<p>to soozievt</p>
<p>this is rather belated, as you posted information about the leads in second session’s shows a week or so ago, but i think you were misinformed if someone told you the female lead in Miss Saigon was new. i played Kim in Miss Saigon, and this was actually my FOURTH year at stagedoor, not first. the male lead in Miss Saigon, however, WAS brand new. So it IS entirely possible for someone new to be casted as a lead. That just wasn’t the case for me.</p>
<p>Well were just putting the last touches on packing and im off to practice my audition song a few more times and then its off to SDM bright and early tomm.</p>
<p>FYI…I bit of new information regarding OTC…there are signs every where at Stagedoor stating that returning OTC member will not be granted automatic admittance into OTC and that every camper is given equal opportunity.</p>
<p>Finally back from SDM. For all of those posters who don’t know who I am, I’m AudiB4’s son. I just recently returned from SDM second session after playing Finch in “How To Succeed…” an amazing experience and an incredible summer. The first thing I did of course when I got home was come onto the computer and update myself on all of the posts on College Confidential (it’s an addiction… HEY SOOZIE!! LONG TIME NO SEE!!) Anyway…
Just to confirm Zappo’s post about OTC, yes… Your spot in Our Time Cabaret is no longer guaranteed. Whether you’ve been in it 10 years or 1 year, you must re-audition. While some people who auditioned didn’t take it seriously, be aware: Some existing members of OTC were sadly cut from the group. With that in mind, just know that everyone has an equal opportunity now, whether you’ve been in OTC before or this is your first summer at SDM.
I’ve also been reading up on DefyingGravity’s posts a lot, and it reminded me of my first summer at SDM two years ago. Flashback to the first morning of second session. There’s me, not knowing what to expect at camp, bent over the hotel-bathroom’s sink dry heaving and shaking with fright. After arriving at camp, I realized how ridiculous I let my nerves overcome me - there was no reason at all to be scared, frightened or insecure about anything at Stagedoor. I hope no one takes offense when I say this but - you’re surrounded by theater people: it’s like stepping into a new world, a new breed of people. Everyone is just like you and at the same time completely opposite from you. It’s so easy to make friends and just be yourself. Worrying about making friends didn’t make it easier to find people to talk to… being the normal, easy-going person I was made it easier to form a SDM family consisting of about 270 brothers and sisters. SO my advice to you (or anyone for that matter) is not to be so nervous to the point of having stomach problems (whether they are physical or mental, who knows). It’s camp - and although the intensity of putting a great show together in less than 3 weeks exists, you can’t forget that it’s camp - and it’s fun. Hope that helps.
AND OF COURSE – SENDING SOME LOVE to second session 2005 people on CC boards. Love… MattyB</p>
<p>Aww matt that was so sweet! Thanks. I will try to calm my nerves and I guess being as Im leaving pretty early tomm morning Adios, see everyone in 3 weeks!!</p>
<p>Defying Gravity, Hope you have the greatest time at SDM. Have your mom post and update us! Enjoy!</p>
<p>Liz…congrats on being cast as Kim! I apologize on that mistake about your being new (you aren’t) as my daughter thought you were knew but then found out you are not new (but I guess she does not know you!). She said the boy lead was new, as you confirmed. My point, as I know you realize, was that new kids can be cast as leads and supporting roles at SDM as I have seen it happen since the first session my D ever attended. The lead female last session in Pirates of Penzance was new. I recall the lead female last year in A Little Night Music was new. The very first show my D did at SDM (she was only 9) was The Boyfriend and she was a supporting role and the lead female was new (and is now a fourth year student at CAP21). They both got into OTC their first summer as well. I wish I had seen your show and all the others as this was our first “second” session at SDM in eight years missing second session performance weekend. We were thinking of all of you this weekend. I’m sure you and your cast were outstanding. My daughter thought that reps from MTI were going to come to your show, did they? Also, did you love working with Michael Raimondi? My D says he is great and all the kids find him to be an outstanding director. I saw his Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Crucible which were both excellent. Your show is the first musical he has directed at SDM. </p>
<p>Matt…you’re back…I’m so glad you took the initiative to find out who I was last week at the 30th. Wasn’t the “sing along” of OTC something else in The Playhouse?? Can you say an exuberant crowd? I wish I saw your show but I am sure you did great. I am thrilled to hear that after your hesitancy about whether or not to go back one last time turned into an amazing session…a lead AND getting into OTC! I sent your mom some pictures from Jekyll and Hyde and also first session OTC. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>Back from SDM where D. had a blast! She loved her show and enjoyed her role. And made some wonderful new friends.</p>
<p>Just a few of MY thoughts. First as far as leads go…I personally think it is highly unlikely for a new camper to get a lead unless they are male (not that they aren’t talented but there are less of them) a new young camper, related to someone in the entertainment business or are in a major show or movie and SDM knows about it. And that makes sense. Even though you can tell if someone can sing or not in 16 bars, it’s hard to tell if someone can pull off a whole show. So it’s only natural that SDM has to select kids they “know” and think can get the job done. They also have a history with the kids and naturally don’t want to disappoint them either. I think if you look back at the older females who were new and placed in lead roles (esp. in the past few years with so many returning campers and the publicity) you may find that some had actually been there before or had something going on - maybe they had been on Broadway, work with one of the directors at home or have a parent in the business - something along those lines.
