<p>It's an 11-week summer theater program (with an emphasis on the classics, stage fighting, voice, etc), where Apprentices have the opportunity to live in the residential halls on-campus (the theater is independent but is on the grounds of Drew University, which has been ranked by the Princeton Review in the past for having the number one theater program for any private liberal arts college). Enrollment is limited to 28 people, and classes are divided into even smaller groups, so it looks like a great program. My only question is, would this 11-week program with regional theater be worthwhile experience, especially since the tuition includes residence on-campus, or is it essentially useless as community involvement? Drew is one college I'm keen on, and being involved in the Theater seems like good communal experience to list for their undergraduate programs.</p>
<p>If any of you are East Coast-based and have experience with the theater, I'd be especially interested to hear your thoughts. Tuition is a bit steep - $3500 for the 11 weeks, which includes the residency fees - but it's something that would give me a short glimpse into local college life as well as a great regional theater.</p>
<p>Hello Kat! I meet the 18+ requirement, yes. I am a HS student.</p>
<p>That this theater is located on a prominent liberal arts campus and offers residency is what intrigues me the most. If I decide on a local state school for my undergraduate studies, already having experience with the campus and nearby town would be a plus. I’m just not sure if, at this price, an intensive regional theater program is a good investment to make - would relevant liberal arts colleges look at it as valid community participation/prior experience?</p>
<p>My son has participated in the Junior and Senior Corps at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, and will probably try to sign up for their apprentice or intern program one summer during his college years. I have met many of the summer interns while volunteering there. The theatre does extraordinary things with limited space and budget, and you are only a short train ride from NYC if you have free time. Their artist training programs are highly respected.</p>
<p>matthew, I’m not sure you’re using the right perspective in evaluating this. First, 11 weeks for $3,500, including room and board, is CHEAP (think about a college term!). Many of the summer theatre programs talked about here are twice that for half the time. </p>
<p>Second, what do you mean by “worth it”? Not enough of a “name”? Not in the “right” location? I have to say I’m confused. Are you doing this to enhance your application, or to have valuable experience? There is no reason to do programs - or do anything - based on whether it will “look” good enough to colleges. First of all, just about all of them don’t look at your application that way, and second, it’s all about what you bring to the audition. If you’ve learned a lot and had experiences that matter to you, THAT’s worthwhile.</p>
<p>If you’re trying to justify spending your summer this way (like to your parents), the truth is that you could stay home and get involved in community theatre for free - if you have good mentors there and there are good opportunities, it could be a great summer. But if this is something you think you would learn from, and the family budget will allow it, it seems like a pretty good deal.</p>
<p>I’m a little offended at your expression “essentially useless as community involvement.” I’m curious what you would think is “useful.” There are so many wonderful things happening in theatre all over the country that to dismiss - or even question - the inherent worth of this kind of program like that is really quite insulting. And to think that colleges will look down on them shows that you really don’t understand what theatre programs value. Open yourself up to a good discussion of what is really important here.</p>
<p>Also, I have to say I’m confused by your age. If you are already 18, and you haven’t applied to college yet, are you in a gap year? Are you a very old junior? Can you fill us in on your particular situation more, so we can understand your particular goals?</p>
<p>This is an apprenticeship with a professional theatre for 11 weeks. It will be a completely different experience than, say, spending six to eight weeks working on a play with a typical community theater (of course, some community theaters are far from “typical”, and do work on a par with professional theaters).</p>
<p>You will be able to meet theater professionals and get a taste of how professional theater works, which may be quite a surprise to you if you are only used to high school or community productions.</p>
<p>But also bear in mind that one reason they have this apprenticeship is to get extra crewmembers for their shows. But that’s only part of it, there is a lot of other stuff going on.</p>
