest member of her school's Show Choir (the "elite" 16 voices-the girl with the lead in the play did not make the cut for the Show Choir). OK, we took the advice of her voice teacher and others who are in a position to know and have been taking her to audition at local community theatre and semi-professional groups. She looks is well prepared and nails her songs,monologues and dance combinations, but the parts consistanly go to adults, most of whom are really far too old for the parts ( should "Sarah" in Guys and Dolls supposed to be 45 and when was the last time you saw a 38 year old Lois singing "Always True to You.."?!).
Will the top colleges consider her without a ton of performing experience? She was offered a partial scholarship to one of the best theatre camps, but as a single mom, every spare $ goes toward her lessons and tuition as it is. She has just signed with an agent to do some print and commercial work around upstate so that may bring in some extra cash and provide more lines on her resume.
I am getting frustrated when I read about the musicals being staged by high schools in other areas (moving is NOT an option for us), because I have to face the fact that Pam won't be performing Millie or starring in "Kiss Me Kate" around here. Have any of you been in the same situation and found options for your kids? Amy suggestions or ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>LuLu's Momma, alot of high school have a policy of not casting underclassmen in leading rolls, it could just be a matter of sitting it out in the chorus, getting experience and waiting her turn. If she's as good as you say, something will turn up. Alot of community theaters are kind of like a club, you've got to audition, audition audition and take what ever you can get before you are considered a "member". Alot of directors hesitate to put an untried youngster in a leading roll, no matter how talented. But hang in there, tallent and perservierence (sp?) will pay off. From what I've seen on this forum, kids do get into these college programs without lots of stage time, if they've had their lessons and have the tallent. Good luck</p>
<p>Lulu'sMomma, I would encourage you to read the various threads on this list, including (especially) "Colleges for Musical Theatre," because there has been much discussion about how having a lot of experience on a student's resume is not the most important thing when applying to/auditioning for highly selective college level MT programs. What counts most of all in that setting (I have learned!) is whether the student nails the audition <em>and</em> in some cases, the student's grades/test scores, etc. (I think you will find, when doing research, that colleges vary on the importance of the grades. Those that do consider academic standards must <em>first</em> admit you academically, and then you get an invitation to audition. Others, I believe, work differently, with the audition being the primary thing.) That means that a kid who is truly talented and has stage presence/charisma and who meets the school's "this-is-just-what-we-are-looking-for" standard but has little to no real experience can get in over a kid who has a lousy audition and no real sparkle but a lot of experience might not get in. That's what I have learned from this site, in any case!
Certainly if your daughter loves musical theater and wants to pursue it, she is going to want to take part in productions now. You mention that she <em>has</em> auditioned with various local theater groups, but that most of the major roles are going to older actors. (As someone else here said, some of those groups are kind of insular, and it takes awhile for outsiders to break in.) I wonder if your daughter has auditioned for any local community theater groups that are run through/based in churches or synagogues? In my area, it seems that every other Catholic church stages an annual musical production (usually combined with a spaghetti dinner!); of course, the quality of the productions and the talent of the people involved can be wildly erratic. But it might be a chance for your daughter to be in musicals, meet some other people (teens) who are into theater, and have a good time. (Just get on the Internet and find local churches, and email the pastors to see if they have an annual musical. You might be surprised at how many do.)
The other thing I would say (also, from what I have learned here ... my own D is only a high school sophomore!) is that if your D has time, make sure she gets some dance training, preferably ballet, under her belt before audition time. Not every program demands that each candidate be an expert dancer, but they all want kids who can move, and ballet is the basis of all dance technique. A few hours a week at the local dance studio might help make a big difference.
I wish I could be of more help, but many of us are in the same situation! I am beginning to think that getting into a good BFA MT program is more difficult than getting into medical school. Lulu'sMomma, if you read around this whole list, you will soon see/hear that there are far more qualified, talented, super amazing kids who want into these college spaces than there are spaces. It's very, very competitive.
