Student Blog: Summer Theatre

Well, it's time again to apply and audition for your summer homes. This can be a slightly stressful time - taking new headshots, recording countless auditions to send all over the country. I'm going through that exact process right now, and the most important thing for me was narrowing down my options based on my wants and needs. Below are some steps I'm taking right now as I explore all the different options for where to pursue theatre this summer.

1. What kind of program do you want?

Do you need a job? Just want some Summer Stock experience? This can be a tough question, but it's important to try to narrow your research. For me, this question doesn't determine any dealbreakers - but that's for me. I personally just want some more experience and exposure, and whether that pays or not is less important. I'm looking at all kinds of programs, and the following two steps are where I start to narrow down my choices.

2. What do you need from them?

Do you need housing, or college credit? Not every program offers either, so if you need a program with those things, you make sure they have them. Not every website has all the information you need, so oftentimes you'll have to turn to an email or contact form for your answer. If you need housing and the program you're dying to join doesn't offer it, it goes without saying - don't waste your time. For me, housing is preferable to providing for myself, but it's not a dealbreaker.

3. Where do you want to live? (or better yet, not want to live?)

While some programs only last a month or a few weeks, most others last the entirety of the summer months. So, almost more important than the program itself is the city you'll be living in for that time. Many programs are in small towns, so DO YOUR RESEARCH. I was close to auditioning at one program, until I was informed that the town it's in is not a very safe area. When researching, look for the things that are important to you; crime rates, good-quality food access, weekend activities, climate, and so on. I'm from Florida, so a summer in sticky heat is not enough to scare me away, but I'm also vegan - and if I'm going to be preparing my own meals I'll need grocery stores that can cater to my dietary needs. The bottom line being that you don't want to get stuck in a town you don't like for an entire summer - no matter how incredible the program is it may not be worth it.

I'm sure those aren't the only steps taken by others when choosing their summer theatre program, but they're what I've found to be helpful. It's important to set your parameters so that you're never settling for a program that isn't right for you, and also helps narrow down your initial search. Happy hunting!

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