<p>My son is starting to prepare his materials to apply for MPulse 2011. He will be auditioning by DVD. The plan is for us to video his songs at his teachers studio. She will play the piano. We have a good HD video camera. Then we plan to video the monologues ourselves and edit it all on the MAC. Do we need to do something more professional? Advice/Experience? It also states that you can add video of recorded stage performances to the end. Should we do that or stick to the basics? We do have a clip that shows him tap dancing in a show (pretty basic, not advanced) and a good audio clip of a show.</p>
<p>Hi - I have helped put together two MPulse audition DVDs - and no, they don’t need to be professional. For both of my daughters we made them using IMovie on a Mac. We did add on other performances at the end - that is one advantage of auditioning by video rather than in person (plus the fact that you can do retakes if they mess up!) I think adding the tap number is a good idea - and maybe if you also have video footage of him singing in a show? I guess that audio clip could also work…</p>
<p>I’m using IMovie, too. What was on your video? I’m thinking- him telling what songs he is doing and why he wants to go to MPulse. Then the songs, then him telling what monologue and what clips will follow. Hopefully 12-15 min? Did you have a live dance?</p>
<p>Here is the info from their website with the order of things for the DVD. First you do the introduction of your three pieces, then your songs and monologue, and then talk about your theatre experience and why you want to go to MPulse - and then the additional footage, if you choose to add it (and theatremomma, I will send you a pm):</p>
<h1>DVD (for those not auditioning in Ann Arbor):</h1>
<pre><code>* Include all of the audition requirements listed below on ONE DVD. Use DVD-video format so that your DVD can be played on a DVD player, not just on a computer.
- Make sure that your face is clearly visible, with your upper body fairly near the camera and
the background simple, uncluttered, and not too bright (e.g., in front of a window). Try to include
a full-body and close-up shot at some point in the recording. You must still submit hard copies of the two photos described above. - Place the microphone close to you and away from the piano. Use an acoustic piano (not electric keyboard) and make sure that the piano has been tuned.
- Announce your name and the title of each selection.
- After you finish, take time to speak about your experiences in music or in theatre, and mention how you became interested in attending the MPulse Musical Theatre Workshop.
- If you would like to include recorded selections from stage performances, put these on the SAME DVD after the songs and monologues required for the audition.
- If you have any dance experience, you may also include performance excerpts on the SAME DVD.
</code></pre>
<p>I totally agree with MTMama, the DVD does not have to be professional at all. My D’s was done very simply with IMovie and she followed the format as outlined on the MPulse website. She did not include any additional footage from shows. I think the personal statement is actually very important and helps them get a feel for your personality. Her DVD was under 4min. long. Best of luck to your son. It is an amazing program!</p>
<p>Was her personal statement very “casual” and chatty or more structured? I know I’m over thinking this, but that’s my job… under 4 min. WOW. She must have nailed it!</p>
<p>Her personal statement was very casual. She told a funny story about her experience in theatre and was just herself-not formal at all -they only asked for 16 bar cuts of the songs and a short monologue so the DVD was not very long. If I had better computer skills I may have added some of her performance clips but I guess what we submitted worked as she got in! They must get tons of DVD’s to look at so keep it short and sweet and follow their directions to the letter.</p>
<p>One more vote for keeping taping simple and easy!</p>
<p>My husband taped a friends auditions for MPulse last year, who was later admitted. It was a simple DVD that followed the directions on the website specifically. It was filmed in our living room, with no special lighting of any kind. No additional materials were included either. I would go with as simple as possible, but follow the rules. Including the rules that require a minimum GPA. We have known several kids who were ever so slightly under the GPA minimum, who were told their tapes would not even be looked at. They simply were not eligible. </p>
<p>MPulse is by far one of the most valuable experiences in MT my D has had over the years. If your kid is interested, its definitely worth the trouble to audition and certainly worth the cost if he/she is invited to attend. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. Makes me feel better about not trying to over-produce it. GPA, no problem, 4.2. Thanks for taking the time to answer!</p>