Lisa</p>
<p>Lulu'sMomma, </p>
<p>We also live 'in the middle of nowhere' and my daughter's in-school theatre experiences were almost nil due to the fact that her high schools (she attended two) did not have strong theatre programs. My d was also in the top choir in her school from her freshman year on and was one of three who made our state's high school honors choir for four consecutive years. She did a lot of community theatre, but like your d, rarely got more than a chorus role (I think she did have two leads eventually). I had to drive her more than an hour away for quality voice lessons, and she had no dance lessons ever, but is a championship baton twirler (I know...but it DID include a lot of dance and choreography!). She also has taken years of piano lessons, which I think helped her a lot. My d hit the college audition trail last year with many of the same concerns as you have...there seem to be many extremely qualified students (professionals, even) vying for spots at all of the top programs. Do not be discouraged, however. My d is now a freshman MT major at OCU and it is a perfect fit for her. OCU is a BM MT, not a BFA). If your d has the drive, determination, and talent, there will be place for her. Good luck (or should I say 'break a leg') </p>
<p>Lexasmom</p>
<p>Thank you all for the prompt replies. Yes,my D has studied dance(ballet) for quite a while, and now Musical Theatre Dance, and also dances as part of her Show Choir.While she won't ever pose a threat to Chita Rivera, at least she doesn't trip over her own feet!
It is difficult to comprehend the lack of opportunities in this area. There are only two groups connected with churches/synagogues who put on productions and both absolutely refuse to permit anyone under 18 to audition(they claim "liability issues"). The rules with the local community theatres are so ridiculous that one organization's fall production of "Fiddler" had a 35 year old Hodel who looked every day of her age(she was older than Tevye!).
I think a lot of the problem boils down to "How do we cast this younger girl if our male leads are 40?!" The directors really like her but can't cast around her if there are no younger males who show up. It's just frustrating, but she'll just keep going out whenever she has the chance. Hopefullly the rights to "Little Women" will become available soon and they'll need a Jo!</p>
<p>Lulu'smomma,</p>
<p>One of the first things you wrote was how pleased you were to see how respectful CC posters are and how hard we try to be considerate of each other. I'm sorry to say that I wish you could show a bit more respect for both the other student performers in your daughter's school and for the "elders" who you say are cast in most of the local productions in your area. Please keep in mind that these community productions are just that - productions for the community - not vehicles to provide a line on the resume of a younger aspiring professional. As has been suggested, perhaps if your sophomore daughter were willing to accept an ensemble part in one of these productions and demonstrate to the community that there is truth in the old saying that "there are no small parts, only small actors," she could work herself up to a lead in a year or two. Given a chance to see her talent, no matter the size of the role, perhaps they would then want to choose a future production that would showcase her talents. Coming in and expecting a lead at 16 and being insulted when one isn't forthcoming is not the kind of attitude that will bring opportunities her way, no matter how talented she is. Take a breath and let your daughter experience the "community" in community theater, let her work in whatever role she is offered in her school productions and the rest will come in time.</p>
<p>I am a STRONG proponent of working in shows PERIOD. If your role is ensemble because the lead is 40, so be it! It is critical to get the experience of acting in a community theatre show- not the role you are given. There will be frustrations along the way, but they make you stronger and frankly, if you can't deal with them now- "this aint the business for you kid!". Keep doing the small parts and there will be successes also. The training and the experience(and connections for ' this little part in this other show we are doing'!) are worth every minute of just being ensemble! </p>
<p>Please encourage your D and keep on - the parts will come!!</p>
<p>Mikks Mom</p>
<p>k so, i share this story alot but its worth re telling.</p>
<p>while i dont live in the middle of no where, i live in a medium suburb of a medium city. there are good performing oppurtunities, but i dont go to a school that offers those (they offer only mediocre ones), and i have a large family, time and performance oppurtunities are limited. </p>
<p>ive only done two outside of school shows, just for fun really, and the 3 school musicals, with no leads in the schools and supporting in the summer shows. </p>
