01/10/2022
Don't miss out on our Early Bird Discount for Summer 2022! Submit your application by THIS SATURDAY to save 15% on your tuition. Apply at www.getacceptd.com
Celebrating our 19th Summer! Come join us and experience the OCU difference for yourself. Our intensive pre-college programs are designed for serious students who want to develop their talents and be challenged by OCU’s high standards.
Our programs are chiefly directed and instructed by faculty from OCU's outstanding Bass School of Music and TheatreOCU. Participants receive the training that has produced Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winners such as two-time Tony nominee and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth, three-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara, Emmy nominated Ron Raines, Metropolitan Opera legend Leona Mitchell, award-winning guitarist Edgar Cruz and Grammy & Emmy winner Mason Williams.
Operating as usual
Don't miss out on our Early Bird Discount for Summer 2022! Submit your application by THIS SATURDAY to save 15% on your tuition. Apply at www.getacceptd.com
Finding the Right Summer Program For You...
Attending a summer training program can be very valuable for students who are thinking about pursuing a career in Music or the Performing Arts.
There are hundreds of programs offered each summer and finding the program that is right for you can be a challenge! So over the next few weeks I will be discussing some questions that can help you find the right program for you!
First of all, you will find a WIDE variety of programs out there - some will be in beautiful picturesque locations and others will be in noisy cities. Some will have busy jam-packed schedules while some have a more laid-back feel. A program can feel similar to your high school productions or have an intense pre-college curriculum. It’s important to start by knowing what YOU want to gain from a program.
The #1 question you need to ask yourself: “AM I SERIOUS ABOUT PURSUING MUSICAL THEATRE?”
If the answer is no then finding the right program just got a lot easier… look for a program in a location you would like to spend a few weeks in and enjoy! You’ve got nothing to lose so go and have fun.
If you answered yes - or HECK YES!! - then you need to do your research and I’m going to give you some things to think about that hopefully will help you make informed decisions!
When researching a program ask these 3 questions FIRST:
How is the program structured
How much time is devoted to instruction and learning
What is the focus of the curriculum
1. Does the program offer structure?
By this I mean a daily schedule with pre-planned blocks of time devoted to specific activities. You want a program that is going to teach you specific skills and they should be able to tell you what those skills are and how much time you will spend working on them. A structured program will have more to offer in the long run!
At the OCU Summer Music Programs we prioritize structured time. With daily classes in dance, acting and voice, daily masterclasses, and numerous performance opportunities. Our programs culminate in fully-staged productions or mock auditions.
2. How much time is devoted to instruction and how much is “Free Time”?
If a program has tons of “free time” listed or you see big gaps of unscheduled time then you have to ask yourself how much time is actually spent learning. I know the idea of tons of free time may sound appealing but do you really want to spend LOTS of money to hang out in a dorm room or cabin for several weeks? You are attending a program to LEARN so make sure you see plenty of time in the schedule dedicated to learning new skills or to improving the skills you already have!
3. What is the focus of the curriculum and what can I expect to take away from the program?
Ideally, you will be learning skills that will directly relate to getting accepted to the college you want to attend and skill-building in singing, acting, and dancing.
If the program you are looking at only does a “show” then how is that time you are spending different than working on your high school or community production? The actors will be different but that is all. I know this is not a popular opinion but YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IN MORE PRODUCTIONS! You need to build SKILLS - dance class, acting class, master class, voice studios, audition techniques, resume writing, pre-screen video techniques - these are the skills that will get you to the next level.
If you would like more information about the OCU Summer Music Programs you can call 405-208-5410 or email us at [email protected].
Applications for our Summer 2022 programs opened November 15. You can apply at GetAcceptd.com
Wishing all our Summer Program participants luck this weekend while auditioning at OCU!
You've GOT this. Have fun and enjoy it!
Making the Most of Your Audition Day
Your audition day is arguably one of the most important days in a young performer's life. Your hopes and dreams ride on this one day and a total of about 10 minutes of performing. It all comes down to this… no matter how much success you have had in your performing career up to now, the audition panel only has your audition on which to base your acceptance or denial. This is the harsh reality of audition day.
However, if you think about it like this it will likely be terrifying - and depressing - and not much fun to experience… not to mention making your worst fears to come true!
Believe me when I say the audition panel WANTS you to be successful - they are hoping to see your BEST self! They see hundreds of students in a weekend… they see nerves, they see sheer terror, they also see arrogance. They WANT to see the GOOD in every student… They sit through hours of auditions and if you come in with a smile, confidence, and honest communication you will automatically be ahead of the game.
