I love the episode in Submissions Only where the Director sobs during each and every audition, gives the singer a huge warm hug and tells them how deeply moved he was by the performance, then the instant they leave the room says they’re not who he’s looking for. So real. And for all we know every word that character says is totally heartfelt in the moment.
@vocal1046 I am waving a white flag. Clearly you are right…and I am wrong.
Not my message at all! I am right for my family. I’m trying to be helpful by providing a point of view that arises from 32 years earning my living as an actor. Many parents here have very different views and my style would not fit them well. I am definitely on the “finish the audition, forget it, and move forward” end of the spectrum. That’s what works for me and mine. No flags necessary.
What can it mean when we are reduced to attempting to convey our “true” intent with emoticons? How did Mark Twain and others shackled with pen and paper ever get by without them? Perhaps it’s time to become fluent in hieroglyph. Or maybe for this crowd, tap dancing.
So happy for you @KaMaMom !!!
So, it’s my understanding that Webster has notified accepted males, but not females…? Is there anyone out there with any Intel?
Congratulations @origamimommy! Our D is a sophomore MT at OCU. It’s a great place to go to school.
Re: re-auditioning: There are a couple of kids in Ds class who have transferred in to MT as sophomores after re-auditioning for the program. There are also some MTs who have transferred out of MT into VP or Acting for various reasons. It is a possibility for sure. But I’m not sure I’d describe the number as “many”.
But the BA program is also good. I think the the question to ask yourself is “will you be happy if you re-audition and don’t get in the MT program?”. Unless they have guaranteed you a spot in the MT program, I would hate for anyone to go with the assumption that they could transfer in, only to not be accepted into the MT program a 2nd time. If you decide to go, I think it should be because you like the opportunity that has been offered. Not because I don’t think you can get in. But just because like with any audition, it is not certain. You just want to make sure you are going to be happy no matter the outcome of that Fall audition.
There are some really talented kids in the BA program who chose it because they wanted that sort of degree. One great thing about OCU is no matter what your degree path, you can audition for all of the musicals, operas and straight theatre shows. One suggestion: I would really look at the curriculum for the BA vs the MT degree- what classes you will be taking and who your teachers will be. Will you be happy with the BA curriculum? MT requires a lot of music classes since it is a Bachelor of Music degree. So some people prefer the BA or Acting degrees to avoid things like music theory, music history, aural skills, etc… There is no one right degree. It’s which ever one suits you best.
Lots to think about. Again, congrats on your acceptancewould love to have you at OCU. It is a very welcoming school. Lots of great opportunities. Feel free to PM if you have questions I can help with!
The BA Music/Voice program at OCU requires basically all the same music courses as the BM MT degree (theory, aural skills, piano, voice). The primary difference is that the BM MT students take some MT workshop classes, take dance, and have acting built into the curriculum (almost all of the dance classes at OCU require that dance be part of your curriculum to register). I believe that you can take some of the same acting classes as the BM MT’s if you are a BA Music student.
MomCares, I love Submissions Only! And YES about that episode!
About positive feedback in the room followed by rejection: here’s the thing. Yes, it happens all the time in the professional world. Yes, as an actor you have to learn to deal with it. But it’s still a big disappointment, and I think it should be okay to allow yourself to feel that disappointment and vent about it. I mean, look at Audition Update: there are posts there ALL the time about “I had an amazing audition in the room, they seemed to love me…then no callback. Shoot me now.” And these are professional actors who are ABSOLUTELY committed to the actor’s life. Yet still bummed at no callback or no booking.
I DO understand the well-meaning intent behind the advice of “Get a thicker skin,” I really do. But sometimes that advice (intentionally or not) comes across as “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” You know? It sometimes feels like there’s a subtext of “If rejection upsets you, you’re not meant to be an actor!” And I really disagree with that strongly. I think that part of being a good actor (as well as a mentally healthy human being) is to be in touch with your feelings and emotions, and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel, both good AND bad.