<p>i decided to pursue the mt track this past march...around my bday, so a little late in the game compared to most of my competition. </p>
<p>ive been "singing all my life" but only voice lessons for the past two years. no acting training. and i started dancing in august of '05. </p>
<p>i knew that it was a tough road, auditioning and such. but really, the support of parents helps a ton. </p>
<p>anyways, the point is...regardless of my expierence, i worked my butt off. everyday, i was going to a dance for like 3 hours, doing as much as i could, working as hard as i could. i kept working hard in voice, perfecting my songs by singing them at least 3 times a day. i worked on my monologues at least 3 times a day. i also was keeping up on 5 aps, so i know where it sounds like your d is, with her good grades.</p>
<p>so i kept working, my audition rolled around in november at nyu for early decision. i got there, did my best. all these other people had been dancing for 6+ years, been in like 15 shows, voice since like 8th grade. so i was a little intimidated. but i had prepared, so i went in and did my best. </p>
<p>it paid off, i got in and am going next year. </p>
<p>moral of the story: work hard, do the best with what youve got. actually funny thing, one of the questions i was asked while there by mr bartow, artistic director of tisch, was about the performing opportunities in your town. i told him about my small school, so he got a glimpse of my expierence. </p>
<p>i really think that it comes down to your talent over your experience, cause you could have been in 20 crappy shows, and be well, crappy. but you could have been in 3 and be very talented and that will shine. </p>
<p>any more questions about me or my experience, or nyu (im gonna be a freshman next year, so idk about all of it yet), please feel free to pm me. </p>
<p>chris</p>
<p>I am sorry if you got the wrong impressions from my post. It is not a matter of my D not taking a role in the chorus, but rather that the groups are constrained by rules that prevent them from even offering a part to a teenager. It so happens that earlier tonight I heard from an entertainment attorney who explained that the state of NY has fairly stringent rules surrounding the "liability" issues of having performers under 18 in shows. While I would gladly stay during rehearsals should I need to, many of these organizations are operating under charters that will not cover them should anything "happen" when a minor is on the there. That explains why those roles are cast in an 'unusual" manner.
As for school, my objection is when the rights to a show are purchased and then the piece is re-written and changed to accomodate the talents of a faculty member's youngster. thereby altering the integrity of the original piece. When this is done without the permission of the liscensing agency, it places the entire school in jeopardy. Yes, she is understudying the lead in the current production, but this particular show has been so altered as to make it almost unrecognizable from the original piece. The author of the show does not know, nor has permission been requested to do this, and having been a part of the theatre all of my life, I find this dishonest and have real hesitation about letting my D be a part of this. What I neglected to state was that after the initial auditiions, my D was offered the role- it was only on the following Monday when rehearsals began that she was told that there "was to be a slight change and she would not be playing the part after all". And you wonder why I, along with her voice and dance teachers, are looking elsewhere for performance venues?
I didn't intend to offend you, but I am quite grateful for all of the encouragement and advice that has been sent along.</p>
<p>I personally know that based on the fact that I have never had a lead in my school musicals, and the director of my school's drama deaprtment has treated me like crap for the past for years, it made me work harder to become better so one day when I'm accepting my Tony, he will feel dumb for doing everything he has done.</p>
<p>But basically it all comes down to what chris said, and to quote the musical "Fame"..."Hard Work!" lol. I worked my butt off and it also paid off for me as I am going to NYU for musical theatre next fall as well!</p>
<p>sounds like you have a messy situation there, I really don't know what to say about that. Except I do know that all of the "unfairness" your daughter is experiencing will make her tougher, and you need mucho toughness in this business. My S has had tremendous sucesses and real disappointments and I am always amazed to see how he picks himself up and goes on. As far as the other student getting things tailored to her, that is doing her no favors in life, and in the long run she will suffer, when she finds out that the world will not cater to her.