So how do you do it? How do you achieve a successful audition? Below are 3 tips that can help!
1. Show Them What You CAN Do, Don’t Reveal What You CAN’T Do.
When considering your audition repertoire ask yourself these questions:
•Do my choices represent what they have asked for?
•Are these pieces that I am comfortable with?
•Am I choosing repertoire that I can perform when I’m not 100%?
Of course you have to present repertoire that matches the criteria the school has asked for in terms of genre, language, up-tempo, ballad, classical, musical theatre, etc.
You also need material that is COMFORTABLE for you. The simplest song - sung with grace, beauty and connection to the words - has more impact than a difficult showstopper that you learned two weeks ago, have never performed in public and has high notes that you “sometimes” nail!
You should also choose songs and monologues that you can still perform when you are not at your best. You are going to be nervous, dehydrated from travel, and possibly sick due to stress and changing weather. You need songs and monologues that you can STILL perform (as well as possible) under these circumstances. The odds will never be 100% in your favor on audition days… so plan ahead!
2. Make a Good Impression
Remind yourself that you are auditioning the ENTIRE day. Don’t come in and be rude to the people checking you in or dismissive of the students showing you around. Nobody is looking for a bunch of rude “Divas” to fill their program! If you think it’s okay to treat people with anything less than the utmost respect, you are going to struggle in this business!
Start practicing your “nice” skills now! They are like a muscle… they will get stronger and stronger the more you use them. This doesn’t mean you have to find your new BFF at audition day, but don’t sit around gossiping and complaining with other auditioners about other schools, other programs, OR other people! Just like that “nice” muscle you are going to work on building, start working on the “keep it to yourself” muscle as well... It is equally important!
3. Enjoy the Process
Last - but not least - try to have fun in the room. Be calm and relaxed. SMILE when you speak to your accompanist and faculty! Take a deep breath and feel thankful when you walk in front of the panel.
Be grateful that you are finally here - after all those hours, week, months, YEARS of hard work. No matter the outcome you have so much to be proud of just for having come this far. Let the gratitude and pride show on your face… the faculty have all been where you are, they know what it takes to get up on that stage, and they WANT you to succeed. Show them that you believe in yourself - it gives them confidence to believe in you too!
Let your inner light shine and go nail those college auditions!
And for you underclassmen, don't forget to submit your application starting Monday!
Some things to think about as you get ready for those upcoming audition weekends! I hope this helps you get organized before your audition so you can just relax and have fun. Those are the BEST auditions you can have!
CHECKLIST FOR AUDITION DAY SUCCESS
REP BOOK
•Make sure you have your music in a 3-ring binder that is organized and has only your current audition rep - not everything you’ve sung for the last 3 years.
•Organize your music by type (classical music theater, contemporary musical theater, pop-rock). Have a table of contents in the front and tabs that mark each song.
•Always copy your music double-sided to reduce page turns.
•Copy your music so important changes - tempo, key change - don’t occur across a page turn. This will avoid a train wreck by an accompanist that is not familiar with your repertoire.
•When you have determined your “cuts” you may be able to recopy your music and actually cut out extra bars and recopy your music to fit together on one or two pages.
•Have cuts that are clearly and thoroughly marked. If you decide not to actually “cut” the music out of the copy, then draw through each measure you want the accompanist to skip.
•When you copy your music be sure to reduce the original or you may be missing music on your copies. I copy all my music at 93% just to be safe!
HEADSHOTS
•Be sure they look like you!
•Make the investment to have professional headshots - not a school picture.
•Have several copies in your binder in case you’re auditioning in multiple rooms.
•Your hair should be the same color and style as your headshot (if possible)
RESUME
•It should contain updated and correct info.
•It should be formatted to fit on one page if possible.
•If you have been in numerous shows (more than a dozen) only list the most recent or most relevant.
•Always have your resume on a USB drive that you always carry with you in case you need to print it out or update it with last-minute information.
CLOTHING
•Be sure your audition clothes and shoes are comfortable and make you feel AWESOME!
•Ladies, look for colors that and styles that are classic and memorable. You want to stand out… but in a GOOD way!
•Guys, be sure everything is ironed and neat. Even casual styles should look neat and give the impression that you care about your appearance.
•If your audition includes dance, double check that you have shoes, leotard and tights and are prepared to “freshen up” after your dance call.
PACKING
•Check the weather forecast and make sure you are packing to match the weather where you are going. •Plan ahead for rain, cold, snow, etc.
•For women: travel-size beauty products such as a brush, a mirror, makeup, and makeup brushes should be included in a carry on bag that you can take with you to the audition location. Freshen makeup and hair after dance auditions.