Now obviously, if not being cast in a show or accepted to a college sends you into a deep depression for weeks, that’s bad! But simply feeling disappointed at the initial news, venting about it, and taking a day or two to acknowledge that sadness and mourn “what might have been,” then putting it behind you and moving forward, is healthy, to me. I don’t think there should be any shame or blame in feeling some sadness and disappointment at not getting something you wanted. You know?
To someone who auditioned, thought it went well, but didn’t get the part or the acceptance, I would say, “You are now a real actor – putting yourself out there, taking risks, getting rejected, but refusing to give up, and going on to the next audition. You’re not alone - it happens to all actors, and it’s part of your journey.” I feel that that’s more empathetic than saying “Grow a thicker skin” or “Maybe you’re not cut out for this.”
Just my opinion, and absolutely NOT trying to offend anyone!
@limbo2019 On Facebook I saw one girl who was accepted for MT. I’m so anxious to know if more decisions have gone out or not.
origamimommy, I’d have a few questions for OCU that I would want confirmed prior to making this decision. There seems to be some conflicting information posted here. What would your D be studying in the BA Music program? What is the curriculum? Is the audition in November for entering the MT program in September of 2016? What are the numbers who are successful at doing this, and how many audition? From what vvnstar posted, it sounds like it isn’t actually a large amount of students who do this. What happens if she doesn’t get in at that point? Without knowing what the BA Music program entails, it would be difficult to know whether or not this path is what she would be happy with, right? Is it a voice major? An instrument? The answers will be necessary to make an informed decision.
The OCU BM MT and BA Music curricula are posted online:
http://www.okcu.edu/music/degree-programs/undergraduate/music-theater/
http://www.okcu.edu/music/degree-programs/undergraduate/bachelor-of-arts/
@ActorParent Excellent post! I could not agree with you more and you said it without emoticons. Yes, have your feelings. Also, move on. This is the rhythm.
Happy dance for @KaMaMom and family! 
@KaMaMom…VERY happy to read your positive news today! I’m a firm believer that something always works out. Bravo to your D and to you both on your resilience and humor through this challenging process.
First of all…YAY @KaMaMom and D! I got chills when I read your post and I am so happy for you and your D.
Secondly, thanks to everyone who shared a story of going through something similar. Apparently this is not an uncommon occurrence in college auditions and beyond. I agree very much with those of you who said, in so many words, “it comes with the territory”. THIS is the lesson to be learned.
But I also agree with EmsDaD that it’s unprofessional. At any level, any industry, any career. It really comes down to choosing your word wisely in these situation so as not to mislead. It’s really not that hard and I’m sure 95% of the college auditioners out there don’t mislead. So IMHO, making excuses for the 5% that do isn’t right either.
I really don’t understand those of you who have a problem with my SHARING and VENTING about this experience on this forum. I would imagine that this discussion will help kids and parents who will be going through this process in the future better understand what’s in store. If D’s story and disappointment provides the “cautionary tale” than I don’t have a problem with that, and neither did she when I shared it. To be honest, I have ready many, many posts here on CC, and while there have been some “we want you” stories that ended in rejection, I did not feel they were similar situations to D’s experience.
I personally would not confront a department head (or let my child do it) because of the risk of burning bridges in this small world of an industry, but if someone else would like to handle it that way…that’s their prerogative. I don’t think anyone on this forum, experienced of not, has any right to judge how someone else handles a situation. To each his own and nobody’s perfect and yada yada.
@origamimommy @EmsDad – I apologize. I did not see that you originally said BA Music degree. There is also a BA Theater Performance Degree. Both are interesting options. I believe you can even double major in those 2 BA degrees. You might check on that for sure. @EmsDad is correct that you can’t avoid theory etc… as a BA Music major. After all, it is a music degree! I believe there may be some difference in which faculty teach which degree programs if that is of interest to you. And dance classes may be harder to get in as a BA. But as I stated earlier, although there are differences, each degree program at OCU has its own pros and cons. I think the BA Music or BA Theater performance degrees are good options to consider at OCU.
Congrats @KaMaMom!!!
I for one very much appreciated the share, @Bogeyw, and the subsequent posts by several. It was an education for me and for D. Thank you!
Congratulations KaMaMom and D!!!