But I notice that you say you have been in theater, so of course you know all of this.</p>
<p>TAKE ENSEMBLE ROLES!!!</p>
<p>seriously, ensemble roles are worth all the time and effort of going to rehearsals. </p>
<p>i was in much the same situation as your daughter. i come from a very small area with limited opportunities, but i still managed to get in 35+ shows/operas by the time i graduated high school. i took every role i was given (with the exception of one professional show that i just didn't have time for), and appreciate the experience of EVERY SINGLE one. sometimes, i didn't understand why i wasn't cast in the bigger roles, but even in professional work, a lot of times she won't understand why she doesn't get a big role.</p>
<p>especially with community theatre, the key is to ACCEPT the roles they give you. the company learns to trust you and learns what it's like to have you around. I'll give an example:</p>
<p>i got cast in once upon a mattress as a lady-in-waiting. ensemble role, i took it. i love love love musical theatre, so it doesn't matter to me whether i get a big part or not. the woman playing lady larkin had a career on broadway and was an incredibly talented actress/singer/dancer (CAP21 grad). because of health reasons, she had to drop out of the show. the director approached me and a rehearsal and asked if i would stand in for lady larkin until they found someone to replace her. i agreed and stood in for "normandy" and "in a little while". after "in a little while" the director came up and asked me to permanently take over the part of lady larkin. i did, and got great reviews in the local paper. the director gave me an incredible recommendation for college this year.</p>
<p>i would say encourage your daughter to get all the stage experience she can. every little bit counts. even if it's a local production, she'll learn HOW to be in a show and how to interact with people in a theatre environment. </p>
<p>it sounds like your daughter has a great coach and some natural talent. it's good that she has good grades, but the audition is really the most important factor at most schools. a good resume will help, but they'd choose a talented kid with a smaller resume than a kid who's not as good who's been in lots of shows. </p>
<p>that said, please don't knock down the people in your community and schools. the people who get cast as the big roles are undoubtedly thrilled with getting the opportunity -- and theatre isn't about getting the leading roles all the time anyway.</p>
<p>maggie</p>
<p>I know just where you're located. My husband and I picked up our first chocolate labrador from a breeder in Shortsville (not too far from you) and definitely out in the "boonies." </p>
<p>Anyhow, I have a son that's a Junior. He started performing in our local outdoor play as a 4th grader. During his middle-school years we couldn't find any training or performance opportunities for him in our local area with the exception of church and a poor class at the local park and recreation. He did pursue both of those opportunities. As a freshman, he got a slow start in the high school theater department (children's theater, musical, dramatic play). Now as a Junior, I can say that he's getting progressively more important roles. I do think that as in sports, the school-based theater programs probably cast their major roles with the upperclassmen. It may feel "unfair" as an underclassman, but once on the upper side you'll know that the opportunities are being "saved" and not given to the underclassman who may be more talented. It does seem to work out okay in the end.</p>
<p>Terri</p>
<p>The title to your thread caught my attention because we also live in the middle of nowhere....on a dirt road in the mountains in a rural area...our town has about 1700 people. I also have a kid in a BFA program (I guess I'll keep the NYU/Tisch theme that is developing on this thread...lol). Yes, it can be harder in a small place where less theater opportunities abound but you make the most of it and seek out things if you can. </p>
<p>First, you don't have to have lots of credits to get into a BFA program. You just have to have talent. The talent has some to do with some natural talent, some to do with training, and also experience. Production work has value in that you learn a lot by being in shows too. So, it is worthwhile for the learning but you don't need the credits themselves. My thoughts about your high school so far....your daughter is a FRESHMAN. In many high schools, casting involves seniority. I think our HS is more of the exception in that seniority is not the main thing and in fact, my daughter was the lead in the HS drama and musical as an 8th grader (they allowed the MS students, which is part of the same building to audition for the HS producitons, though the MS had its own musical). She was not the only kid who has played leads there as an underclassmen. But most places, it is common that you work your way up to that by senior year. Our school goes more by the audition. But anyway, a later post of yours mentions politics and yes, this happens in schools and in community theater, so it is common. But even without the politics, if