Spring Break OCU NYC workshop...

WMonMTDad · 02-25-2009, 12:42 AM

Any other parents with kids headed that way? S is. He's going to do the Straw Hat auditions afterward. Signed up for and May do the NETC auditions just before but we're still negotiating that one since he had some paperwork issues and only got an audition slot for acting.

802shaw · 02-26-2009, 12:53 PM

My daughter has been accepted to OCU's summer musical theater program and to Broadway Theatre Project. She is a rising junior. Does anyone have any advice on the BTP program vs. OCU?

2DsnMT · 02-26-2009, 03:47 PM

My youngest D attended BTP as a rising junior....loved it. It is a very intense 3 weeks. She was surrounded by kids older than her. It is a program with a lot of dance and the end of session show is primarily dance. The year she attended, Ben Vereen was in the show....high quality show with much talent.
She also attended OCU's summer program as a rising senior....loved it. It is a much different program in that it is more about music theater...not primarily dance. They took classes in voice, acting and dance. The end of session show is a musical for which they have all auditioned for roles and rehearsed for several weeks.
She has remained friends with kids from both programs.
Both are good programs....just depends on what your child wants to do for the summer.

anne1244 · 02-26-2009, 04:42 PM

My D also attended both BTP and OCU. The latter program, while rigorous, is more nurturing. They are generally working only with high school students in the OCU program while nearly half the apprentices at BTP are already enrolled in BFA programs. I believe OCU is doing "Seussical" this summer for their production. At BTP you are usually selected for 2 numbers for the end performance.

802shaw · 02-27-2009, 06:58 PM

Thank you both so much for your feedback. Given this is her first summer musical theater program away from home, it sounds as though OCU might be an easier transition for this year. Do you know if you turn down a program one year, do they hold that against you if you apply again next year??

Ericsmom · 03-03-2009, 12:10 AM

I agree with the above advice at her age - do OCU this year. My son did OCU (with
2DsnMT's daughter) as a rising senior and BTP the summer after graduating HS. Both were very excellent programs, but I'd go for OCU this year.

TXKatsmom · 03-18-2009, 01:50 AM

WMonMTDad...Is your S in NYC for Spring Break right now? How is it going? Hopefully you won't mind sharing some your S's experiences.

WMonMTDad · 03-20-2009, 01:38 AM

Yes, he is there now. They should be finished as of tonight and then he'll b estaying over along with some of the others to audition at Strawhat.

He's checked in a couple of times and has indicated it has been a GREAT experience. Very practical, very encouraging. They've had several master classes with casting agents, acting coaches, voice coaches and working professionals; I think one was with Kelli O'Hara who is also an OCU alum. Very appreciative of what the alums up there have managed to put together.

TXKatsmom · 03-22-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks for sharing!

TXKatsmom · 03-18-2010, 05:05 PM

Wow. DD is thrilled to have had the opportunity to go to the OCU NYC Springbreak workshops this week. She texted me that it was "the best, most positive & smartest thing she's ever ever done."

WMonMTDad · 03-19-2010, 01:38 AM

yes, it's a great program and getting better by the year. This year booked up quickly. The weather really played havoc with a lot of the kids getting up there unless they left before Saturday, but S says it has been very good

TXKatsmom · 03-15-2011, 04:21 PM

D is in NYC again for OCU's annual sponsored workshops. Classes started today, but my daughter arrived on Saturday. She is staying (for free) at an alum's apartment (which OCU arranges for the students in advance) and she was able to enjoy the city over the weekend before the mandatory orientation Mon night. I'm so happy that OCU provides this opportunity!

classicalbk · 03-15-2011, 06:21 PM

TXKatsmom- please provide details as you hear about the workshops! Which students at OCU can attend this spring break program? Thanks!

TXKatsmom · 03-15-2011, 11:00 PM

The website (OCUNYC :: Spring Break NYC 2011) states the program is "free for all OCU students" but Im sure that its mainly appealing to MT, acting, dance and VP students. The website lists a detailed schedule. My D attended last year as a Freshman, and plans on attending each year.