| MPULSE SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTES |
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 Musical Theatre Workshop
July 8-28, 2012
Session Fee: $3,390
Application Deadline: February 1, 2012 *
*The application for Summer 2012 is now closed. Applications for Summer 2013 will be available in November.
U-M Faculty Director: Professor Brent Wagner
"MPulse was the summer experience of a lifetime! " (Allie, MTW 2011, NY)
WORKSHOP OFFERINGS
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 approximately 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 2011-2012 high school juniors, although applications from 2011-2012 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.
Some of the topics the workshop will explore include an analysis of song lyrics, acting techniques for song interpretation, dance styles of major choreographers, contemporary musical theatre in New York City, the vocabulary of the field, voice study, the wide range of repertoire for performers, monologue exploration, audition techniques, and creating character and situation. Workshop students also will participate in a wide variety of master classes with faculty members from the Department of Musical Theatre, the Department of Theatre & Drama, and the Department of Dance. Current musical
theatre
majors, as well as graduates of the Department, often assist in the classes.
On the final Saturday, parents will be invited to the last class of the workshop for an informal demonstration of the techniques studied during the three weeks of the workshop.
"I will forever be grateful for the skills I acquired at MPulse - it literally changed the way I approach every aspect of theatre. I am so glad that I chose to attend MPulse this summer - the experience exceeded all of my expectations." (Alex, MTW 2011, NJ)
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please review all of these requirements carefully.
The application materials, including the application, application fee, resume, photographs, transcript, teacher recommendations, recorded audition, are required for all applicants.
Notifications to all applicants will be mailed March 30, 2012. No decisions will be given by phone.
As a courtesy to the University of Michigan 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.
HOW TO APPLY
- Successfully complete an online application
- Submit the $60 application/upload fee
- Upload all required application/audition materials as outlined below (external link provided upon completion of application)
- Mail a maximum of two confidential letters of recommendation to the MPulse office
Include all of the items below in your application upload submission:
- Resume: (UPLOAD) 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: (UPLOAD) 2 Color Photographs. Photographs do not have to be professionally taken, but should be recent.
- ONE color close-up
- ONE color full-body (head to toe).
- Transcript: (UPLOAD) a copy of your transcript acquired from your high school. Applicants must have at least a B average in a rigorous college prep program in order to have their audition reviewed. Transcript may be scanned and uploaded by applicant.
- DVD recorded audition (UPLOAD) - upload each of the following as separate files:
- TWO CONTRASTING SONGS (in separate files)
- ONE MONOLOGUE
- ONE PERSONAL STATEMENT
- ADDITIONAL MATERIAL (optional)
- Include all of the audition requirements listed below under RECORDED AUDITION REQUIREMENTS.
- 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.
- 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.
- Personal Statement: Take time to speak about your experiences in music or in theatre, and mention how you became interested in attending the MPulse Musical Theatre Workshop
- If you would like to include recorded selections from stage performances, put these after the songs and monologues required for the audition.
- If you have any dance experience, you may also include performance excerpts.
- Recommendation Letter: (MAIL) Maximum TWO. Ask a teacher (performing arts teacher preferred) who knows your work well to write a confidential recommendation for you. This should be sealed in an 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. LETTER(S) WILL NEED TO BE MAILED TO THE MPULSE OFFICE AND NOT SUBMITTED WITH YOUR OTHER AUDITION/APPLICATION MATERIALS. Electronic submissions will be not be accepted. Please collect all confidential recommendation letters (maximum 2) and mail them together in one envelope to:
University of Michigan
SMTD - MPulse
1100 Baits Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2085
"I was both honored and humbled to be an MPulse participant. I can't imagine auditioning for college programs without the skills and knowledge I gained at MPulse. I left MPulse with an even greater appreciation for the musical theatre field. I now am more driven than ever to pursue musical theatre as a career!" (Sarah Catherine, MTW 2011, NC)
RECORDED AUDITION REQUIRMENTS
ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD A RECORDED AUDITION. An uploading link will be provided to you once you submit your online application.
- February 1, 2012: deadline for ALL application materials
- Late applications may be accepted if openings remain
VOICE
DVD Recorded Auditions:
Record two contrasting selections. Record complete songs. 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.
Suggestions for choosing music:
- Choose songs with which you can communicate a specific situation in a clear context with an objective (goal). Make the situation as honest and specific as possible.
- Do as much as you can to give the song a progression. What happens or changes as the song proceeds?
- Select material that is suitable for your age and experience.
- Choose songs which fit comfortably within your range.
Suggestions for preparing your music:
- Include a 2-bar or 4-bar introduction for each song. Make sure that the introduction leads clearly and naturally to your entrance in the song.
- Explore the lyrics of the song as carefully as you explore the music. Be absolutely certain that you are singing correct words, notes, and rhythms.
Final vocal tips:
- Do not try to sing too high or too loudly. An enormous number of applicants present songs in keys that are too high for them to show themselves at their best vocally. Volume and range can be explored separately if the faculty has questions.
- It is wise to work with a skilled accompanist.
- Do not use a chair or props in the vocal audition.
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. The monologue should be no longer than one and a half minutes.
Preparation Suggestions:
- Choose monologues that are appropriate for your age and experience.
- It’s best to select monologues from plays, as opposed to special material written for monologue books.
- Avoid historic styles, such as Shakespeare, and verse or poetry. Avoid dialects.
- Use good judgment in selecting the monologues, avoiding pieces that may be inappropriate because of language or situation.
If you would like to visit the School of Music, Theatre & Dance contact the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Admissions Office (734-764-0593) to arrange for class visits.
"If you have the courage to shed your protective skin and be vulnerable, open and present to the University of Michigan experience you will undoubtably blossom as an artist, as a student, and most importantly as a human being." (Joe, MTW 2011, WA)
SCHOLARSHIPS
Merit Awards: MPulse awards a few scholarships to extremely talented and deserving students. Consideration for these scholarships is automatic, provided the completed application, application fee, and audition meet the published deadlines.
Need-Based Awards: A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. To apply for a need-based scholarship, you must MAIL a copy of your family’s signed 2010 tax return to our office. 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. Please mail need-based requests to:
University of Michigan
SMTD - MPulse
1100 Baits Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2085
ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION
Notifications to all applicants will be placed in the mail on Friday, March 30, 2012. No decisions will be given by phone.
As a courtesy to the University of Michigan 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.
Online Application
The General Information link includes many important items. Please click here if you have not yet read this information.
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