she is just in ninth grade, it is not common to get the lead. Others have done the musicals for a while and if there are other talented kids and it may make sense to use someone in significant roles who worked toward the roles, plus the directors know what they are like to work with and on stage. In my opinion, she can't be in this just for getting leads. If she loves it, it should be about getting experience and being a part of it all. She could do ensemble, have a great time and even stand out. She'd be learning all the way. She'd also be part of the collaborative process....be part of the drama dept.....and build up to a future in it as she is just starting high school. So, already if she does the HS shows, NO MATTER the part, there are four years of shows right there. She may not be able to afford to be choosy but just be involved so she can at least be doing theater. On the other hand, I know two very accomplished theater kids in a well known BFA program who never did their school shows....related to something not too keen with the school director, etc. and they opted to not be involved in their school productions. </p>
<p>Let's now go to community theater.....you are now talking ADULT productions. In most community theater we have been involved in....many roles go to adults. A fifteen year old is too old for the kid roles and not old enough sometimes for the adult roles, so it can be a no man's land at that age. It all depends on the show. If they are doing Sound of Music....she has a shot at Liesl because they aren't going to use a 30 year old for that role, for example. But in Guys and Dolls, I can see them using a 22 year old, but perhaps a girl your D's age MIGHT get in as a Hot Box Girl. The way we always viewed adult productions was that it was a wonderful opportunity to do a show at what is often a higher level than a youth production (depends where, I realize) but it usually means a much smaller role but the experience itself was GREAT. Then in youth productions, it was an opportunity to sometimes get to play a significant role. Both experiences had value. </p>
<p>One major community theater in a city 50 miles from us where my D did 3 shows, has a huge budget and they are not as keen with using young people but they do sometimes. But last year, for instance, they did Grease and of course that show is about teens. There were 23 cast members and only three were real life teens....my D (16), her now college roomie, also in CAP, and her HS boyfriend. In fact, my D joked that a woman who is ten years older than her who played Gypsy in Gypsy when my D was Baby June at this theater, was now, in Grease, playing the same age as my D (this woman was Rizzo and my D was Frenchy) and that felt funny. She had been Lily St.Regis in Annie when my D was little Molly. So, my point is, it is very common in some better community theaters to use older actors, but sometimes teens can get in depending on the roles and often if a teen can even be in ensemble, it is worth it for the experience of working in an adult production and the level of "professionalism" involved. </p>
<p>This past summer, my D was in an adult professional production locally. She knew that just being IN it was worth it, but knew she'd just have small roles because she was the youngest person in it (had just graduated HS, was 16) as the others were adults, mostly professionals, some were Equity and from NYC. They brought in a Director and Mus. Director from NYC (had been on Bdway) and she did it for the experience. That's what I mean....she had just come off of being the lead in a youth production which was a great experience but then she was a tiny part in an adult production but gained different things by that. Also, don't underestimate that you can still shine on stage in ensemble or small parts. A theater review in our state mentioned my D, the only person in ensemble type roles, in the article, as standing out. Even a mom on this forum who lives in another part of the country told me a friend of hers was on vacation in my region and saw a show she was telling her about and mentioned this teen in it who was in ensemble (then the CC mom realized it was the same show!) and so that is an example that there are no small parts and do it for the experience and be the best damn small part or ensemble that you can. It was quite worthwhile. You gain from each experience. </p>
<p>We don't have youth theaters where we are. We don't even have that many theaters in the region though there is more in summer but my D was never home in summers. But she did do local community theater and major community theater that was far from us (it does mean schlepping a lot if you live in the middle of nowhere) and she did do her school shows. She also went away in summers to a theater camp which was a mix of training and productions. </p>
