If you're a drama major, did you do summer programs?

KarmaM
Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:14:37 +0000

alyrose, I don’t argue with the many posts about the intrinsic value of summer pre-college programs, but I want to answer what might be your unstated question: can you get into a good BFA program WITHOUT doing a summer program? Sometimes CC can give the impression that the only way to get into a “top” conservatory program is to devote huge sums of money and time to classes, coaching, and camps. Do those things if you can afford them, enjoy them, and learn from them, but don’t feel it’s necessary OR any kind of guarantee. My son was accepted at CMU for acting a couple of years ago without going to any pre-college programs, without private lessons or an audition coach, but with experience in school productions and a few summer classes and productions at a local youth theater. He never did a full-time conservatory-style program, so I did wonder whether he knew what he was getting into at CMU. Turned out he loves it. But that might be the best reason to do one of these programs–to see if you really want to be in classes and rehearsal 16 hours a day for weeks at a time.