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written by triplethreat, December 09, 2007

I had two horrible auditions when I was applying to post-secondary.

The first was for a school that is known for being a pre-professional musical theatre program - although you can audition out of highschool, it is very rare to get in when you are that young. Still, I was devastated when they told me I had not matured enough as a performer. They told me I was not accepted right there in the interview (at least there was no waiting) but did encourage me to audition again in a year or two.

The second was for a school that is much more academic - the emphasis was much more on classical technique. Before I even sang, one of the audition panel criticized me for having no background in piano - at that point I thought I had no shot at all. I sang, they asked me a few other questions about my background (at that point I had had formal vocal training for just over a year), and then the two ladies proceeded to have an argument about me WHILE I WAS STANDING THERE. Like what you experienced, one of these women was COLD. It was one of the most confusing and horrifying moments of my life. I went home, and a few weeks later, I got a big fat package..... and I had got in. So don't panic yet! (And don't believe everything you hear, either. Lots of people say things like "Oh, they were so nice" because they don't want to admit how scared they actually were.)

I understand how hard it is to set your heart on something and have it not turn out. Try to look at what options are still available to you, and if you really feel you NEED to go to this particular school, perhaps it's time to start putting together a plan for reapplication next year. Taking control of your situation will help you to feel better.

I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods, but here you can apply for transfers between schools. So see if there's any chance of going somewhere else this fall, and then transferring into the school of your choice for the following year. My sister did that after her first year, when she decided that she didn't like being so far from home. Do you have guidance counselors at your school that could go over your options with you? I had one at my highschool who made a huge difference in how I looked at my options.

Whatever happens, I know your talent and experience will lead you in the right direction.

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written by Rachel, December 10, 2007

Auditioning for colleges was one of the most frightening things ever. And you should applaud yourself for having the guts to get out there and do it. What happens at your auditions and with your college decisions are your business, so you do not have to tell everyone about your acceptance/non-acceptance if you choose not to.

There are plenty of other options out there too. Look around at other schools. Or think about trying to transfer into UArts from another school around here. Maybe you can look into a conservatory type program as well if that is what you want. My sister choose to go to an conservatory type program (AMDA) which was two years of musical theatre training, and now she is going to transfer into another college to finish off her degree.

Whatever you do, don't let a few cold, impolite auditioners stop you from chasing your dream. Work at it, and keep going. There are so many schools and so many options, you just have to find the right fit. Best of luck!