<p>I agree with those who say “don’t do something just to put in on your resume”. Do this if you think you will enjoy it, and it will help you meet theater people, and it will help you learn more about theater.</p>
<p>Thank you for the long and well-considered reply, EmmyBet. My apologies if you found certain phrasing on my part to be vague or offensive, but I will try to elaborate on a few of your points to clarify what I meant with my OP:</p>
<p>I’m not evaluating this solely on the basis of whether or not it’s “worth it”. If I was simply sticking it out for 11 weeks for little more than the opportunity to make my background in the field look more appealing, I’m sure I would have a very miserable time! Please don’t think that I’m undervaluing or not appreciating the worth of these programs on their own, because I would not be considering them otherwise.</p>
<p>I was just trying to look at this from another perspective, away from my own. Ultimately, I know it’s about the audition - but I was looking for general advice on whether or not these programs are likely to be valid as community experience or prior interest in the field, since one area that I’m currently lacking in is relevant community/professional references for my field of study (and more well-rounded experience, so their comprehensive coverage of the different aspects of Theater seems fitting). Not that I wouldn’t be overjoyed for just the experience on its own, but I was wondering, if any of you have participated in comparable programs, what is their value. vs. “free” community theater? When I’m asked, or if I am asked, what I’ve done in theater outside of my education, how could you present participation in these programs and how would they look at committing over several weeks to them vs. occasional participation in community theater over a span of time?</p>
<p>I’m asking these questions partly because of my ignorance. If any of my questions were poorly phrased as a result, you have my sincerest apologies. Thank you for taking the time to respond.</p>
<p>Are you hoping to learn anything while your there? I think that’s what’s missing from your question. If you blow them away at the audition they will not care one wit about whether you have done one particular program or not…of course if you’ve never done any it’s probably a good time to start. On the resume it seems to me that something like this would go under training. Do you have other training? I don’t think more necessarily matters but I do think that most people who have done quality summer programs will come away with additional experience that shows up in the work. My daughter’s performance was greatly improved by a recent winter break workshop. You also have to want to go and learn and it has to be a program that you believe will offer you more than just another activity to put on your list. It’s not community service.</p>
<p>Oh my goodness, people. The NJ Shakespeare Co. at Drew campus is consistently amazing! We live close enough to enjoy their many wonderful season productions. Bonnie Monte, Artistic Director, is fantastic. Robert Cuccioli, anyone! But really, I do have a point of view. The college itself is solid. We actually have a family history with it. (Former president way back.) Elder, non-actor son attended briefly. (He moved on to a business major elsewhere which was not offered at the time at the very liberal arts college.) But our true connection is with the resident Theatre Co., which is not directly associated with the college but is in residence there. Younger son and current actor attended many extraordinary productions at Drew. It gave him a true insight into the world of theatre. He is currently an MT guy with a wonderful singing voice. But some of his happiest recollections are just plain straight up great acting, great productions at Drew. (Robert Cuccioli = Amadeus!) I would expect their summer to be a unique and rewarding experience. Google their professional season, which begins in June and runs through December.</p>
<p>Matthewjer18, you say, “When I’m asked, or if I am asked, what I’ve done in theater outside of my education, how could you present participation in these programs and how would they look at committing over several weeks to them vs. occasional participation in community theater over a span of time?”</p>
<p>Your resume will show what you have done, in terms of productions and training. It’s all good, as long as you have been learning, and doing things that are of value to you. </p>
<p>For admission to auditioned college programs, the audition is the main thing. The more training you have, the better your audition is likely to be.</p>
<p>Community theatre varies in its quality, but it’s great to do it if you can. In our area, the community theatre opportunities occur during the year, rather than the summer. I don’t see why you couldn’t do the program at Drew and also continue to gain community theatre experience.</p>
<p>The summer program you are contemplating sounds terrific. It’s not something just anyone could do, because of the cost. I think you should do it.</p>