I am not saying its impossible for a newbie to get a lead…but I think it would be highly unlikely. On 16 bars why would you put in a newbie when you have demonstrated talent.</p>
<p>I was talking to one of the counselors and asked her how she liked it at SDM…we were not even discussing roles or leads. She said she liked working at the camp but it bothered her that there was so much favoritism shown to returning campers for leads and OTC and PE, so she confirmed my thoughts.
The only way to change this would be to have more intense auditions with call backs. But SDM doesnt have time for this. So I can appreciate how they do things. Fortunately my D.was aware of the probablities and she was very happy where she ended up. </p>
<p>This also applies to OTC, Matty B. (btw D. said she met you and congratulated you on your show - she was surprised you knew who she was, when she talked to you) I know that you expressed that new campers have an equal opportunity, but how many new kids made it into OTC the second session…1 male that I heard of. Maybe more but how many out of the group…so really again here we are favoring the returning campers.</p>
<p>Fortunately my D. was not bothered about OTC because she had done something similiar for 3 years in middle school, but I am sure there are many kids who really wanted to do it, and were very talented but didn’t get in because of returnees. Hopefully, if I say this here, SDM may see it and put more newbies in 3rd session. But if you have a great returnee and a great newbie…whatcha gonna do? If all things are equal - why not put names in a hat and draw?</p>
<p>As far as the shows go…I was very impressed with the quality of the productions, the props, music, sound effects etc. All terrific. As far as the kids go,.there were as my D. said some who could sing and others who needed work (even within the leads) and I will say there were a couple who I thought were extraordinary.
As far as the shows, I saw 4. My hubby thought Aida was better than Lion King (which we saw in Baltimore and he thought was all props)
We also thought the leads were extremely strong and the cast was great.</p>
<p>The facility provides a warm nurturing environment. I do think a competitive edge runs through, but I think that is only normal. The kids are GREAT about supporting one another and they just love it. It is their place.</p>
<p>I know D. enjoyed the experience very much and was very pleased with what she did and her show.
Her complaint and I have to share this too was the plumbing. It was pretty bad in the room and in some of the theaters with clogged toilets and no tp.</p>
<p>Anyway I have plenty of stuff to do as D. is going on yet another trip this week and she is also supposed to finally record her demo (fingers crossed) this month, so I will not be on the boards as much, but I want to thank you all for your wonderful advice on SDM. She was totally prepared in every way when she went and that helped her have such a fabulous time!!!</p>
<p>Almost forgot! I was telling someone how I sent D. to SDM to get the experience of meeting kids across the country, get an intense theater experience, work with great directors from everywhere etc.</p>
<p>Well she came out of Aida, and she was talking to someone and I was shocked to see it was an adult actor who she had worked with when she played Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden in our area. He was up to visit Charlie who was working at the camp as musical director of Big River and had been the musical director of The Secret Garden! We have wonderful directors right in our hometown!</p>
<p>Small world this theater business!</p>
<p>Angst, I hear what you are saying. When we first thought of sending my S to SDM, I was told that this was the nature of the beast. It is the same everywhere. This is a competitive field and I think due to the shortness of most of these programs, the directors have to do what makes it easier for them in the given amount of time. How many times have you heard the expression “pay your dues”. The same thing applies.
