<p>So the first two weeks of senior year have been interesting. Seniors seem to be more relaxed than in their previous years. I can’t quite put my finger on why…perhaps it is the already established rapport they have with their instructors as well as their peers. This year is tweaking and polishing…perhaps for the most part the growing pains have subsided, at least for now.</p>
<p>1) First week…the auditions for the semester shows and then the cast went up…always an exciting time fo’ sure. Students meet with department heads and go over suggested colors to wear for auditions, hair styles, and what clothing might be best for showcases.</p>
<p>2) Second Week…students are lining up photographers for headshots. Some are electing to hire their own photographers. I know of two who are flying to LA to have theirs taken.</p>
<p>Many of the students are electing to pool together and have a photographer flown in from Arizona. This group is also hiring a hair stylist and perhaps someone for makeup. Right now their headshots are scheduled for the week following fall break.</p>
<p>Many opinions have been solicited regarding whether to invest a whole lot of money in initial headshots. Afterall, many students aren’t quite sure what coast they’re headed to…or for that matter the great heartland in between…and each region prefers a different head shot style. From what I hear, the collective thinking is, don’t sink mega-mega money into these head shots as your looks will inevitably change in one year’s time; and if you land an agent they will want you to go to their photographer to have headshots taken any way.</p>
<p>These sound like reasonable arguments/opinions…thus I believe the general populus of the seniors decided to obtain a good photographer with moderate fees. This same photographer took many of last years seniors’ pics.</p>
<p>Seniors have developed a facebook site for their showcase details. Students are taking on specific roles for each showcase and they are responsible for organizing fund raisers, concessions, parking, and similar things.</p>
<p>Off to a good start. I am pleased to say. :)</p>
<p>Sue,
Yes, thank you so much. It’s fun to see what is ahead. </p>
<p>I’ll be in St. Louis on Friday morning the 21st. Not sure where we’re staying yet. We usually stay at the Cheshire Lodge. Funky, interesting place by Forest Park. We will be there until Monday afternoon. I hope we can get together.
marianne</p>
<p>It’s been awhile since I have updated what the seniors have been doing and plans have changed regarding senior headshots that I am eager to share.</p>
<p>Lara has all the seniors working hard so they will be of best caliber when showcases in NYC and LA come around next year. The seniors are also directing ETs (every Tuesday) one acts, fine tuning dialects, and clowning classes. One of their interesting classes is also conducted by the [The</a> Repertory Theatre of St. Louis](<a href=“http://www.repstl.org%5DThe”>http://www.repstl.org) Artistic Director, Steven Woolf.</p>
<p>Oh, and I mustn’t neglect to tell you that seniors also had their group shots taken. They visited several different areas around St. Louis for various backdrops…including one of my favorites, [The</a> Muny](<a href=“http://www.muny.com%5DThe”>http://www.muny.com).</p>
<p>Now, this is my first attempt at using vB Codes…as I am clicking the “Post Quick Reply” button my fingers are crossed that this posting turns out the way it was meant, because I really don’t want to have to do this all again.</p>
<p>soozie, I think it is more work than need be…soooo many additional key strokes…truthfully. BUT now that I have printed off the guidline from CC and can refer to it easily perhaps I will be tempted more often. Now I have to work on my smileys. :)</p>
<p>As some of you know, I haven’t been participating as often…simply because I feel too far from the audition process to be an effective contributer or adviser.</p>
<p>However, I just want to let you know that the seniors had their NYC showcase yesterday. Evidently it had record turnout for casting directors and agents. I was only able to speak briefly to my guys as they were busy with social hours that followed the presentations…but they seemed excited and I am waiting with great anticipation to hear how things went.</p>
<p>In retrospect…and this is my humble opinion…I am really glad my Ss went to a school that incorporates a showcase both in the NYC & LA area. It’s an important aspect to a program…because it allows them to highlight and perform all that they have learned over these last 4 hard working years. Certainly they will have a new found confidence after having performed yesterday in NYC.</p>
<p>LA’s showcase is not until after graduation in May…that will be a whole different experience I am sure.</p>
<p>Thank you 5pants for that up date. My S is waiting on results from his audition. He was so impressed with the staff. I’m also glad to hear the showcase was so successful. You must be proud of your sons accomplishments.</p>
<p>5pants… my D and I are going to Webster in late March for a visit. We haven’t heard anything from her audition; however, the auditioners (at the Chicago Unifieds) kept her in the room a long time (even the gentleman handling the waiting room thought it was extrodinarily long) and even went as far as to tell her they want her. I, being the cautious person that I am, told her to be grateful, but not count her chickens until they hatch. With that said, can you, or anyone, offer some insight into this program. My D has already been accepted to BW (which is thrilling), but we are keeping our mind open for Webster (and the other 9 responses we are still waiting for).</p>
<p>5Pants…wishing both your guys a lot of luck at this very exciting time! I can’t believe they are graduating! Please keep us updated about the next steps when they happen.</p>
<p>I heard the showcase was GREAT (from someone who saw the early one) and that the second one reportedly, was packed, standing room only!! Congrats to your guys and the entire senior class.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!! It is indeed an exciting time of year…whether you are in the beginning stage or wrapping things up.</p>
<p>momsonfaith and SETA, the waiting is excruciating…I really feel for your S & D…AND you!! It’s tremendous relief to finally know where they will be attending…and then the 4 years suddenly seem to fly by. Indeed tapping down any expectations is probably a very wise decision. Sounds like very grounded parenting. One never knows.</p>
<p>Yes!! The staff at Webster needs to be commended…they are professional. A few have become wonderful nurturing mentors for my Ss and will undoubtedly will be there as cheerleaders after diplomas are in hand…for that I will be eternally grateful.</p>
<p>Decisions will be coming in the mail soon…I wish you all luck. My advice for you is to keep in mind that if your Ss or Ds don’t get the invite they were hoping for it is merely a bump in the road. In this field there are many of those, but determination, dedication, and a bit of tenacity takes you further…allow it to empower rather than be that discouraging factor.</p>
<p>BIGsmama…I hope that “someone” had a blast in NYC!! It was a smart choice to go and scout it all out!! ;)</p>
<p>Soozie, long time not “talk”…thanks…AND I will definitely keep in touch!</p>
and that the second one reportedly, was packed, standing room only!! Congrats to your guys and the entire senior class.</p>
One never knows.</p>