Musical theater and drama programs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In this area there are the Cappy Awards and the Brandon Victor Dixon Awards for teenagers. Looking into which schools send student as finalists to these events = making it to "states" in sports.

The kids getting the awards are heavily involved in voice and acting lessons as well as private theater companies.

[Anonymous]

Previous Poster (Not OP).

I was kind of making the assumption that if OP was hoping for a strong drama/MT program, they would already have a voice coach or some kind of theatre life outside of school and want to continue. I realize that could be kind of "intense" of me and I recall a conversation I had with another mom about my child working with a voice coach to perfect their audition song, and she was like, "Is everyone doing that? It seems like everyone is doing that" and in fact, most people were. Just like strong athletes who go to clinics and camps.

Strong programs do get competitive. My theatre kid is also on the spectrum, and memorizing large blocks of text as well as repeating the same note until it sounds "perfect" = part of their superpower. The warm and welcoming drama clubs (in school and out) were great for them. Some kids love being in the ensemble.

There are also schools that have some casual events, like festivals for the arts and events where you write your own plays.

It may help OP to consider if there are opportunities to take a drama or theatre tech or dance class during the day. Not every school offers those. Those that do are more invested in the arts across the board, I think.

Checking out those instagram pages about "decisions" could work. Are the schools send students to college for MT, drama, or music?

[Anonymous]

Many of the strongest theater kids do programs after school. They don't rely on their schools, even if their schools have strong programs. When you look at the after school programs, you'll see that they draw from many different schools in the area. So...pick the school that suits your kid and also sign up for an after school program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In this area there are the Cappy Awards and the Brandon Victor Dixon Awards for teenagers. Looking into which schools send student as finalists to these events = making it to "states" in sports.

I mean, only if your kid is already star material. Otherwise, those would be the worst programs to attend if you want to learn and participate, but the best ones to go to if you want to see a show from the audience.

It really depends on what you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many of the strongest theater kids do programs after school. They don't rely on their schools, even if their schools have strong programs. When you look at the after school programs, you'll see that they draw from many different schools in the area. So...pick the school that suits your kid and also sign up for an after school program.

True, and many of them can't even do the school's shows due to scheduling conflicts and pre-professional obligations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell’s high school theater program was the best of all the privates we toured. We went to fall and spring shows at quite a few schools. Tech and stage design is great too, as a bonus plus.

[Anonymous]

Holton has had a great theater program for years, but they are losing great people because of poor leadership (both HOS and the Director of the Arts) so who knows what will happen in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

PP missed the joke (lol)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

#Sponge Bob Squarepants was a theatrical travesty.

I have no thoughts or opinions on issues of pride/gender blind casting in theatre programs, but I hope every school in the DMV is too proud to produce this show....

Down with Crabby Patties.

Bring Oklahoma back.

(sarcasm intended)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sssas has a robust theater and musical performance program. Perfect fit for our starfish boy. But rude to say that theater boys are generally gay. Not true and you aren’t helping because it makes the not gay boys feel like they will be pigeon holed if they do theater. But I’m sure you think you are in opened minded. The gay boys from our school are headed to St Albans and SWOW and gay girls are headed to Madiera.

Is his name Patrick?

No.

#Sponge Bob Squarepants was a theatrical travesty.

I have no thoughts or opinions on issues of pride/gender blind casting in theatre programs, but I hope every school in the DMV is too proud to produce this show....

Down with Crabby Patties.

Bring Oklahoma back.

(sarcasm intended)

DC’s MS did SpongeBob, it was cute. I would think pretty lame for HS though.

[Anonymous]

I was literally imagining that a Starfish Kid was sort of like a Rainbow Kid--autism spectrum, a little queer/gender-queer and all over the place. I was like, Oh, that's a sweet term that fits a lot of kids I know. Turns out it was just a typo, but I say, let's make it a thing.

I know the thread is really old, but if you're looking for outstanding musical theatre programs outside of school, Young Artists of America (YAA) is there it's at! They're announcing their season today and audition signups have just begun. Will be very competitive for high school--the kids are just SO good. Easier to get in at the MS level, and I don't think "kids" (4th-5th?) requires an audition. Join the cult--you'll enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

* where it's at

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girl or boy? I was just at Norwood’s BTSN last night and the drama teacher was making the point that there are usually about 10 or more girls for every boy who keen to do theatre. I imagine that is magnified at public high school just by sheer numbers?

that's the case in every theater group, even in private ones. My DD does both public HS theater and private theater. Girls are just more into it than boys, and most of the boys in theater are gay. I keep saying, a straight guy looking for a girl should join the theater.

You are a shining example of what a parent shouldn't be.