•For men and women: deodorant, fresh wipes, Febreze, wrinkle releaser, hand sanitizer, a lint brush, Band Aids, a nail file, stain remover, a sewing kit, dental floss, lip balm, toothpaste and a toothbrush, and an umbrella should cover all the contingencies.
•Bottled water and snacks are a good idea in case the audition schedule doesn’t include breaks for meals.
Earbuds and relaxation or meditation music on your phone to be used to focus. A book or other reading material for downtime.
TRANSPORTATION
•If you are flying, have a transportation plan to get to your hotel or University.
•If driving, make sure you have plenty of gas and the car is in good working order to get you to the audition on time.
•Have a GPS and driving directions to the audition location on campus. Beware that the address given is usually a general address for the entire campus.
•Print off a campus map so you know how to get to the exact building where the auditions will occur.
•Change for parking meters or parking pass provided by the University
ATTITUDE
•Most importantly… Don’t leave home without your positive attitude.
Applications are opening NOVEMBER 15 for Summer 2022! Find us on GetAcceptd.com Email [email protected] with any questions.
2501 N Blackwelder Ave
Oklahoma City, OK
73106
Monday | 9am - 5pm |
Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
Friday | 9am - 5pm |
Summer programs in music theater, opera, percussion, piano, strings, early childhood eduction and more.
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Last Friday we finished the first half of our "Virtual" Summer Music Program. This was our 19th summer (!) and, although 2020 threw us quite a curve-ball, I am so happy we were able to still have a program that provided value to our students. I received this video as a "Thank You" from some of the participants... and they filled our hearts with joy!
#Repost @oklahomacityuniversity ・・・ Are you about to be a senior in high school? Join us virtually to experience life as an Oklahoma City University Star at OCU Preview on July 27.
Thanks to @brian_cowing for closing out our Pre-College Intensive with his signature style... super hard and super fun! 🙌🏻💖
Summer 2019 announcements!! https://www.okcu.edu/music/performing-arts-academy/summer
Thanks @pypnyc for catching this great video from the final number of our High School Music Program Showcase. 💖🎶💖 #Repost @pypnyc with @get_repost ・・・ In awe of these brilliant @ocusummer_music stars! Raising the roof, marching on to the beat they drum, and inspiring us all with this finale of "This is Me." You all make our hearts sing! @kealasettle @pasekandpaul
OCU Summer Music Programs announces its Summer 2018 shows. Join us for a Summer you'll never forget!
Our Jr. High Music Theater production of Crazy For You, Jr. Come see this fun show Thursday and Friday at 7:00 in the Burg Theatre. 💖🎶💖 #ocusummer17 #ocusummer🎶 #jrhighmusicals
Impromptu hallway rehearsal #ocusummer17⠀ ⠀ Join us for our Showcase Performance Friday, July 7 in Oklahoma City University's Kirkpatrick Auditorium.⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ •⠀ ⠀ #singersjourney #singerslife #broadwaydreams #youngperformers #inspire #collegeauditions #collegeprep
Look what came in the mail today 🤗 Urinetown has arrived!! #OCUSummer17 is right around the corner! #urinetownthemusical #summertraining #musictheatercamp
This #ocu🌟 is our #womencrushwednesday EVERY day of the year! @kchenoweth you are an inspiration!! 💖🎶💖 ***** #Repost @kchenoweth with @repostapp ・・・ Sound the alarm! #hotelshenanigans
To learn more about the College Audition Mock Dance Combos or the College Audition Prep Lessons Package (monologue, song, or interview prep) that Polish Your Passion mentioned, learn more at www.pypnyc.com/onlinetraining for 10% off thru 12/4. And for a FREE 30 Minute College Advising Session, fill out the form below! Mobile Version: http://bit.ly/collegeaudition Website Version: http://www.pypnyc.com/collegeaudition If you have any questions email [email protected]
Summer alums who are of voting age... if @lin.manuel.miranda says you better vote, YOU BETTER VOTE!!!
Polish Your Passion presents How to ROCK Your Pre-Screen Video! Watch as they give their TOP 10 TIPS for making sure you film the BEST Pre-Screen Video ever!!! #CollegeAudition
Our summer guests, Polish Your Passion present... How to Create Your Arts-Based College List! CLICK HERE to fill out the“Arts-Based College List” Questionnaire to get 3 college matches to add to your list and a 30 minute consultation for FREE!!! Laptop/Desktop Version: www.pypnyc.com/artscollegelist Mobile Version: www.bit.ly/artscollegelist
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