MPULSE ANN ARBOR

Musical Theatre Workshop

July 11-31, 2010

Session Fee: $3,200

Priority Application Deadlines: 

January 25 for Ann Arbor auditions on February 20 (firm deadline)

January 25 for recorded auditions

with Brent Wagner

The Musical Theatre Workshop is an exciting program that gives students the opportunity to work on the Ann Arbor campus with faculty members in the renowned University of Michigan Department of Musical Theatre. The Musical Theatre Workshop enrolls 35-40 students and is designed for those who are considering BFA degree programs in college.  Extra sessions are devoted to the application and audition process for university programs. The workshop is open to 2009-2010 high school juniors, although applications from 2009-2010 tenth graders of exceptional ability and experience are considered. Admission decisions are based on a student’s application (including training and experience), recommendation, transcript, and audition.  Applicants must have at least a B average in a rigorous college prep program in order to have their audition reviewed or be invited to campus to audition.

On the final Saturday, parents wil be invited to the last class of the workshop - an informal demonstration of the techniques studied during the three weeks of the workshop. 

APPLICATION & AUDITION INFORMATION

Please review all of these requirements carefully. Your application will not be considered if it is incomplete at the time of the deadline.

You may audition on campus OR submit a DVD.  VHS tapes and mini-discs will not be accepted.

• January 25 : FIRM deadline for ALL application materials for Ann Arbor audition requests
• January 25 : Priority deadline for ALL application materials for recorded auditions
• Late applications (with recorded auditions only) may be accepted if openings remain.  Click here for current information regarding openings.

Decision letters will be mailed by March 30.  Sorry, no decisions will be given by phone or email.  As a courtesy to the Musical Theatre Workshop faculty and other applicants, please notify the MPulse office and withdraw your application if you commit to another summer program anytime during our review/decision notification process.

If you wish to audition in Ann Arbor, all application materials must be received by January 25. 

You should apply online as soon as possible so that your materials can be reviewed and, if your audition is approved and confirmed, you can make travel arrangements.   The online application will prompt you to print out an Application Confirmation page that you will sign and mail to the MPulse office along with your resume, photos, sealed official transcript, and sealed recommendation.  After all of these items are received and reviewed, you will be contacted via email regarding your audition request.  Ann Arbor audition dates cannot be held, scheduled, or confirmed without a complete application on file.  Requests for audition dates other than February 20 cannot be accommodated.

 

For those sending recorded audiitions, all application materials must be received by January 25 for priority consideration.   Applications (with recorded auditions only) may be accepted after these deadlines if openings remain.  Click here for current information regarding openings. 

 

Include all of the items below in your application packet 

NOTE:  Do not staple items or place in plastic sleeves or binders since all materials will be reorganized upon arrival in the MPulse office.

• Resume that includes your experience in music, theatre, and dance

Include a resume with your application, giving details of your training and/ or experience in music, theatre, and dance. NOTE: Although not required for the audition, the ability to read music is extremely valuable for participation.  Please be sure to describe your music reading skills in your list of training. Also, list any instruments that you play and the length of study.

• Photographs: Color full-body AND color close-up.  Applicants audiitioning via recording must submit hard copies of these photographs even if their recording contains these.
• Transcript: an official transcript that has been sealed in a separate envelope by your high school counselor, with the counselor's signature across the seal.  Applicants must have at least a B average in a rigorous college prep program in order to have their audition reviewed or be invited to campus to audition.
• Recommendation: Maximum 2.  Ask a teacher (performing arts teacher preferred) who knows your work well to write a confidential recommendation for you. This should be included with your application (in a sealed envelope with the teacher's signature across the back seal). In addition to your abilities, the letter should discuss your personal characteristics such as initiative, maturity, leadership, and the ability to work with others.
• DVD (for those not auditioning in Ann Arbor)
  • Include all of the audition requirements listed below on ONE DVD. Use DVD-video format so that your DVD can be played on a DVD player, not just on a computer.
  • Make sure that your face is clearly visible, with your upper body fairly near the camera and
    the background simple, uncluttered, and not too bright (e.g., in front of a window). Try to include
    a full-body and close-up shot at some point in the recording.  You must still submit hard copies of the two photos described above.
  • Place the microphone close to you and away from the piano. Use an acoustic piano (not electric keyboard) and make sure that the piano has been tuned.
  • Announce your name and the title of each selection.
  • After you finish, take a moment to speak a little about your experiences in music or in
    theatre, and mention how you became interested in attending the MPulse Ann Arbor Musical Theatre Workshop.
  • If you would like to include recorded selections from stage performances, put these on the SAME DVD after the
    songs and monologues required for the audition.
  • If you have any dance experience, you may also include performance excerpts on the SAME DVD.

