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Artistree Performing Arts

Performing Arts Group | Mamaroneck, New York

Performance Tips

How to Get Into College for Musical Theater

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As Fall approaches and the temperatures drop (finally), I am usually so excited for the start of school and the start of our Fall season here at Artistree.  However this year, it’s slightly bittersweet, as the studio is missing three faces that have been us for ten years. They are our first group of graduating Seniors,  who are now Freshmen in college. And it was just this time last year that we were scrambling to get their prescreen tapes done, weeding through each schools individual requirements and helping calm their nerves as they waiting for their early decision choices.

 

Things have certainly changed since I was accepted into my Musical Theater program.  And now that I am watching my most beloved students making this very big decision, I want to impart some of the wisdom that I have learned on the other side.

 

If your child is thinking about going to college for theater or musical theater, the preparation really needs to begin NOW, no matter what their age.  And the sooner the better. Here are a few tips that you must follow:

 

ATTEND A SUMMER PROGRAM

I would absolutely recommend attending a summer theater program at one of the prestigious colleges the summer between your junior and senior year.  Northwestern, Michigan and Carnegie-Mellon are just a few of the wonderful programs that offer summer intensives that can enhance your child’s chances of getting into one of these schools.  They are able to work with and be seen by the faculty of these schools, which can be huge come decision time. Plus, the creative experience and training they receive is unparalleled.

 

MAKE SURE YOU ARE STUDYING TECHNIQUE

Private coaching is a must for someone applying to a good theater school.  Gone are the days where you can walk in green. These days, excellent vocal, dance and acting technique are required JUST TO GET AN AUDITION.  Do not rely on natural talent. You must study privately with excellent teachers as soon as possible.

 

KEEP PERFORMING

You would never stop playing the sport you wanted to go to college for to concentrate on other things.  And performing is no different. You must take the technique that you learn and apply it in a setting with other actors.  There is no substitute for stage time in front of a live audience. Every single time you step onstage, you learn something.  And colleges are looking for extensive resumes in their applicants

 

AND, REMEMBER–YOU WILL BE WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE

After all is said and done, if you have done the work, you have sit back and trust that you will be put where you are supposed to be.  That’s how the universe works. And your special and unique artistic talents are going to shine through and be vital to the program that you are selected for.  

 

Being an artist is not an easy road.  But if there’s nothing else you can ever see yourself doing, then work hard, prepare, and trust.  Your future and an amazing college journey awaits you.

Performance Tips: Preparing for a Show

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You auditioned well, you got the part and you’ve been killing it in rehearsals. Now it’s tech week and your show is around the corner. How do you make sure you ready to go physically AND mentally? A few additions to your normal routine can ensure that you give the performance of a lifetime and have a blast while doing it, no matter your age OR level of experience.

#1. Hydrate!
The water you drink 48 hours before your show is the water that hydrates you in the performance–NOT the bottle you chug right before you go on stage. Up your water intake at least two weeks before. Singers should be drinking at least a half gallon per day. (And honestly, you should work up to one gallon.) If you wait until the day of your show to drown yourself, you’ll just end up having to pee a lot while in costume. Start drinking that water now and getting used to it early on in the process.

#2. Stay Healthy!
So, it’s inevitable that someone will get sick show week. But that someone does NOT have to be you. I am a HUGE proponent for holistic treatments in general, but for performers I feel they are a must. Stay off sugar (which multiplies sick cells) and caffeine (which dries out your throat.) If you see a chiropractor, go get adjusted. Drink lots of herbal tea, eat well and don’t stay up screaming on the phones with your friend the night before your show! Eating clean and taking care of your health will help you in every area of your life, including your performances.

#3. Get Extra Sleep!
Nothing is better for the voice than rest. So I suggest not just getting enough sleep the week of a show, but EXTRA if you can. Now, I know that can be difficult with late nights in the theater, but sneak some extra ZZs when you can. Sleep helps the body to rid itself of inflammation. And swollen vocal cords can be a problem when you’re about to sing for 2-3 hours straight.

#4. Trust!
This might the most important. You have the ability to mentally make or break your performance. So, turn on those positive vibes and trust yourself! If you’ve done your work along the way, you are ready to go. Get EXCITED about the amazing opportunity you have in front of you to share your passion with the world. I like to say the following mantras to my casts before their shows: “Trust yourself, trust the music, trust the process, trust each other.” Say a little prayer if that works for you or take some deep breaths. Visualize what you want this performance to be and how you want it to go. Know that you were cast for a reason–because YOU were the person that was meant to tell this story. Revel in that and go out there and knock ‘em dead!

If you do these four steps prior to your show, I can assure you, you’ll not only be show ready, but you will most likely will have the performance that you have dreamed of. Break-a-leg! I know you can do it.