<p>It is hard for me to fairly list the differences when I have first hand experience at one of these and not at the other. What might be better is to ask specific questions of those on here familiar with SDM and those familiar with Interlochen. Once you get the answers, then chart out the aspects of each program and how those aspects fits what your D wants. I just think that might be more accurate. For instance, you could ask me or any other members on here specific things you want to know about Stagedoor and ask Broadwaywannabe and keepingcalm those sorts of things about Interlochen. </p>
<p>With Interlochen’s Theater Workshop for middle grades for three weeks…based on what I have read…I see a few differences with Stagedoor. It seems that in the Theater Workshop at Interochen, it culminates in a performance that is sort of like a showcase with various material including original work, established texts and improv. At SDM, your D would be in a full scale drama production of an established full length play. One is not more valuable than the other but simply different. </p>
<p>At Interlochen, it appears that the program you have selected has an acting technique class, voice and movement. At SDM, your child would have 8 classes and can choose from a long array of options and take anything she wants. She could stick with all drama related classes or choose to take a dance class or even singing. There are no required list of classes. She signs up at the start of the session for her courses. At Interlochen, there is one elective. It seems that the electives include an array of arts related courses but also an array of recreational options such as sailing or archery. At SDM, the camp is theater ALL the time (though they have breaks and there is a pool). There are no traditional camp activities. </p>
<p>Interlochen has cabins. Stagedoor houses the students in what was once a Catskill resort hotel and the rooms are more like dorm rooms with furniture and private bathrooms. The campus is small and contained. There are about 250 campers at one time. Interlochen is a much larger camp in terms of the physical plant and the population (2500 campers). At Interlochen, there will be campers who are there for something other than theater. At Stagedoor, everyone attending is there for theater. Interlochen, in that respect, is more like the performing arts camp my older D attended, French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts where some attend for music, some for theater, and so on. Again, neither set up is "better’ but these are some ways that they differ. </p>
<p>The program at Interlochen that you are considering is for a finite age group (entering sixth through ninth grades) whereas Stagedoor Manor is for ages 10-18 and there is much less delineation between the ages. Some productions are more geared to older kids, some to younger and there are levels of classes but there is a greater mix between age groups. For instance, when my child was your child’s age at SDM, she was in a cabaret troupe and musicals and classes with high school kids. That will not be the case at Interlochen. </p>
<p>At Stagedoor, there is a select Acting troupe that puts in a final show in addition to the drama or musical each child is cast in. Can’t say if your child would be in that (it is called Player’s Ensemble). Also, Stagedoor has the Dramafest of original works the students create and stage (but there seems to be some overlap with that with the final performance showcase at Interlochen).</p>
<p>I don’t know how this impacts anything but Interlochen’s site says the experience level of participants in that workshop is “basic to moderate” and at SDM, there is no such distinction and I would say the experience level ranges from basic to moderate to professional in terms of who attends. You may get a kid who likes theater and has done school plays and another who has been on Broadway in the same cast.</p>
<p>I am not sure about the teachers for the program at Interlochen as it says that college students (including many alum) make up a large component of the camp staff, though teachers are also well represented on the staff. (please ask those more familiar if this is the case) This is not really the case at SDM. At Stagedoor, the teachers of the classes and the directors and musical directors and so forth are not college students. They are working professionals. There are secondary staff who are in charge of the campers in terms of living and then who also help with things like costumes, stage management, and tech and other facets of the program. They are younger but most of them come from other countries (and may be studying theater at university) and NONE are alum. They are counselors, so to speak. Those who teach and who direct shows are not college students. </p>
<p>Interlochen has financial aid and scholarships and Stagedoor doesn’t (at least not publicly stated or that one could apply for). </p>
<p>Again, I think it would be more accurate to ask the SDM folks on this forum what it is you want to know about SDM and ask the Interlochen ones what you want to know about that program and then list what you know and compare those factors with your D’s selection criteria. </p>
<p>Again, getting into Interlochen is not a sure bet and so there is that issue as to whether to give up your slot in one place without knowing the outcome of the other. </p>
<p>One thing I can say is that both programs seem very worthwhile. I imagine your child will have a blast no matter which option she chooses.</p>