There was a boy in my S’s cast who was sent home for a violation after 2 weeks. He had a fairly large supporting role. In luck, someone who was coming for 3rd session asked if they could come a week early and help out in the camp (there was some family thing and he had to come up early). Well the kid was thrust into the part and learned the whole thing in less than a week. Now, I know this could happen with a returnee or newbie, but the point is, under such short notice of learning a major role, the directors want someone in the role who they know can get the job done. There may be many talented newbies but they need to show the directors what they can do before being thrust into a major part that needs to be learned in a very short time. Also, let’s be honest, to those kids who are returning and spending thousands of dollars over the course of many years, the owners want them to remain happy (and their parents footing the bill). Most of the leads I saw (I saw 4 shows) were very good, some even great. I did see 2 shows where I thought there were some weak supporting cast members and I wondered how they got the part.
In regard to OTC, you were wrong when you said there was only 1 new male. There were 8 new members and in a cast of about 40 kids, that is roughly 20% new. The kids were told for the first time that just because you have been in OTC, you are not guaranteed a place again. This was the case and several old members were cut. My S was new and enjoyed the experience immensely. However, when watching the performance Sat nite, I noticed some of the older returnees had numerous solos while many didn’t have any. Again, the same thoughts came back to me regarding using returnees in the big parts. My husband couldn’t understand how one kid could have 5-8 solos, while some had none. It was the same all over again. This is just the way the program works. Kids who have been in it before and have seen the number were given the parts because the director had confidence that they could learn it and perform it without him having to wonder if a new kid, could do it.
In any regard, it is what it is. I am glad your D had a great time. My S knew who she was because I told him her name and show and he had another good friend in the show so he asked her who your D was and he introduced himself. Aida was a wonderful show and your D should be very proud of herself for being in it.</p>
<p>One last point, I agree with you about plumbing. In general, I think they could spend a little more money refurbishing the place. Many areas had a moldy smell, poor plumbing and numerous other things that needed repair. My S loves the place and may even return one more session next year, but I do think they could fix it up a little bit more.</p>
<p>Hello everyone! I missed this board…I have not posted in forever!!! Well I am back from 2nd session, and missing it more every second. The plumbing and mold issues are def. what I miss the most! Just kidding… I agree with AudiB4 , SD should use some of the dough we dish out to repair the place we call home. And maybe if they are generous…do something about the heat! … And while I am making requests…how about a new theatre for the Drama Kids! I am a musical kid …but honestly I feel bad that we lock up the drama kids in the basements! They should have a “Elise” too! .ok I am done…</p>
<p>Well , Camp has def. changed… OTC now re-auditions kids …so it is “fair” … But I still have my doubts… I love OTC and my summer would not be complete without it… but I believe that still some kids were not taken that should have been … For example …My roommate is far more talented than I am…And she did not get in…I felt guilty…thankfully along with her talents she is also an amazing person and realised that a 16 bar audition can not judge ones talent. </p>
<p>BTW… AudiB4 I was in MattyB’s show! I was Rosemary… He is amazingly talented and a great friend…Def. a triple threat! Oh yeah and we were in OTC together…He learned everything very fast…Also his friend from home “J” was my roomie for the last 3 years…she still is not sick of me …hehe…She is a very patient person…Please tell Matt that I said hi! Hopefully Matt, “j” , some of our other friends, and I will all meet up in the city soon… We are all pretty close</p>
<p>Oh I miss SDM …I hope I can go back next yr… even for just one session…oh dear I better start saving my money! lol</p>
<p>Enjoy the rest of your summers! Goodnight</p>
<p><3 Nikki</p>
<p>If I may, I wanted to comment on some of your thoughts in your post now that your daughter has attended one session of SDM with some of my own thoughts. </p>
<p>First, I am delighted to learn that your daughter seemed to really enjoy herself, her show, the classes, the other kids, and her experiences for three weeks on her first time at Stagedoor. Hopefully, you guys found it worthwhile. Which shows did you get to see? </p>
