<p>It seems like everyone getting into the top programs have done theater since they were 3 and have already been on Broadway. I know that’s an exaggeration, but seriously, is there any chance for someone who is relatively new at this?</p>
<p>I’ve done local productions at a youth community theatre in which I’ve only been in the ensemble (it’s very competitive) and high school shows since I was a freshman. I haven’t taken voice lessons in a while (because of the cost), but I’m in my schools top choir (~150 audition a year, 16 get in). I’ve had no formal dance training.</p>
<p>Do I have even the slightest chance of getting in to, say, pretty competitive schools that offer BAs? My dreams schools would be NYU Tisch or Baldwin-Wallace (which is a BM). </p>
<p>BW is highly competitive and will be going to pre-screening next year. What year are you now. a junior? Get yourself into voice lessons and a dance class, somehow, someway. You can get a weekend job or maybe barter babysitting for lessons…</p>
<p>Also, many music schools offer scholarships based on financial need so you might be able to get lessons that way; dance schools might do the same. Get as much training as you can before your senior year!</p>
<p>ajblis, I think if you take the time to read through many of the MT threads, especially older ones and the individual school forums, you will find that there is a “top” program for anyone who has the passion, the confidence and an ability to show up very prepared at an audition. There is a very large range and mix of experience and training that auditionees bring to the audition table; just as there is a large range and mix of college level programs out there to meet the demand. Do what you can to research all of the options, prepare yourself (this does not have to be accomplished through a very expensive coach; smartly use the resources you already have at hand) and have confidence in what you see as the right fit. </p>
<p>My advice would also be to make sure that you don’t only look at the “top” schools. You need to have a very wide range of schools because the competition is very tough. Auditions are also subjective and you just don’t know what will happen. I would suggest you include non-audition schools in your list as well.</p>
<p>My son is an example of someone who has been accepted to good programs, but has had very little formal training. That being said, I agree with all of the above! Take lessons, read these threads, read the books recommended, and do your best to show who you are. If you can get your parents on board, ask for them to help you on this journey because it is complicated and the hoops to jump through are many. I wish you well!!</p>
<p>entertainersmom – you have son! I agree with others – dance lessons and audition coaching from someone who knows what the colleges are looking for. It only takes one!</p>
<p>I know Divamamacita, but, ajblis did not reveal their gender
Do try to get an objective opinion or two, or three from professionals about your skills and what your options may be.</p>
<p>Haha – I had written this earlier and decided not to post it, but in light of the above comments…
It depends. Are you a tall, ruggedly handsome, athletic male with a terrific sense of pitch? If so, some ballet and voice training might get you very, very far depending on your years’ crop of guys. ;)</p>
<p>I agree with AdaQuince there will be a very varied talent pool at the auditions but it all comes down to what you bring to the table. The schools really don’t care as much about whether you were on Broadway or just HS productions as they do about the talent you demonstrate and your attitude. My D is case and point, minimal experience except school productions and honors choir and beginners dance training but can pick up choreography quickly and she was accepted to several of the big name schools. It also depends on if they have a need for your “type” in their cast. Just be as prepared as you can be and be enthusiastic. Good luck.</p>
<p>“It depends. Are you a tall, ruggedly handsome, athletic male with a terrific sense of pitch? If so, some ballet and voice training might get you very, very far depending on your years’ crop of guys.”</p>
<p>I have one of these - 6’2", looks good on stage (IMHO), terrific sense of pitch, has taken serious dance since age 11 - and it is NOT a guarantee any more. He has been rejected from some schools that we hoped would need his “type”. But either they had enough of “those”, or were looking for something else. We have seen current productions at those same schools and notice that there seem to be many students in their programs that - at least physically - don’t fit the “tall, ruggedly handsome” or “leggy blond” pigeon holes. In fact some of the performers we have seen are WAY outside those parameters.</p>
<p>Yes, I totally agree with “get as much music and dance training as you can”, read the books, and get help with preparation/audition/application process, but there is a place for all types who have the “it” factor. My advice is like others have said, find out who YOU are, and be the best YOU you can be - and look for programs that fit you, not the other way around.</p>
<p>I could NOT agree more with mom4bwayboy. The days of boys that can dance well having a large advantage is over…because MOST of them can dance well, at least that was our experience at the school S auditioned at. </p>
<p>Anyways…either way I agree with the advice you’ve been given. </p>
<p>I agree with the above postings wholeheartedly also as a parent of a 6 ft 3 handsome dancer (tap, jazz, ballet since age 4) with a great singing voice. Our son stood out in the dance portion of auditions I am sure but it did not garner him an acceptance in 50% of the programs he applied which did not surprise us given the competition although was a little surprised to hear of current students say at schools that they had little to no dancing experience. It became clear that it was not necessary to be a triple threat in many programs even top ones. We actually ended up choosing a program that would guarantee him continued top notch dance so he can hopefully audition in calls as both a singer who dances or a dancer who sings. Where he attends school there are 6 levels of tap, jazz and ballet in his program…he is not a beginner nor is he at the level of some kids who have had a stronger ballet base.
I do think success with auditions involves lots of research and reaching out and asking questions and understanding the programs. We avoided many what is considered top notch programs for different reasons none having to do with talent…the reasons ranged from high school transcripts, to location of school, to the dance portion of the program. I think having a certain comfort level in each part of the audition is important so dance class for a non-dancer is important. Picking up choreography when it is thrown out quickly is intimidating for anyone …the more practice, the more comfortable one will feel.</p>
