<p>I did a search and couldn't find anything, so I'm wondering if anyone here has any thoughts, opinions, or insights on the Young Americans college program, or any experience with it.</p>
<p>I had never heard of it, but my D (who is a HS junior) participated in a HS Honor Choir at a state U last weekend, and I ended up talking to a mom whose daughter is planning to do the Young Americans program when she graduates.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Bumping.
Does anyone have any experience with Young Americans or any insight?
Thanks.</p>
<p>Hi inspiredbymusic! I recently auditioned and was accepted into the Young Americans. One of their bases is actually in my hometown. From what I can tell, it is a really great program for people who want to teach. Many of my performing arts teachers are former Young Americans, and believe me, you can always tell a Young American by their personality–they are spark plugs!</p>
<p>When first accepted, you are required to take a year of classes in acting, singing, and dance at their other base in California. After those credits are complete, they go on many tours abroad and around the country, and on these tours they hold workshops for kids. They also host dinner theaters and put on shows around the world. Although there is quite a bit of performing, a lot of what they do is working with students. </p>
<p>I participated in one of their workshops this past summer and it was a blast! Every member was so positive and uplifting! They were like one big family. When I auditioned, they said they were looking for the right fit- someone who has the right attitude and talent. Personally, I declined the offer to join because I am more interested in pursuing a career in theatre, as opposed to teaching. Although many successful performers have come from the Young Americans, I feel that all the time spent teaching will take away from my growing as an artist. Others may feel differently-- it really depends on the experience you are looking for.
The Young Americans is a great way to see the world, meet new people, and make a difference in kid’s lives. It is also a great way to perform. The only downfall in my opinion is the lack of classes and a college atmosphere. I would much rather have classes and performances for 4 years, not just classes for 1 and performances for the rest.</p>
<p>A really great thing about them though, is that you can personalize your experience. They now offer college credit through the program, but it is only a 2 year degree. Whether you choose to receive credit or not, you can decide how long you wish to stay in the program. One girl from camp was on her 6th year! </p>
<p>Part of me would like to have joined, because all of the members were so friendly and talented, and you can’t beat the touring locations, but right now it just doesn’t fit with the path I’ve chosen.</p>
<p>Hope this has helped!</p>
<p>EmchattMT,
Thanks so much for responding! Your insights are definitely helpful. I really appreciate you sharing your experience and perspective.
I’m going to continue looking into this and considering it for my D.
Thanks!</p>
<p>There was a mom here a few years ago looking for information about YA. Maybe do a search for, I believe her name was, ktmom. I know there was a discussion on the forum. I don’t think she ever returned but it’s worth a search. I sent her contact info for an actor friend who had done YA but never heard anything further from her, which was annoying. In any case, from what I recall, the issue was taking the time to do YA, which was two years and being able to defer a college decision for that period of time. It wasn’t clear that that would be a possibility anywhere and there was also the issue of how a college would look at that experience, since part of it is classroom based, in terms of then starting as a freshman. Lots of questions to ask of the schools on your list and things to consider before embarking on that path.</p>
<p>I am familiar with the YAs program. They are based in California …you can check out their website for loads of info. My D was involved with 4 of their workshops over the years and loved every minute of it. YAs stayed in our home while they were teaching the 3 day workshops. My D very much wanted to be a YA. The program auditions people on the last night of the workshop and D found out about 3 months later that she was accepted. After more research, we decided that it wasn’t what we wanted D to do. We wanted her to go straight on to a 4 year college program. We have known others who did go for training in California and eventually went on tour with the group. I can probably answer specific questions if you have any.</p>
<p>Thanks alwaysamom and Actormom1! Sorry to be so late in responding. It took so long for me to get any response to this thread, when I finally got one response I guess I figured that would be it and I didn’t think to check back for a while.
I have looked at the Young Americans website. I don’t really have specific questions, I really was just looking for impressions from those who have some type of personal experience with the program. I’m also interested in their two-year college program, which I guess is new and not yet accredited. Really just looking for others’ experience with this, positive or negative, whether it’s a worthwhile program, what the pros and cons are.
I will do a search for the previous thread that was mentioned. Thanks again!</p>