<p>This is surely something we all need to hear. It makes me feel better, since I keep fretting over my son’s choice to do ED, and if that doesn’t pan out, he has only two other audition schools, and two non-audition schools. He sees applying to a lot of schools as too stressful - yes, I need to listen to him also! </p>
<p>I do see where lucymom is coming from, because we are middle-income people who can’t afford to fly around the country for school auditions, nor can we hire lots of coaches for our son. We did send him to a summer program, with the hope that if he did attend that particular school for college, he would be able to use the credits earned - we thought this could justify the price!</p>
<p>It is easy to get caught up in the process, and we should relax a little. Let the kid enjoy the process, and let us enjoy the kid while we can, right? But as much as I say that too myself I panic reading some of the threads because you start to assume that your kid is behind!. You should have seen me when I was reading all about the heat shots with the 8x10 resume paper!</p>
<p>That was terrific insight! That is something that should be shared widely. While CC is enormously helpful on one hand,it fuels anxiety on the other. We all want to help our kids, and it is easy to feel you are failing them when searching on the musical theater threads of this website if you aren’t flying all over the country or paying a fortune for coaches, camps, etc.
What I think you are saying is that there are many paths, and that what is important is finding the right place for YOUR kids. Their talent, drive and ambition is ultimately what will drive them forward if they indeed pursue a life in the arts.
It isn’t really important whether the kids gets in the “best” I imagine, but whether it is the right program for them.</p>
<p>:) Yes… what is considered “best” by others may or may not be not be what is best for your children… AND there are many “bests” out there. </p>
<p>At a visitation day last Friday a parent asked the current students what it was they wish they had known when they were applying to colleges. The two seniors said something along that lines of “while they did not necessarily think JMU was their first choice when they auditioned, ultimately they fell for the program, and that it has been a terrific place for them… college is what you make of the opportunities.” One mentioned that while he had been accepted to schools that he thought were higher on his list, the cost difference between them and JMU made JMU the clear choice. The other was happy that she landed at JMU because at the school that she initially thought was her top choice (a) the cost would have been prohibitive, and (b) she is now more knowledgeable about that program, and she feels it would not have been the best fit for her. AND I didn’t even prompt they or pay them to say those things This is not to say that they ultimately would not have been happy or grown at those other schools, but rather that they have blossomed where planted, and are happy with the garden. </p>
<p>Back in the dark ages when I was applying to colleges I did not know anyone else who was applying to study theatre or musical theatre in college. I had done professional summerstock, but never attended a summer program… although, they did exist… I went to college with kids who had gone to Stagedoor Manor, Frenchwoods, Walnut Hill, Interlochen, BUSTI, etc… I had no idea what opportunities others had that I did not, nor what opportunities I had that others did not… while the interweb is an invaluable place to glean information… it also can be a bit crazy making You all are clearly supportive of your children, and are doing everything you can with available resources to assist them through this process. Try, as much as possible, to enjoy the ride and to encourage them to do so as well!</p>
<p>Great discussion! Always remember that all of us here on CC are pretty focused on the process. Most kids and parents follow a much simpler path than you read about here. My son knows a lot of kids who have scored spots at great programs without the coaches, camps etc. Drive and talent are hugely important. I think some training and preparation is very important but many of my sons friends parents have never been on or even heard of CC and have had terrific success. I’ll admit, we have probably overdone it.</p>
This is not to say that they ultimately would not have been happy or grown at those other schools, but rather that they have blossomed where planted, and are happy with the garden. </p>
You all are clearly supportive of your children, and are doing everything you can with available resources to assist them through this process.