<p>Here are my thoughts on casting at SDM, which honestly is not all that different than elsewhere, in my experience. First, new kids can and DO get leads, females included. Off the top of my head, without thinking through the umpteen shows I have seen at SDM, last session, the female lead in Pirates of Penzance was brand new. Last year the female lead in A Little Night Music was brand new. In 2002, the girl playing Maria in Sound of Music was brand new. Another year, the girl playing Maria in West Side Story was brand new. My daughter’s first show ever at Stagedoor, The Boyfriend, the female lead was brand new. There are many more examples. That is not even counting the boys. And that is just the leads. There are numerous examples of girls getting significant supporting roles who are brand new too. In your D’s show, one girl that had a supporting role is new to camp this summer. She was there first session and got into cabaret first session. I’m not going to list all the examples. My daughter’s first summer, she was a supporting role in The Boyfriend and featured in Perfectly Frank and got into the cabaret. </p>
<p>There are more leads who are NOT new than those who are new. But this makes logical sense for many reasons. One is, no matter how “fair” someone tries to be, one cannot ignore having seen someone on stage in another show, as well as knows what they are like to work with and so is going to take that into account when viewing their audition. It only makes sense. In all of theater, be it school or community theater, often someone who is returning has an advantage over someone who is new but someone new can still knock their socks off and get a part. But the new person only has an audition in which to knock their socks off whereas someone who has attended previously or done shows with them before, has more to base or prove themselves on. Secondly, there is an element of working your way up at things. I know kids (Matt B. is an example) who get a lead on their second session or into cabaret on their second session. They worked toward that. They proved themselves in a smaller part first. Many kids attend SDM for six weeks and so there is “movement” sometimes in their casting opportunities on their second six weeks. </p>
<p>I know from reading a college application essay my D wrote about some of this, that she emulated those older than herself or who had major roles at SDM and hoped some day to get there herself (though she had had leads in younger shows there). Same with in cabaret. Some work to get there eventually if not their first summer. Then once in, there is a bit of “passing the torch”. When someone got a certain solo in cabaret, they often kept it and then it was passed down to someone younger. My daughter “inherited” a key solo, Brother Can You Spare a Dime after a talented girl had done it a few summers (she is now at UMich MT BFA program) and it was such an honor to work her way to that spot and follow in her footsteps. Now, I hear this session a brand new boy did that solo she used to do. I know my D felt an honor to even get this one line solo in cabaret “I hear America Singing” from an older girl (who went to Tisch and recently graduated) who had played many leads at SDM (and performed at the 30th anniversary) and then my D did it for many years and when we saw the excerpt from OTC at the reunion/30th and another girl now got that solo, my D felt such pride for her to carry it on. </p>
<p>As far as getting into OTC…some sessions have more open slots than others. I would say that second session has the least open slots of any session. There were many openings first session and there will be many third session. Second session has kids carried over from first session and then also kids arriving who go second/third (six weeks). I know kids who got into OTC this year, some who are brand new to camp and some who were second year kids. As I said, my kid got in her first summer there too. But some come back and eventually get to that point. Many kids in OTC this year were kids I did not recognize at all. My understanding is that this session, some who had been in it in the past, did not make it back in. OTC is a ton of work in a short period of time on top of rehearsing another show so they do like to get a sense of who they think can handle it. My daughter’s boyfriend got into the Player’s Ensemble and it is his only second session ever at SDM. So, the member of these groups are not ALL old timers. Also, old timers do not get in by the nature of being old timers. I know numerous old timers who have never gotten into OTC. OTC is akin to varsity sports (or at least varsity sports at our HS). Often you start in JV and you prove yourself and then you might get on Varsity. Once on Varsity, usually about 95% of kids get to remain on it the following year unless there was a problem with them. So, newbies are vying for some spots but not all spots are open in any given year. Newbies do make varsity and even some talented freshmen make varsity here. But once on it, you do get to stay on it usually. </p>
