<p>KatyMom, I understand this being a long shot. And “putting this one to bed” is a good idea, as once you’ve done the audition, it’s completely out of your hands. Cute story to share: When my child went thru this process we thought the CMU audition was one of the least successful. Auditioned CMU same time as unifieds in NYC and like many of you, we had trouble with scheduling everything we wanted to get in. I was very careful in all our scheduling (or so I thought) and shows up to audition the WRONG DAY. We were fortunate that they allowed the audition anyway cuz they did have all pertinent info (for the next day), but you can imagine the domino effect on mental readiness. So, trust me, we had “put this one to bed” as well – and yet-- when that phone call came, we almost needed an ambulance to resuscitate!</p>
<p>There is a thread from last year about myths, and each myth was debunked or supported…and one of the myths was “If you don’t get to see Barbara at CMU, you are not getting in.” Up through last year, we were unable to find ONE acceptance who was not passed on to Barbara. Unfortunately, this is confounded by the fact that some kids are (randomly) assigned to see Barbara first at Unifieds…so for those kids, you don’t know. But for those who see another acting teacher first, if you do not get passed on to Barbara, you are not getting in. CMU auditions are so pleasant…Gary and the others are so, so nice to ALL the kids, and so complimentary…while I love that aspect of it, unfortunately there were many kids who got their hopes up because of how nicely they were treated. But, the bottom line is if you don’t see Barbara, you don’t seem to stand a chance. </p>
<p>There was an internal communication during the last round of auditions to all current CMU MT students cautioning them, pleading with them, not to give out false and/or misleading information, as to who they needed to be seen by (or passed around to), which song or songs they were asked to sing, or how many times they performed a monologue. The fact is current students, nor alumni, nor any audition coach or other individual who claims to be “in the know” can say with any certainty what indicators point toward an admission offer. This is a very subjective process which the team of auditors in the faculty hold very close to vest. Students who assist with the audition process do not know any specifics at all. The staff at the school has been auditioning students for 100 years and as a result they have clearly become very good and identifying actors who will fit their program demands and have the talent/look/skill set they seek. Best advice that can be given is to stop trying to read outcomes of the audition process. Face it, the chances at a number of historically “top tier” schools are insanely difficult. You child could do everything “right” be incredibly talented and had every “indicator” that they loved him/her-and they probably did. But that does not mean they will be offered a spot. As for researching past threads and not being able to find anyone who didn’t see Barbara that got in, be mindful that a small percentage of accepted students visit this forum. So whatever is researched here is not a complete or accurate representation of all of the students given admission offers. Although it may be interesting, it is only anecdotal. Look, it’s such a long shot for everyone and I encourage you all to “let go” after the audition and shift your focus on what lies ahead, not what’s already done. The wait is torture I know, but it’s cruel to have (or not have) hope based on inaccurate information. Wishing you all the best of luck but most importantly peace in the process. Peace in knowing that you/your student has done all that he/she can do, and believe in your heart that the right school will see that special something in your rising star. There are so many excellent programs that will adequately prepare these artists for a career, so keep casting that net to catch the right place for your student. And the good news is that this process will end…soon enough. And then, with all you’ve learned, you can “pay it forward” to the next round of applicants!</p>
CMU was the most relaxed I had ever felt in an audition, and everyone was so nice! I got sent to Kaf first for acting and she had me make some adjustments and then we chatted a bit. Then onto singing with Claudia, and then Claudia had me go sing with Gary (who by the way was one of the kindest people there). Then Gary sent me to Barbara to do my monologues again, so needless to say it was a full day!
Good luck @liveloveMT. That sounds promising.
My daughter auditioned for CMU at Chicago Unifieds - I have to say they were one of the kindest. most courteous groups that we have encountered this entire audition season. The people checking in were both very friendly, and really tried to just help the kids relax (even told the kids while they are waiting “this isn’t a library, you can talk”). Barbara came and talked to everyone - also very friendly and assuring. Then Gary came and talked to everyone…he actually told the kids that this was their audition - if the accompanist has the tempo wrong, stop, help him fix it and start again. Quite the class act - my daughter went to the audition feeling a bit intimidated by the reputation of the program - but left feeling they really appreciated, valued and considered her talent. A nice way to end unifieds.