Voice

Ann Arbor Auditions: Prepare two contrasting 16-bar selections. Both songs must be memorized, and one must be traditional (written before 1965).  An accompanist will be provided.  Bring a copy of the songs in the key in which you will sing and be sure that your music is clearly marked for the accompanist.  Note: Auditionees will present one song only.  When the auditionee enters the audition room, the faculty panel will determine which selection will be presented.

DVD Recorded Auditions: Record two contrasting 16-bar selections.  Both songs must be memorized, and one must be traditional (written before 1965).  We strongly prefer that your pianist be in the room and accompanying you on a tuned acoustic piano when the vocal recording is made.  As a last resort, the acoustic piano accompaniment can be recorded at an earlier time by your accompanist and you can sing with that accompaniment.   We do not accept any other types of recorded accompaniments.

  

Acting

Prepare a short monologue (no dialects) from a full-length American play written after 1935, memorized, and in context. Applicants should read and study the entire play.  For those who audition in person, the monologue should be no longer than one and a half minutes.

Ann Arbor Auditions

University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Earl V. Moore Building (North Campus)
1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor

Saturday, February 20, 2010- 9:00AM to 12 NOON and 12:30-5:00 PM  

The five minute audition will include both the voice and acting components.

IMPORTANT:  You will be contacted by email with confirmation of your audition time and logistical information.  DO NOT make travel plans until your application has passed the academic review and your audition has been approved.

If you would like to visit Musical Theatre classes during your time on campus, you should plan to do this on Thursday or Monday since no Musical Theatre classes take place on Fridays.  Contact the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Admissions Office (myrickr@umich.edu or 734-764-0593) to arrange for class visits.

 

Scholarships

A generous donor has offered significant need-based scholarship assistance for one or two deserving students to attend the Musical Theatre Workshop.  To apply for this, submit a copy of your family’s signed 2008 tax return with your application materials. Feel free to provide any additional documentation that describes your extenuating circumstances such as proof of unemployment, an AFDC medical card, or a statement of need from a high school counselor.

Acceptance Notification

Decision letters will be mailed as soon as possible but no later than March 30.   Sorry, no decisions will be given by phone or email.

As a courtesy to the Musical Theatre Workshop faculty and other applicants, please notify the MPulse office and withdraw your application if you commit to another summer program anytime during our review/decision notification process.

The General Information link includes many important items.  Please click here if you have not yet read this information.

Click here to apply online.

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"My 3 weeks in the MTW at MPulse was beyond my wildest dreams.  Not only did I gain incredible insight into the field, I got to work with top notch educators and meet some of the greatest kids from across the countryl  Nothing in the world compares to MPulse.  I love MPulse!" 

Lexi, (MTW 2009, Missouri)

"A student attending MPulse is getting a lot more than a summer camp theater program.  They are getting one on one attention with UMich faculty and an extremely valuable insight into the music theatre field due to the numerous UMich grads who visit and work with the students.  What I learned in 3 weeks surpasses what I could have learned in one year at home."  Erika (MTW 2009, California)

"MPulse is an incredible program that focuses on the education that studenets need to grow upon in their field.  It's very fun and time is well spent every day, and highy disciplined and thoughtful students come out of it.  For the music department, Brent Wagner is a genius who will help young performers grow."  Shea (MTW 2009, Michigan)

"MPulse MTW has been not only educational but fun!  I never thought it was possible to be surroundd by students and faculty who do nothing but support you.  It's the best three weeks of musical theater you can imagine!"  Elena (MTW 2009, Ilinois)