<p>I attended a PA High School and received excellent training, across the board. For years I have also taken private lessons in acting/singing/dancing outside of school as well. Every girl in my discipline (Theatre) has years and years of experience in school productions, community productions, and in performing arts classes and workshops. I consider the majority of my peers highly talented. This is not the “Glee” effect. We have all spent years working on/perfecting our skills. </p>
<p>Even so…most of the girls I know auditioned for ten to sixteen colleges. The top female students at my PA HS each got one “excellent” college to attend (i.e. BoCo, DePaul, Roosevelt, Ball State, Wright State, CCM, NYU, RCS, etc.) and offers to safety schools; however, top offers were not pouring in as we had all dreamed of before audition season. Males did a bit better with more scholarship offers, too.</p>
<p>There are SO many talented students out there that are all vying for the same spots. When I walked up and down the halls at Chicago Unifieds everyone looked and sounded good. Make your lists carefully and include safety/fit/reach schools! Just because you attended a PA HS, have an extensive resume, and are a triple threat does not guarantee a top tier college offer. Many of the girls who auditioned for ten schools wished they had done more. I know others feel differently about auditioning for so many programs, but I am just relaying our experience. It’s plain hard for girls.</p>
<p>And if you do not attend a PA HS, just take advantage of the classes and opportunities in your community. Do not limit yourself to only HS productions. You need to work with a variety of professionals to learn there are many ways to approach theater and to become a more well-rounded artist. Seek out the best and learn from them.</p>
<p>Yes, the audition is what counts the most, but there are so many factors out of your control that go into these decisions, too. You may be the greatest redheaded belter they have ever seen, but if they don’t need one…you will not get an offer. Have a long and leveled list, do your best, show your range, and be yourself. Good luck, Class of 2013!</p>