Perhaps we should inaugurate the Flatware Basket award for the parent who leaves the most absurdly scorched earth in his wake. There might need to be other criteria to narrow the group down. I say first we choose a group to hold/defer…
To this day- there is one section of my basket that is broken and non functional. (I have never gotten around to replacing it) I like to see it as a metaphor… @-)
Two words about this process: it sucks.
I’ve said before that D is prepared to love any program that she’s accepted to. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t had some mini breakdowns over this process … it’s really tough for her when she’s in school mode w/ school friends. Most of those friends have committed to schools, choosing roommates, etc. When she’s w/ her theater friends, it’s much better since most of them still have an audition or two to go and are in the same limbo she is.
This time next year your D will have a whole new world and life- where ever she ends up. I do think the scars fade faster for the kids than the parents. In terms of schools and “yesses/nos” - D has left it far behind- too immersed in what she is learning and doing now.
Thanks for all of the thoughtful words of encouragement. We embark on our last audition trip this weekend and then we wait. I love the support from this group – my muggle friends just don’t get it. Keep the faith!
I am not a frequent poster but a fan of CC and appreciate all the encouragement /advice/opinions given here( by most. lol) It has helped me understand a lot of the process that I was not aware of (although sometimes ignorance is bliss, jk) My S is down to his last 2 auditions and although I am relieved the process of auditioning is almost over I have to keep from asking myself if we did enough. That is an endless black hole that can swallow you up. But in the end you take a deep breathe and keep faith in your decisions and know that Life is Good!
And to make things worse CMU sent 800 acceptance letters out by mistake…has had to rescind them all 
OM gosh! That’s terrible @bisouu
In trying to explain this process (specifically Chicago Unifieds @ Palmer House), to a “muggle” friend this is what I came up with: Imagine all of these kids all dressed up in their “audition best”, bright-eyed and full of dreams. Now imagine that the Palmer House (or just audition season, really) is the Titanic and all you can do is wait on the sidelines and hope your kid is one of the few to make it to a life-boat (get an offer at a BFA program they love & you can afford). The beauty of Palmer House only served to reinforce this comparison. Oh, and the boys get to board the lifeboats first in this scenario… 8-}
There is also the whole business of discriminating on the basis of weight, ethnic origin, gender, height, hair color, etc. which would be illegal in any other setting, but is standard practice here.
I have said it before- I actually think many girls have an advantage in the BFA process- not numerically of course, but in terms of understanding the competition. With rare exception- every girl in theater (even a really talented one) has had to fight for their spot, a role, recognition etc. I know FAR more boys (very talented as well) who glided through youth/school/community theater with endless leads and accolades b/c their pond is (often) so much smaller- and then had an issue when they applied for colleges…
@addicted2MT - that is a brilliant summary of the situation.
^ That has been a bitter pill for me to swallow. Son seems to take in stride though 
Today I have a new frustration, my S’s school. They don’t seem to have any leeway in their “excused absence” policy and seem to be threatening consequences for missed school time to audition. They only give 3 excused absences to visit colleges. Well excuuuuuse me (forgive the pun)! I can’t help that this is a crazy competitive endeavor that requires 15 auditions over 4 months to hope to get a couple of acceptances that your kid loves and are affordable. Seems like some administrator would have some common sense somewhere!!
Oh well, two more auditions to go (this weekend and next) and then it’s waiting time.
Also just found out that the temperature range tomorrow at our audition school (the day we will arrive) is a high of 17 and a low of -2! And it is NOT a northern school! This Texas boy is not really prepared for more cold.
Wow! CCs been busy this morning… Misery loves company… And this process SUCKS! Trying to stay positive and keep our ‘first world’ problem in perspective… My D has gone from I’m only going to a 'top tier’program or not at all attitude, to dear god just somebody pick me… Her confidence has been served a giant slice of humble pie, but I have to say, seems to have also issued her a sense of gratitude she didn’t exhibit a few months ago, and that is kind of beautiful… Shes scared and full of doubt, but still hopeful and full of big dreams… I hope that this is all part of the universes plan for her to appreciate her right fit ‘YES’ that much more in the end… Hugs, prayers, and cheers to all!
I haven’t posted in a while, so here’s a quick update. We started auditions at Chicago Unified’s and have been on a world wind of getting them all in. I generally lurk, but I had to comment on @jkellynh17’s last comment. I couldn’t agree with you more. No other place would discrimination be widely accepted and expected. LOL Are we all just a tad crazy?
Hey, @MTDadandProud. Speaking as a high school teacher and someone familiar with this process. If the school holds your son accountable, go to the teachers. We are far more understanding and more likely to not punish the child academically for something that he can’t control. When I am in this situation as a teacher, I make my own decision based on what is in the best interest of the child, not the school’s policy. Hate this complication for y’all. Best of luck.
@bisouu how and when did you hear that CMU sent out 800 acceptances that they had to take back?
@MTDadandProud we have the same policy at our school. I decided not to to try and deal with any red tape…knowing in the end I would get no where! My D just happens to become ill on Friday’s! ;))
Good one @MTRaleighmom. More than one way to skin a cat.