Student Blog: Living Summer Break to the Fullest

As a rising high school senior, this is my last summer before the time every aspiring musical theater major dreads- college audition season. So my summer break has become jam-packed with training, preparation, and other activities to help me feel as prepared as possible entering my senior year.

I am lucky enough to be attending Paper Mill Playhouse’s Summer Musical Theater Conservatory this year. The Conservatory is a five-week, intensive training program in voice, acting, dance, and audition techniques. At the end of the five weeks, the Conservatory members perform in the annual New Voices Concert right on the Paper Mill stage! The theme of the New Voices Concert this year is "We Will Rock You!" showcasing the music that had a large influence on Broadway. I will be a part of the Senior Company which consists of students ages 15-18. There are also Junior (10-12) and Junior Plus (12-14) companies. Stay tuned for future stories about day-to-day life in the Conservatory!

I am also using my summer break to prepare for my college pre-screen auditions. Pre-screen auditions are self-taped auditions some college musical theater programs require to be invited for an in-person audition. The pre-screen requirements can vary from program to program, but most colleges ask for videos of your singing, acting, and dance abilities. I am one who likes to feel extra prepared and organized, especially going into new situations. I knew that I didn’t want to feel rushed or unprepared when it came time to film my pre-screens. So in the Spring, I began collecting songs and monologues that meet the audition requirements. To ensure I was meeting each college’s separate requirements, I started a spreadsheet that clearly stated each school’s requirements for both pre-screen and in-person auditions, including deadlines. Over the summer, I am going to continue to practice potential audition material so I feel completely prepared and confident when it comes time to film my pre-screens. I will also begin working on my college application essay and collecting any information needed for general college applications. Most colleges do not let you apply for their musical theater program until you have applied, or sometimes been accepted to, their general school. 

I feel as though I need to say that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to approach the college audition process. If you are like me and feel more confident preparing and organizing months in advance, that’s great! If you need to wait closer to audition time to prepare so you don’t overthink your audition material and choices, that is also great! I urge everyone auditioning for colleges to do what makes them feel most comfortable and confident, not what they think they “should” be doing. There is no rule saying you have to attend a summer camp or spend your summer performing in a show to be qualified for college. Spend your summer doing what makes you feel happy and healthy!

I could not be more excited for the summer I have ahead. I look forward to meeting lots of students my age who share the same passion for musical theater as I do at the Paper Mill Playhouse Conservatory. And most of all, I cannot wait to spend my days doing what truly makes me happy.