<p>You mentioned that some kids getting key roles have parents working in the industry, or the kid was on Broadway, or they work with these staff people in their hometown. As far as parents in the industry, I hardly know any kids that fit that description. I can think of one girl there now where that is the case but she was not a shoo in cause of who her parent is. She had a supporting role last session. This was her second year. She finally got into OTC this session but it might be her fourth session now. She is talented. Over the years, I can count on my hands the number of kids who had a parent in this field, definitely a teensy minority. My own child who has played leads at SDM and been in OTC for eight years clearly has NO parents with talent, lol. My husband is in a health field and I am in education. Of all her SDM buddies, I can’t think of a one with a parent in the performing arts. As far as kids who have been on Broadway, I can’t think of more than one kid per summer who has that credit. Of the last eight years, I only know about a half dozen kids who could say that. The kinds of kids who attend SDM have varied backgrounds. Some have little theater experience, perhaps just school shows. Some merely have an interest. Some have done a lot of community theater. Some of done professional regional theater. Barely anyone is Equity. Some kids have voice teachers and some do not. Some kids have agents. Many do not. The experiential and skill/talent background is wide ranging. When my kid went to SDM, she had never had a voice lesson in her life and until her fifth summer there, that was still true. People asked who her voice teacher or agent were, but she had neither. Then with regard to having these same staff people as teachers at home…there are SOME cases where this is true, though I must say, definitely NOT my child’s case in rural Vermont, LOL! But for instance, Michael Larsen, who headed musical theater and directed OTC and directed musicals at SDM for 25 years (your D saw him on piano at the 30th Anniv.) taught voice in Florida and several kids at camp had him as a voice teacher back home. Jeff Murphy, who produces and directs at SDM, and now directs OTC (used to choreograph it when Michael directed), is on the faculty at Applause, a theatrical program in NYC for youth, where several kids from SDM go during the winter on Saturdays, if from the metropolitan area. Of course, my own kid did none of these and she had a fair chance at casting and did fine. This situation only applies to a handful of kids at SDM but there are definitely some who have worked with someone on staff back home. You even said YOUR D had the music director of Big River as her MD back in Maryland! Though, I must ask you, are you talking of Brad Simmons? To my knowledge, Brad was the MD for Big River, no? I did not know that Brad did any work in Maryland but maybe he did. Brad, you would have recognized as the pianist in the movie, CAMP. </p>
<p>I do believe talent plays a big factor in casting bigger roles. I do not think it is coincidental that many of the leads that I can think of the past couple of summers (prior to this summer) have gone onto selective BFA programs. I know some kids who played ensemble roles who did as well but clearly the kids getting the key roles were the kids who had passion to pursue this field in college and the ones who made it in. I don’t think that is by accident. But there are many who did not hold key roles who also went onto very successful things in college and the field too. I mentioned to you a brand new girl from last summer, got into OTC her only session there, but had a small part in a musical. Is now performing WITH Andrew Lloyd Webber in London this summer, her own set. There are many very talented kids at SDM, which sets it apart from casting in one’s hometown. </p>
<p>CONTINUED…</p>
<p>With regard to the physical plant at SDM, here is my take…is it really nice? Nope. I feel the camp puts their money into the program…the professional staff, the costs of 39 productions, and so forth. Could they put some into refurbishing? Surely. This might bother some people and I appreciate that. For me, it is of little importance because it is camp after all. I mean, I went to camp for ten summers and we had cabins with lavoratories, nothing real special at all. The rooms at SDM and bathrooms, etc. are a step up from cabins. They are not as nice as most college dorm rooms and are far more crowded/cramped. It never bothered my kid and so for me, I only cared that my kid liked it. Perhaps her dorm room at NYU this year will feel like the lap of luxury after her room at SDM…LOL!..it is all perspective. The physical plant to SDM needs improvement but it just is not a big thing for me personally. I, along with many campers and parents who watched the retrospective photo montage at the 30th, were rolling in laughter at the slides of the Karmel Hotel when it was bought to turn it into a performing arts training center because the interior of the hotel looked SOOOOOOOOOOOOO different than SDM looks now. It was rather funny. Let’s say, it moved down in star rating. But if I were to give SDM a star rating for environment/climate and for teaching theater skills/classes and producing youth productions, and for its “essence” as a place for those who are driven with a deep passion for theater, I would give it five stars. </p>
