Hi All,

I just thought I'd post a link to a really good article the Sunday NY Times had about kids
auditioning for college. In case, the link doesn't work, go to www.nytimes.com and then in the search area, key in Tryouts for the Rest of Your Life to pull it up.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/education/edlife/thea...+of+your+life&st=nyt

Thanks for posting this. I found it really interesting.

Thanks for posting Medavinci, great article and insight into the grueling college audition process these days. My son went through this process last year with college music auditions, it is a stressful time for kids and parents. Not only do these kids have the academic stress of applying to a good college but also the added audition stress of their chosen field.

You're welcome ladies...

It is such a grueling process indeed. I am betwixt and between myself. I've homeschooled my kids when they were young, then tried public, and my oldest was bored stiff so we put her in private especially since she developed early and felt more comfortable around girls when in middle school. They share classes in high school with the private boys school. As soon as we switched to private, little by little we had to cut everything down and then basically out and only do things at school - music, theater and dance (but it isn't on the level of outside classes). We just keep up voice lessons. Between commute and homework, it wiped her out. On the other hand, my son stayed in public (each child has their own personality), and he has less homework and is able to do what he wants after school.

If you don't do dance and voice and keep up your acting in high school, it is virtually impossible to audition for really tough performing arts schools like CCM (where they really want triple threats), Carnegie, NYU or Boston Conservatory...I'm learning a lot myself.

It can be very frustrating, because we as parents have to make the call, and it may not always be the right one regrettably. Have either of you gone on the collegeconfidential.com boards? They are really helpful there.

Looks sort of scary. We have 4 years to go if he really wants to do it. Even though he hates voice and dance, (after his Teen Angel I see why) http://www.georgethompson.smugmug.com/gallery/2844220_UhKTz#152515663_vBYPi
I guess we have to try and encourage a little work in that area. Excellent article.

Medavinci,

I spent many, many hours on college confidential pouring over wonderful informative posts from wiser parents than I. There is a wealth of knowledge on that board regarding college applications and specific college programs. It has a strong “musical theatre” group of parents who are riding or have ridden the college application train and are willing to share their experiences, pro‘s and con‘s. It is very tough these days for college bound kids to manage their time between high academic demands and the demands of their time consuming chosen performing field, not to mention that in both areas competition is fierce!

We too, found that the level of high school training was no comparison to the outside training available in our area. Continuing outside training and outside performing opportunities was a definite must for our child and school participation was juggled as best as possible. I know how tough it can be! Good luck to you and your children.