postgraduate programs

College Majors Musical Theater Majors
1

<p>As I think about college auditions next year, I can’t help but wish that I had another year of experience under my belt. I’m a very strong singer (soprano/high belt), my acting is my next best trait, and I’m a so-so, fake-it-till-you-make-it dancer simply because I have not had enough training. Sometimes I’m insecure that I’m not enough of a “triple threat” or that I don’t have enough experience to get into one of my top colleges next year. I really want to make it into a good MT program. I would never be happy in any school I deemed “safety” and I sincerely am one of those that think a strong college BFA program equals a strong career. </p>

<p>I’ve just now started thinking about a postgraduate program. I know that Interlochen and Idyllwood both offer a “13th year” and I think that the boarding school setting would push me–which is a good thing! I’ve never been in a highly competitive MT environment, because I’m from a smaller town. I think being in an environment like that would help me become secure in my talent as a performer.</p>

<p>I’m wondering if anyone here recommends a postgraduate MT program or knows of anyone who has benefited from one. I’d only spend the money/time/effort (a whole year off goes against all of my prior plans and ideals!) if I know it would give me the edge and the sharpening of skills to make it into one of the best MT programs. It is an option I’m only going to consider if I hear good things. If not, then I am going to go ahead with auditioning for MT BFA programs next year like I had previously planned. </p>

<p>Seriously, I no next to nothing about these postgraduate programs though! Any feedback is so appreciated! :)</p>

2

<p>

This could be a problem, whether you audition for schools next year, after a 13th year program, or 5 years from now.</p>

<p>I don’t know anyone who has ever done the 13th year option - what would be the time frame for applying/accepting one of those programs? Would it be possible to do college auditions, see how you fare, and then make the decision based on that?</p>

<p>Attending one of the summer intensive programs before your senior year may accomplish the same purpose as a 13th year program.</p>

3

<p>I want to clarify a bit! When I say “top” program, I’m not referring to only CMU, UMich, CCM only. I’m referring to schools that I keep in high esteem or regard. I hope that makes sense. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I think it is a little late to sign up for summer intensive programs, and my summer is already filled with shows, trips, lessons. Last year I did something very similar to a summer intensive program that a theatre company in my state does. Still, it wasn’t at the level of an OCU, CMU pre-college program.</p>

4

<p>Quote:
I would never be happy in any school I deemed “safety” </p>

<p>Please read as many posts on the musical theatre thread as you can tolerate, especially the rejection thread. There is a whole bunch of talent out there that will be attending “their safety schools”. I don’t want to repeat the math (odds of getting into a good program) as you can find that all over the MT thread but remember this: “The schools choose you, the only thing you choose is who you audition for!” Best of luck.</p>

5

<p>I agree with MTDad and MusThCC. Another quote that makes me concerned is…“I…think a strong college BFA program equals a strong career.”</p>

<p>I believe strongly that BFA programs can be a great training ground – my own daughter is in one right now. However, no school and no one can GUARANTEE that graduates will have a strong career. Besides your education, there are so many other factors that come into play in this very difficult business: physical appearance, personality, connections and loyalties, talent, determination, and sometimes – just plain luck.</p>

<p>At this stage of the game, it is important for you to make a list of schools – including safeties – where you could be happy. You definitely need to have some non-audition schools on that list. There are many good ones. Don’t make the mistake of discounting them.</p>

<p>I have many successful actor friends from all sorts of backgrounds: a dropout from a BA music program who has been in at least 3 Broadway shows. Another friend with B’way experience didn’t go to college at all; and yet a third has a master’s degree in Psychology from Vassar. She participated in the theater department there, even though she wasn’t a drama major. One of her classmates was Meryl Streep.</p>

<p>I don’t know of anyone who has attended a postgraduate MT program before applying to a BFA school. Certainly, additional training could be helpful if you feel you need sharpening of your skills. I wish you all the luck in the world, – but please try to be open to all possibilities as you prepare for your auditions.</p>

6

<p>Interlochen! I’m a senior there now and a few of my friends are postgrads…it’s been so helpful for them. One of my friends has grown the most this year I think. There was one guy who came as a first-year postgrad. It’s not unusual. Let me know if you have any questions!</p>

7

<p>Thanks, hslevin! Interlochen is the school I’m really leaning forward. I’ve even considered auditioning last minute for next year. What do you think are the pros and cons of the program? Where has your biggest area of growth been in since you started there?</p>

8

<p>God, how do I even begin to answer that question…haha</p>

<p>Well it’s INCREDIBLE. First of all, I doubt I would’ve gotten into the schools I did if I hadn’t gone here. But basically, I have the most incredible acting teacher in the world (Dr. David Montee, who’s the head of the program). We do incredible shows and get to work on things that high school kids just don’t get to dive into like that…right now I’m in David’s Shakespeare class (amazing) and in Acting Tech we’re all working on Chekhov: I’m doing Act 2 & 3 of Three Sisters. I was Babe in Crimes of the Heart first semester - what a blast.</p>

<p>My biggest area of growth…I mean, it’s gotta be my acting. I’ve learned SO much, in just this one year. You’re introduced to all the techniques and you get to try them on and see what works for you. I realize that I didn’t know what the hell I was doing before I came here and now I feel like I have a pretty good handle on things. My confidence as a performer (and as a human being) has grown tremendously…and the academics here are incredible as well.</p>

<p>And I’ve learned to control my voice so much better - I feel much less limited now, and am just continuing to grow. Mindy Rohn is great. But the first major experience that really opened up my voice was my master class with Victoria Clark - an experience I will never forget. Two days of pure brilliance, in which I learned more about acting, singing, and LIFE than ever before. That’s the other thing: the PEOPLE you get to work with. Just this year, we’ve had workshops with: Vicki Clark, Barrett Foa, Lance Horne, Bruno Campos, McMillan, Julie Jesneck, Michael Arden (+ he brought Christian Coulson), Alexandra Silber, Stephen Henderson (ahhh amazing), Kelly McEvenue, Logan Lipton’s coming next week, and there are a few others I’m forgetting. It’s unbelievable. I’ve learned an impeccable amount from all of them.</p>

<p>Oh and I’ve grown so much as a dancer (I’m not a dancer)…Judy’s great.</p>

<p>Let’s see…
PROs = everything. The training and opportunities. Amazing classes, amazing talented people, amazing growth. Incredible oasis of a place.</p>

<p>CONs = THE WEATHER…I’m so sick of snow and rain and below freezing temperatures! But in the fall and spring it’s beautiful. It’s just something you learn to deal with.</p>

<p>Umm…a con for me this year was stupid casting. (One of the acting teachers even came up to me and, like, apologized - saying he didn’t know what the hell happened, etc). I didn’t get to do much with the shows. But it wasn’t important in the long run. And I got to see the shows every night, which were unbelievable. Great material.</p>

<p>CONs…the food, but you deal with it (there’s always something). Like any boarding school I suppose? It’s way better than public school food. My dorm is kinda lame. But whatever. No biggie. </p>

<p>Hmm…I guess the fact that we’re in the middle of nowhere, we don’t get out much. But you’re so busy it doesn’t matter. </p>

<p>The biggest con is the cost, and the expense of traveling up here, unless you live close. I’m from D.C.</p>

<p>I don’t even know, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I can’t imagine my life without this experience. </p>

<p>Sorry that post was kindof a hot mess. I could go on forever! If you have any questions you can message me! :)</p>