<p>Stagedoor is not for everyone. For those that seek such an environment to nurture their passion, it is like heaven. Or as they say at SDM, it is “home”. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Soozie - </p>
<p>I have no SDM knowledge (except for what I read here) - but I LOVE when you refer to the former “Brother Can You Spare A Dime” soloist - she has sung that song several times at UM and she is AMAAAAAAAAZING! (I know her through my students who are her peers.)</p>
<p>Just wanted to give her a shout-out. ; )</p>
<p>Coach, yes, she is very talented (the girl at UM)! My D did two overnight visits to UM and stayed with her both times. My D also initially was thinking of auditioning with that song (as it is even pre 1960) as I know that the girl we are talking about did in her audition too, but I know my D 's voice teacher would have talked her out of it as being not age appropriate (he says that every time she ever brings up that song). My D did sing it in a state wide musician’s talent award competition and was a finalist (only vocalist). What was unusual (but typical at SDM) is that my D took over that girl’s solo (when she left SDM) of Brother at the young age of 12 (SDM does not care about age appropriate material…just look at the show they do, lol). My D loved having that solo for many performances of OTC for a few years. In 2003, second session at SDM, the new director of the cabaret, decided to take this song out of the show 
thinking it did not fit the mood of the show, and we were sad to see it go. But my D did get to do another solo that sometimes was done in this same slot and by another very talented older girl at SDM (recent graduate of TISCH), and so she felt honored to get her solo (after having gotten the one that the girl you know held), and she has done this one ever since: Carousels from Jacques Brel is Alive and Well. I still miss Brother! But now, my D left for good after first session this summer and I hear they took Carousels out and put Brother back in but for a boy to do (heard this boy is fantastic, brand new to SDM, was lead in Big River). When my D first started at SDM, a boy always sang Brother, not a girl. Then the girl you know got it and then my D. It is an emotional moment in the show as the song is riveting. I loved the rendition by the girl you know and I know that my D felt quite honored to take that over when that girl moved on. The girl you know advised my D against singing the song at her UM audition because she said Brent had worked on the song with her and had his own ideas about it and so it likely was not good for my D to do it. My D did not do it. She also did not get in and was her only full fledged rejection (surely not related to this, just saying). While visiting campus each time, my D met many UM students in the program and it did come up how the girl you mentioned sings that song now at UM and how my D also has performed that song where that girl USED to. We do love the girl you know. </p>
<p>Also, that song will always be a favorite of my D’s but also a favorite performance of ours to watch her do. She has never auditioned with it, however. I know it might sound odd to think my D performed that song starting at age 12, but it did suit her style. And afterall, she learned from a “pro”, the girl you know. That song tended to stop the cabaret, so I am sorry to see them take it out but glad to hear that this fabulous boy (apparently) did it second session this year. I almost feel like getting out an old cabaret video and watching that girl and my own girl do that song again, as it has been a while.
Susan</p>
<p>Brad Simmons and Jacob Brent co-directed BR. Charles Johnson was the MD</p>
<p>zappos…thanks for clarifying that. In the past, Jacob directed and Brad was MD and they worked as a team that way but it is really cool that they co-directed this time. My daughter had the fortune of working with these guys on Cinderella and has taken Master Dance with Jacob. We love those guys! I really did not think Brad was working in Maryland, that was the confusion. </p>
<p>Are you a camper, staff or parent? Welcome to College Confidential!
Susan</p>
<p>Don’t mean to interrupt the discussion but just wanted to say a big hello to all you fun Stagedoor Manor people. It’s Meredyth- I was in H2$ second session and I’ve been catching up on all the CC posts. This is my first post, as I mostly just read. Matty B and Nikkiam- HI! I miss you guys!</p>
<p>A parent…this was my daughter’s third year at Stagedoor Session II.</p>
<p>Soozie-the boy you are referring to who sang your D’s solo was fantastic. At least they gave it to someone who you could be proud of taking over the song. He played the slave Jim in Big River and was great there too-what a voice he has!! I believe though that he came for the first time this year and will be going on to college in the fall so this is it for him-but he went out with a bang!</p>