mboyd

So, I realize there are already a few threads about getting accepted into the National High School Institute and that sort of thing but having read some of the posts, I still can't really get an idea as to what it is. My understanding is that it's a theatre/musical theatre/film/(whatever you happen to choose) intensive camp on the campus of NU. That's about all I know. Is it prestigious? Does it look good on a resume/transcript? How many people are we talking for each group? Expensive? Amazing experience?

A few things about me:
I'm a sophomore at a private HS with a B average.
I've been acting in school and community musical theater for about 6 years with leads in recent years
I have taken and am taking voice lessons for many years and am a very confident singer
My dance experience is limited to the shows that I've been in up to this point but I am currently taking dance classes to try to broaden my experience

Alliesmom

My daughter attended the NHSI (Cherub) program for theater and loved it. There are NHSI programs in theater, music, film, debate and journalism running at the same time on campus. I can only speak to the theater portion since they are all run independently and the kids stay together by program. Note that you can only participate in the theater program if you are completing your junior year.

The theater kids were all grouped together in a great dorm at Northwestern which had its own common areas and a cafeteria. I think the journalism kids shared the cafeteria but not the dorm. Hers was an amazing, life changing experience that I can probably not describe adequately. She took a series of core classes in acting and voice (voice for the stage) and movement and then some electives (she picked improvisation, dance and something else). There was an emphasis on yoga and strengthening your inner core. The first day, all 150 kids performed monologues and then everyone was put into 10 groups of 15 kids each for plays -- fairly randomly it seemed. The plays were fairly "out there" shows and none really featured a "lead" per se. They were clearly meant as vehicals for the kids to practice what they learned. Every Cherub has to "tech" for two shows as well. There is a stage management component to the program so each show was run by a student stage manager. At the end of the five week program, all ten shows are run twice for the kids and the parents. My D has had lots of leads in shows but came out of this program feeling like she had learned SO much. She felt that she was surrounded with so many talented kids and that the instruction was incredibly high. They saw several shows -- both at Northwestern and in Chicago and had several trips into Chicago as a group. There were also Master Classes and a "College Night" where kids could question the faculty about different schools etc. The program did not specifically prepare you for the audition process, however.

She also took part in the two week musical theater extension. This is for 30 kids and is by audition. In the two week program, they had voice, dance, MT history and maybe acting(?). They performed a showcase for the parents at the end which was quite incredible.

There was this wonderful feeling of ensemble about the whole program. Everyone can only wear black, white or grey for the entire time (not for trips) so everyone begins to feel equal. My D's play was extremely tight and she liked the fact that no one was a lead. She still keeps in touch with many of the kids. She would HIGHLY recommend the program and felt it really contributed to her growth as an actress.

Alliesmom

I just re-read your post and saw that I forgot to answer some of your questions! It was not cheap (you can check on line for the exact price) but we felt that it was well worth it. You can only do the five week program without the two week extension and that may make a difference cost wise. You cannot do the two week program without the five week, however.

Regarding how it looks on a transcript...My D got into Northwestern ED so we won't really know. However, a friend of hers who also did it found that he spent a great deal of time talking about it at his Tisch audition. Tisch seemed very impressed with it! The program has been around since the 30's and boasts many famous alums: the girl from Ugly Betty, David Schwimmer, Noah Wiley (the rest escape me now but you would be impressed!)

gjordan

ya definitely! I was a Cherub last summer(2007) for theatre- I was actually there with Allie- Love her! But it's definitely worth the money. Prior experience, I would say does not REALLY matter. They want kids that have a LOVE for the art of theatre. yes I am planning on making theatre my career, but I can honestly say that the theatre program at NHSI teaches you so much about yourself! Lessons that can help better yourself for ANY profession. The friendships made are AMAZING and it's just---words can not express the program. It was seriously the BEST 5 weeks of my life.

As to answer your questions...I believe it looks good on resumes lol...I know 7 out of the like 15 people admitted into Carnegie Mellon's 2007 class were 2006 cherubs, and so far 17 cherubs are into Northwestern for 2008.

There are 160 kids in the program and roughly 32 stay for the 2 week extension.

It's expensive and got more expensive this year..but I recieved a scholarship!

EXTREMELY INTENSE...I can proudly say I came home looking like a different person. Fit and everything...definitely builds muscles- and CHARACTER!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I could go on FOREVER talking about the program! Like alliesmom's D, I still keep in contact with the CHerubs--they really become your family! no lie...

mboyd

well it sounds amazing! I checked out the website and it looks pretty wicked awesome. thanks for the input!