If you were born pre-WICKED (1990’s), you were been born into a golden age of the theatre that’s been full of groundbreaking change and exciting, innovative new platforms for our art form. While it’s true that theatre is always changing, in the past few decades we’ve witnessed some changes that have been several decades coming. Women and men of color have taken the stage in roles that (20 years ago) they never would’ve been considered for – there’s even more genres and categories of theatre accessible to us today than ever before. We’ve also seen theatre evolve into LIVE musicals as well as TV shows that completely revolve around the theatre. At the root of all of this is education in the theatre, which along with the craft itself, has grown as well.
Summer opportunities and workshops are a terrific experience and way to meet others that share your love for theatre. Among these, there are also classes and training facilities that students may pick from. I’d argue that there are hundreds of different organizations that students have to choose from when they search for a theatrical organization to broaden their understanding. Here are a few pieces of information that may help you form a more well-rounded decision!
Focus on the cores and the mission statement.
At the heart of every theatre organization, there is a core objective, the reason why they do what they do. At Camp Broadway, our objective is to open up the theatre to those that already love it and for those that are new to it. The end goal is to allow people from all walks of life an opportunity to be exposed to the world of theatre. For me, this is an excellent core because there are so many places that people who just want to get hard training that already may have pre-existing knowledge can go, but because Camp Broadway not only encourages but invites people from varying levels of the theatre to gain knowledge, we’re equipping people that are staying in the theatre for their career and those that will go off into other professions with the tools that they learned in the theatre in Camp Broadway. It’s important to me that we include theatre in the lives of those that may not pursue it, because that’s how we broaden the appeal and understanding of the theatre in the world.
Like Camp Broadway, an organization you choose should have a solid and clear mission statement and core. Perhaps their goal is to prepare students to work on their auditioning skills, to performing a cold read to choosing songs for multiple rounds of callbacks. Maybe their focus is to help performers gain experience in the world of musical theatre and its dance history and all of the genres of dance. There should be a clear objective – organizations with statements such as “a fun musical theatre experience” may not be the best place to go.
Tear away the glamour and see its worth.
Here are a few commonly used tips that these sorts of organizations use to promote themselves.
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Auditioning for “broadway agents”
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Master classes with Broadway performers
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Prime location (NYC, LA)
These are all amazing things that are definitely something to get excited about. However, they aren’t determining factors on if your education is going to be top quality.
Camp Broadway is NY-based, but we offer programming all over America. Our work and education in the theatre transcends the big apple – and yours should to. Look for educational opportunities that provide a solid education, not just the extras. That’s not to say that the programs with these things are bad – it’s just that they can’t be the only things. The program should still be desirable and interesting to you without them, because you’re not going to get an education to do anything else but learn. The fun stuff should be the perks, not the interest factor.
Check for its status within the community.
For many students, the idea of going to a summer intensive is fun and exciting. However, it’s important to remember that there are hundreds of these programs, all costing several thousand dollars for a few weeks. Because of this, you should apply to programs that are legitimate and well-respected. It’s easy to get lured into a pretty package that seems perfect without unpacking the details. Ask around, make sure you know people that have walked away with a positive experience and have actually gained something from being apart of the program.
In this business, reputation is everything. You want to be certain that your time, money and talent is going towards the right place. There’s nothing worse than feeling cheated out of an experience.
A program may say that it is the “top musical theatre program in the ____ area”, if you ask any theatre director around they might roll their eyes and say “that program is ridiculous”, or they might say “that’s a terrific program; one of their students are going to be in ____ on Broadway next season”. Do your research and be knowledgeable.
Examine the price.
These programs are extremely expensive and that is to be expected. However, draw the line between expensive and ridiculously overpriced. Education is a hefty part of being good at your job, but you shouldn’t have to dish out too much for the experience. Be weary and spend your money in the right places.
All in all, these tools and lessons that you’ll learn receiving extensive education in the theatre will be an invaluable experience. It’s okay to ask questions and it’s okay to consider your options. The theatre is a special place and you deserve to learn more about it in a place that’s the best suited to you.