<p>When I decided in '96 to become a theater major and transfer to a specifically arts college, some of the folks at that college turned their noses up at my community theater experience. They really did think that “community” theater experience was nowhere near as valuable as “professional” theater experience.</p>
<p>When all is said and done, it is very hard to actually explain what the difference is between a “community” theater, and a “professional” theater. I used to think the difference was that professional theaters paid their actors, but then I discovered that many, many, “professional” theaters don’t pay their actors either!</p>
<p>You would have a very different experience in this 11 week apprenticeship with the NJ Shakespeare Company then you would have with a typical community theater. You will meet people who are much much more serious about theater. You will get to work on a professional level with Shakespeare–when most American community theaters are unable to produce Shakespearean plays.</p>
<p>If you really can find a community theater that produces work of the same quality as the NJ Shakespeare company, then yes, that would be worth pursuing. But such a theater would be professional quality, so you would probably want to call it “non-Equity” when being interviewed about your theater experience (again, because some folks turn their noses up at anything that calls itself “community theater”.)</p>
<p>But in some ways, the fact that you are even asking these questions, the fact that you are not excited about an opportunity to work with the NJ Shakespeare Company may mean that perhaps you should let the opportunity go to someone who is more interested.</p>
<p>Thank you for the kind explanation - I do understand you’re just trying to figure out what to do, with the best intentions.</p>
<p>If I sounded gruff, it’s because I really want you to think about this very sensitive, unpredictable and sometimes unforgiving vocation in its deepest sense. Yes, there are people who “work the system” to get ahead - where the “business” in “show business” came from. I don’t even really have a problem with that. I just don’t think you really feel that way about theatre, and I hope you can work and experience it purely for meaningful reasons. Even if you did want to work the system - hardly anyone actually succeeds at that, anyway. You might as well follow your heart and have something to feel good about.</p>
<p>I’ve lived in high-powered places and dealt with those kinds of pressures. For the last 18 years, I’ve lived in a very wonderful but much quieter place. But guess what: there are a lot of terrific people here doing amazing things in theatre. They are excited to immerse themselves in Shakespeare. They also enjoy the full spectrum of contemporary works, and do really rewarding work in the community. They celebrate it all. I truly believe this also happens in college theatre programs all over the country. There will be a place for you, with your inherent talents and the insight and experience you can bring.</p>
<p>You can follow your gut, and your heart, and you can do whatever you want, whatever you’re willing to try. Just be careful about filtering it through other people’s standards. Nothing kills a creative spirit quicker. And if you spend too much time chasing what you think other people will want from you, you will miss a lot of opportunities that would truly have had meaning.</p>
<p>Got to this discussion a bit late, but I did want to chime in, as I live in NJ. The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ is a highly respected, equity theatre. It is a far higher ‘level’ than a community theatre and therefore, to land an apprenticeship there would be a wonderful opportunity. I’m still confused about your question. Positives would be that you would gain experience, would have the opportunity to learn from many seasoned actors, would perhaps gain references (if you did your job well), would perhaps have the opportunity to audition for them (again, if you did your job well). There aren’t any negatives EXCEPT the cost. The cost for my own family is prohibitive. I realize $3500 is ‘cheap’ for some, but for us, it’s not–but it doesn’t sound like cost is your issue, however. If you are alert, modest, willing to learn, willing to work hard, get along well with others, and take advantage of any opportunity thrown your way, then an apprenticeship at an equity theatre - a Shakespeare one no less - is an extremely valuable opportunity. If you want to look on it in tiers - if you want to base things purely on how others see you - then yes, it is ‘higher’ than any leading role in a non-paying community theatre. But really it’s best to view it as an opportunity for learning. It’s a great opportunity.</p>
