<p>When I started reading your post…I swore you were talking about me. Except for a couple of things like how many shows you’ve been in, I was in the same boat. I did my round of college auditions this year, but I didn’t do very many, and because I (like you) am a strong singer, I also auditioned for some VP programs. </p>
<p>The dance auditions can be tough. Like you, I only took dance when I was little and didn’t really have any clue what I was getting myself into. But let me tell you, if you have a good attitude and confidence and really let them see how much you ENJOY performing, that is better than doing all of the steps perfectly with no emotion. But you should go take dance lessons as quickly as possible since you have that chance! I would recommend ballet and jazz. </p>
<p>I auditioned at American, James Madison, BoCo and Penn State for MT. That’s it. I was accepted to American, James Madison and BoCo. I auditioned at University of Maryland, Peabody, University of North Texas and James Madison for VP and was accepted to all of them. </p>
<p>I didn’t even really get into theatre until I was in high school. But when I did, it was a full time deal, and I think my strong music background (I sing and play a few instruments) helped me a WHOLE LOT. But something that other people have mentioned that I think is GREAT advice is to keep your grades up. I got really great grades through high school (goodness knows how—I was so busy!) and it has really paid off. I’ve gotten really nice academic scholarships from schools and it has helped to balance the high cost of attending some of these schools. And if a place doesn’t offer academic scholarships, like a conservatory, outside scholarships can do wonders. Do your research. </p>
<p>Also, I would recommend auditioning for more schools than I did! Looking back, it was really dicey to have auditioned at so few places and I was in danger of the very real possibility of not having anywhere to go for MT or VP. I had no backups! No non-audition schools! Get some of those. It’s worth it. The security is great (or I can assume it is because I felt the lack of it all year…)</p>
<p>If you’re talented, schools will want you. It’s not all about being born performing or having the richest parents or the nicest training. If they see raw talent, they will accept you. If you’ve got potential they will want you, and if you have a great work ethic and don’t expect everything to be handed to you (as I’ve experienced with some of my friends who have been handed every role and opportunity in their lives only to be confronted by college auditions where everyone is wonderful and daddy can’t help) they will see that and be impressed by it. </p>
<p>If this is really what you want, and you know what you’re getting into and how hard your going to have to work, GO FOR IT.</p>