<p>Also, there are all sorts of performing opportunities. You say your D is in show choir (we don't have show choir in our state but I know what it is from kids in other states), but that is one opportunity there. We do have choir and select choir. We have regional music festivals by audition, as well as All State...so those are other ways to be involved in auditioning and performing (kids get picked for solos too). My D went to a dance studio daily for years but again that was very far away. But there, too, while not theater per se, there were annual dance shows. They also had a select dance troupe that performed around the region.....performing is a skill and the more you do it, the better but it doesn't have to be a theater production. Seek out opportunities to do anything related to theater, with what you've got. My D created and directed two musical revues, which had never been done before at her HS, completely student run....your D can create opportuntiies. She also did that with kids last summer as a job. There are ways to find performance opportunities. </p>
<p>The other thing is to focus a lot on training....voice lessons, dance classes and if there is acting available (we did not have acting classes here). Perhaps in summers, there is some theater going on in your region...ask around.</p>
<p>Be willing to take on ensemble....for both the experience itself...but also the love of theater (my D always wanted to be in a show as she just loves it and it is a way of life)....AND also as someone else said, she has to prove herself with a theater group.....once you do one show and you do very well on stage and in rehearsals and are good to work with, that will count on the next round of auditions. Remember, in adult shows, a teen is not so likely to play a major role (unless the show is written for young characters). Do them for the EXPERIENCE. I'd also have your D do the HS productions. She is in ninth grade...can be in ensemble, and hope to get better roles each year but the roles are not the main thing. And if politics are involved, then that is the way it is....that is not a unique situation...she'll know it and so can't take it personally. I have a theater friend whose D right now is in the supporting role senior year (very talented girl) and the lead is the D of the musical director. She likely did not stand a chance as the lead given this other girl's "situation". This is not unusual. Same with community theater. It is what it is and as long as you know what it is, you have to suck it in and just go and do the production and get what you can out of it and do your best in whatever role you have. I have seen people stand out in a production who have minor roles or even ensemble. You can't always play a lead! My D has played numerous leads but she has played ensemble many times and also smaller parts and supporting roles. Each show had value. She was DOING theater and learned something and enjoyed it. You can't be in this and only be happy if you get a big part. In fact, when they get to college, they are likely gonna be ensemble at least to start. And when they get out, same likelihood. </p>
<p>You really do learn from every experience so try hard to not be picky and just find ANY related theatrical experiences within your setting that you can. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I didn't see Sporti's wonderful post when I posted above (I got interrupted by my 17 year old IMing me from college!)....but let me say this.....after meeting Sporti on the Forum, we came to realize that my D and she had met as Sporti is from the same region in my state (I even saw Sporti sing this summer but didn't know her online until long afterward...she's great by the way). Sporti is from a rural area like me. My D's college roomie in CAP21, is also from another rural town in our region....these kids all went on in musical theater. They made the most of opportunities they could find in the middle of nowhere (trust me, this really IS the middle of nowhere).</p>
<p>thanks for the compliment, susan!!</p>
<p>just to illustrate really how far out we are....the performance susan saw me sing at? yeah, i had to drive an hour and a half to get there. and i got lost.</p>
<p>.....twice.</p>
<p>susan also has a really good point about all-state, etc. since we're from new england, i know that both her daughter and i participated in New England Music Festival as well as All-State -- and these are also great opportunities to be around kids who love what you love. her daughter and i both had success in the scholarship competition through all-state music festival. i know not every state has that component of their all-state festival, but if yours does, definitely check it out for your daughter.</p>
<p>i also know that both susan's daughter and i MADE opportunities for ourselves by teaching summer MT camps for kids -- another great experience (as well as resume) builder!! you have to be creative if the oppportunities aren't right there for you. i also served as the artistic/casting director for my school's variety show in high school -- more great theatrical experience from a different perspective.</p>
<p>haha, susan, i have used your daughter as an example so many times in this post....i hope you don't mind!! LOL </p>
<p>maggie</p>
<p>lulumom - sound like some of the issues around kids in community theatre productions are a little different than just being a closed group, if they are saying its a liability issue or state regulation. Who knows, sounds odd to me.
