They premiered Jason robert brown's Songs for a New World up at Stagedoor Manor this past weekend. He was up during rehearsals critquing and then came to the show friday night. he also auditioned kids for 13 and some got callbacks for nyc. the musical director from spring awakening was also up auditioning kids 15 and older for the show and quite a few got callbacks for that as well. They premiered Andrew Lippa's Wild Party and Applause (which they modernized). Next session is supposed to be unbelievable with shows and people coming up to scout. They had an article about Stagedoor, French Woods, Interlochen and Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth camp in Sunday's NY Times style section (July 27).

Do you work for Stagedoor Manor? Almost every post of yours mentions the "wonders" of this camp. Just curious.

For those who have thousands of dollars to send their kids to this camp it is probably a wonderful experience, but for most of us, these "special" auditions are not things most can afford. It is indeed a very elite group, but not necessarily the most talented, who can pay for this exposure. I am sure it is tons of fun for those there, but please stop throwing it in our faces.

I agree, not blond. Call me not rich and not famous. My kids like watching Disney and I watch Miley Cyrus and I can't stand to hear her sing. I know I am going to get feedback here, but I don't like her voice. I am certain she is a great kid, but would the same opportunities be available to her if she were let's say one of my kids. And KUDOS to her for her success! Seriously, she wanted it and went for it.

However, this so concerns me with StageDoor. There is price for this that we will never be ever to justify since I do need to send my kids to college. My dd called, there are no schlorships, she tried to see if I could work there for a discount, anything to get the cost lower for her and it the end you have the money or you don't.

I am sadden that this isn't about talent anymore!

I understand it is who you know, what you have, etc. But I still want to believe int he American Dream! In all fields, not just this one.

I've been curious about medavinci's connection with Stagedoor as well, but I think she is just enthusiastic about the camp. It's not like they need to drum up business through a backstage board.

I chose a "civilian" camp for my DD instead of Stagedoor or French Woods. The break does wonders for her and really helps her unwind. Of course, she does go out for the camp plays... some things will never change.

I admit to feeling snarky this morning but i just don't understand the point of the post. Believe me I am not above of paying to be seen. We have done showcases that cost a few hundred dollars, but with measurable results. But I wouldn't tell you about an audition we might have had last week that you missed out on, ha,ha, ha. If only I had $15,000 (yes, that's the cost) to send my kid to a fancy-pants theater camp where they MIGHT get seen by a bigshot. On the other hand, the auditions in New York for Spring Awakenings and 13 were free! Honestly, you could just go in and sing without paying anyone a dime. Imagine that!

I am sure Stagedoor Manor and French Woods are a blast, but anyone hoping to get discovered there could do better auditioning in NY and LA.

I hear you, not blond. My DD, too has done showcases and training in NYC, but in the few hundred dollar range, not the thousands required to go to Stagedoor. Much as she would love to go, I don't think it's in the cards for her, unless we win Lotto or something. But, like you, I think she can get the opportunites she wants simply by auditiong and training in NYC.

quote:

Originally posted by neverdefeated:
Do you work for Stagedoor Manor? Almost every post of yours mentions the "wonders" of this camp. Just curious.

Hah I was wondering the same thing!

OMG... $15,000??? I had no idea. Sleepaway camp is expensive, but that goes beyone expensive into the obscene.

My daughter always asks when she can go to Stagedoor. I tell her that I will look into it ... but I had no idea it cost $15k! Yeah, it would take winning the lottery for us too. Guess we'll just keep going to those "free" auditions too : )

I remember hearing about this camp and looked it up on the net a couple of years ago. OMG! I couldn't believe the price, and the fact that they are charging that much and offering no scholarships. How about some of those successful alums offering up a bit for the talented but not wealthy? This should surely be possible & advantageous to both.

If I remember correctly, there's no audition required to attend Stagedoor. No auditions and no scholarships...hmmm kinda makes you wonder?

DS is reaching the age where he might like to attend something like this, but we just can't justify the price. Saving for college is more important for us, too.

Luckly our DS does not want to go. We offered it to him knowing the costs involved. Also asked him if he wanted to go to the NYFA Acting Camp. Instead, he is content with being a CIT at a local theatre camp and going to a Frost Valley Teen Adventure extreme sports session in CA.

I agree with many of the comments here, but do want to point out that the $$ amounts quoted aren't quite right. Here's a link to the 2009 camp info:

http://www.stagedoormanor.com/pdf/2009/Application_2009...Approved_5_13_08.pdf

Where you'll see that costs range from $4995 to $12750, depending on how many weeks you sign up for. The top range is for 9 weeks of camp, which at $1500 a week (not including transportation) is still very pricey and certainly leaves my kids out of the mix.

That said, to imply to the kids who go to Stagedoor are there only b/c they can pay and not necessarily b/c they have talent isn't fair either. My DD has a good community theatre friend who's attended Stagedoor. This girl is very, VERY talented and proves it year round in school and community theatre productions.

~T

I didn't say that kids who go to performing arts camps are not talented, only that being able to afford $13,000 (plus travel and canteen $) is a super luxury that is not available to most people.

If someone is touting a program only because they are getting visits from Casting directors and agents, I'd say spend your money in NY or LA taking classes and audition for them directly.

It is true that not every child wants to go the professional route and for them, Stagedoor is probably perfect if they can afford it. For kids who are hoping for a shot at Broadway there are cheaper approaches.

totally agree with ya, not blond.