<p>By the way, I"m intrigued by TheREALKEVP’s question about what exactly constitutes ‘professional’ theatre. Here in South Jersey/Philly area, it’s actually fairly clear: I don’t know of any professional theatres that don’t pay. Equity theatres of course pay equity rates based on their classification. Then there are professional theatres that accept equity actors on occasion. Philly has the Barrymore Award, which is a respected award for professional theatres, equity and non-equity; if you want to be considered, you must pay your actors a minimum of $75/week including rehearsals. A step lower are semi-professionals, those that pay a modest stipend, eg $500 for the whole run. A step lower are those bordering on community theatres, that pay a very modest stipend, eg $150/run. And then there are community theatres, and they pay nothing. Community theatres can be well respected too. In NJ we have the Perry Awards, for community theatres regardless of pay. YOu have to have a minimum number of runs to qualify. </p>
<p>NJ’s theatre scene is robust. But it is not that difficult to land a role in a non-paid community theatre, although you can be excellent in the role. Thus, what I said above about the Shakespeare Theatre, which is equity. It is very well regarded, and hence an apprenticeship there is well regarded.</p>
<p>I’m curious if all this is different in different states. And if my impressions of NJ theatre are correct–maybe this is just South Jersey/Philly? What is your experience in your state? I realize I’m changing the topic a bit…</p>
<p>My son was fortunate enough to get a small role in a “Main Stage” production at the NJ Shakespeare Theatre several years ago. As a juvenile, non-Equity actor, he was not paid, but was able to earn points toward Equity membership. I believe that summer interns can earn Equity points if they appear in any of the productions (Main Stage, Outdoor Stage, or “Next Stage”).</p>
<p>I lived in Chicago in the late 90s’. At least at that time, there were something like 400 professional shows each year. Many of these, perhaps most, could not afford to pay their actors. Of course, theaters that can’t pay their actors are NOT Equity theaters.</p>
<p>The theatre awards in Chicago are the Jeffersons, or “Jeffs”. Unless the rules have changed, you do not need to be an Equity theater or pay your actors to be eligible for a “Jeff”. Your show just had to run for at least 18 performances (if I remember right).</p>
<p>In my home town of Lansing, MI, the “community theater” is of such quality that folks have told me not to call it “community theater” when I am talking to people in other places. For example, often the “community theaters” beat the local Equity company in the local theater awards. I have been advised instead to call this work “non-Equity” to avoid the “snobbery” that some folks have towards “community theater”.</p>
<p>For the record, I agree that $3500 is a lot of money for anyone. We never did any of that kind of expensive program - D did some much cheaper arts camps and performed and volunteered in a variety of community and semi-pro theaters. I do think $3500 for 11 weeks is pretty reasonable, as these things go, if it includes R&B.</p>
<p>I like the “non-Equity” designation. I’ll encourage my D to use that!</p>
<p>Just to clarify the point regarding the NJ Shakespeare Theatre: they are definitely an Equity Theatre company, and have strict limits on the number of lines that they’ll allow non-Equity performers, apart from some juvenile actors.</p>
<p>EmmyBet–Yes, I agree that $3500 for 11 weeks is very reasonable. It’s just that we couldn’t afford it. I wish we could, because the Shakespeare Theatre is excellent, and as stagemum says, equity. If you performed, even as an extra, you could possibly get EMC points, depending on the theatre’s particular agreement with you. And of course, it’s an excellent learning opportunity.</p>
<p>TheRealKVP–I went to MSU back in the 1980s! Unfortunately, I wasn’t knowledgable about theatre and so never went to any shows in Lansing. But it’s cool that’s where you’re from. </p>
<p>Yes, I’ve heard of the Jeff’s–very prestigious. It’s interesting how rules and ‘classifications’ change state to state. Chicago certainly has an awesome theatre scene. I think that’s a great idea, to call it ‘non-equity;’ I think the sort of theatres you are referring to would be called "professional’ or ‘semi-professional’ here in South Jersey/Philly. “Community theatre,” at least in South Jersey, is generally non-paying, although many fine actors & stage people still can win the NJ Perry Award for outstanding productions at community theatres. But I’ve heard NJ has better funding and support than some states. Although in this economy, who knows…</p>
<p>If you think of yourself as a serious candidate for a life in the theater then do not miss out on this chance. If you get accepted, do not hesitate to say yes and send in your deposit.
I’m not sure I understand the community reference. Lively and supportive theater community? Yes. Does this count for community service? Ask your school’s community service director</p>
If any of my questions were poorly phrased as a result, you have my sincerest apologies. Thank you for taking the time to respond.</p>