I just want to add the idea of 13-16 (or 17) being a theatre no mans land. My D is almost 14 but in one year grew almost 6 inches and went from children's parts to? Last year when she was just 13 she auditioned for Swing- she loves swing dancing, the chorepgrapher loved her, used her to demonstrate in the audition. But we were told at the end by the director - he couldn't cast a 13 year old to partner and romantically dance with 30 year old men, the community would not accept it. And her fater was in total agreement about not wanted her dancing with 30 year old men.
We are in a theatre rich city, which presents its own problems for D now. But she has her first 'adult' part in the ensemble of Fiddler starting this week. Casting a non-driving kid 14 year old creates problems for the company and us. There are 4 other kids in the show(youngest sisters and their 2 suitors) with VERY small parts. They have limited rehearsals and are always done by 8:30. The adult rehearsals don't have definitive end times, since it is assumed they can drive themselves, and they rehearse later until 10 most week nights. We knew this would be the case, and there are some other girls (HS seniors) from D's school but the majority of rehearsals are set up for adults and when D was offered the part it was made clear that she would be treated and expected to contribute as an adult not one of the kids.
So although she and we are thrilled that she, in this instance, was able to compete with adults and receive a part (BTW I am sure it is her dance training that can be credited since she will be a bottle dancer and possibly in a Russian dancer) we may not be jumping into anymore adult roles until she can drive herself.</p>
<p>Lulu'sMomma, didn't you say that Henrietta is near Rochester? I ask because a friend and colleague of mine is from that area, and she says that there are various theaters/community theaters, resources in Rochester, which is, after all, a city. I just, for the fun of it, Googled "Rochester, NY + theaters + drama" and a bunch of stuff popped up, from community groups to something called Blackfriar's Theatre.
Just as an aside: my D began doing theater/drama at her school, and for a long time, the school was her whole theater world. (They did musicals each year and a teacher offered a musical theater summer camp, which she participated in.) However, this year she left that school to attend a public arts high school, which doesn't do shows until the kids are seniors. She suddenly had to go outside the school environment for performing opportunities, and was surprised at just how much community theater is out there, if you go looking for it. She began by auditioning for a community (church-based, but open to the public) group's fall show, and had a great time interacting with people ranging from little kids to older adults in the show. From there, she learned about more groups, and it snowballed. She currently is rehearsing for two different shows (a musical and a straight play) and is about to begin understudying a role for a third group. (Not sure how she will fit all this in, but that's another discussion.) In the meantime, we are being told about a handful of other audition opportunites.
My point is, way back a year or so ago, we had NO idea all of this was out there. Now she has more than she can handle, timewise, and is learning a ton. Of course, Lulu'sMomma, you know your community better than do I (much better!), so I may well be wrong. But my guess is that there are a lot of community groups, etc. that you just are not aware of, and which might be happy to have your daughter as part of them, if she is willing to work hard and take smaller roles at the beginning.
Lisa</p>
<p>For Lulu'sMamma....Admittedly, I do not know the Rochester, NY area. However, I happened to just be viewing a resume of someone who is currently in a MT BFA program and she apparently is from your general area and two places where she has many major role credits as a teen are at RADA (Rochester Area Performing Arts) Theater and at New York State Summer School of the Arts. It is sheer coincidence that I happened to just be viewing this and so I thought I would pass that onto you. You very well may know of these two places (I do not). All I can say is that she has many significant credits at both prior to college. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>One more idea for possible contacts/ideas for performance opps, in Lulu'sMomma's area: Nazareth College. My friend (who is a graduate of Nazareth) says it is close to Rochester and the college apparently has a good theatre department. Of course, I am not sure that the theatre dept. offers (in and of itself) any opportunities for teen actors, but my guess is that a phone call to a professor or the dept. chair (or an email, for that matter) expressing interest and asking where you might get more information would be a good first step.
L</p>