<p>Ha Manvan…beat me to it! My D is a junior at CCM. In addition to the lessons, classes and shows, and the great advice above, here are a few other suggestions.</p>
<p>Look into The Performing Arts Project. It’s a 3 week 12 hr/7 day per week intensive made up of high level performance classes, workshops and rehearsals so you’ll know if this is what you really want plus you’ll get a real good feel for where you are talent and ability-wise against high-caliber/driven individuals, many of whom you will be auditioning with when the time comes. TPAP has top Broadway professionals on their faculty and for their masterclasses (casting directors, musical directors, choreographers, performers, composers) and some top MT BFA directors attend and work with the students as well. It’s an offshoot of The Broadway Theatre Project (which still exists but the majority of the staff made the move).</p>
<p>Look for national, statewide and local scholarship competitions like [YoungArts[/url</a>]. This will help you get used to and learn to prepare for high pressure auditions plus, if you do well, it looks great on your resume and the scholarships really help.</p>
<p>A relatively new program [url=<a href=“http://www.Stagelighter.com%5DStagelighter”>http://www.Stagelighter.com]Stagelighter</a> | Get feedback on your audition material](<a href=“http://www.Youngarts.org%5DYoungArts%5B/url”>http://www.Youngarts.org) allows you to be critiqued by top industry professionals and MT BFA faculty/directors for an affordable fee. They view at your head shot, resume and a video performance and give their honest opinion and suggestions. Not only will you get the kind of insight that is almost never accessible but it puts you in front of them so you are recognized at any forthcoming auditions.</p>
<p>Lastly, go on youtube and watch as many of the freshman showcases and any performances from students who already attend the top MT programs as you can. It’s the best illustration of the level these students are at and it will even help you get an initial feel for the programs.</p>
<p>Some may argue, but I really believe it’s vital to get a more global perspective of your abilities so you can fine tune or kick it into high gear. Take an honest look at where you stand against the students who are being accepted into these programs. Just because someone has had years of lessons and get roles in their local school or community theater shows does not necessarily mean they are going to make it into a top program. Best of luck everyone on this journey. Been there, done that and have thought and felt everything you are experiencing.</p>