JKTS Chat: Chaotic Corey's College Journey Part 2

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite, most loyal readers "Chaotic Corey," shared with us the first few of many steps in that, well, chaotic, rite of passage: getting into a college of our choice.  And, as if that isn't tough enough, he's also auditioning to get into a performing arts program AT one of those colleges!  Last time out (HERE), he shared all about how he came to want a career in the arts and how he's built up experience, education and preparation just to get ready for all this.

Now, he talks about his experience at Clemson University.

5 More Quick Questions for Chaotic Corey

AMDA's New York City Campus

1.  So, you just finished your first college audition!  Congratulations!  Where was it?  Where does this school rank on your wish list of schools?

Corey:  I did. This was technically my second college audition since I previously auditioned for AMDA last summer, but it feels like my first audition because that was so long ago! Hahaha! It went really well. This audition was for Clemson which is a pretty big school in upstate South Carolina (home of my favorite football team. Go Tigers!). This probably ranks about 3rd on my list of 4 schools. This is because they do not have a Musical Theatre program. They have an Acting BFA with an "emphasis" in MT. So I wouldn't receive a MT degree from this school. 

2.  Explain the audition process and audition itself.  How similar and different was it from regular show auditions?  Who was there?  Did you meet any fellow perspective students?

Corey:  Well, this audition was the shortest of all my auditions. I arrived at the school at 9 in the morning to check in at their Performing Arts Center, the Brooks Center. Here, I had my picture taken, gave them my letters of recommendation and my headshot, and I took a seat. I took the waiting time to chat to some students at the school already and question them about their program and their experience and I also took the time to talk to the other auditioners. This was a great experience because I got to learn a lot about other people, the program, and even a little bit about what my chances were of getting into this school. This audition process was similar to a show audition, just longer waiting time. About 30 minutes before my audition, I asked if there was a practice room where I could warm up and a student led me to a practice room where I warmed up for my audition. They came and got me and led me to the audition room where I auditioned for a room with 3 female judges. I did my two monologues, sang my song, and talked with them for about 10 minutes and that was that!

3.  They say hindsight is 20/20.  Now that you are done the first one, how do you feel you did?  What would you have done differently?  What, if anything, about this experience did you learn that you can apply to future auditions?

Corey:  I feel like I did really well. I definitely wish I would have remembered to bring my water because I forgot it at the hotel and had to keep running back to the water fountain to "wet my whistle". I feel like it went really well and I think the judges like me and enjoyed my performance. As the student was taking me to my practice room, she asked what program I was auditioning for and when I told her MT, she seemed enthusiastic. She claimed that their program only had 3 good Musical Theatre guys at the time and they were in need of more, so that raises my chances of acceptance, I guess! WOO!

One crucial decision: what song do I audition with?

Inside the Brooks Center: Drink a lot
STAY HYDRATED!

4.  I know you did a lot of prep for this audition.  What was the application process like for this school?  Do you feel like you were prepared enough?  Were there any surprises?

Corey:  Lots and lots of prep! It always feels like I prepare TOO much for auditions. Hahaha! But, it really paid off in the end. For this audition, I worked every week with my voice coach on my song and on my monologues. The application process for this school was simple. It was just like any application process, I filled out my application online and have yet to be informed of my academic acceptance (I learn about that at the end of this week ahhh). After that I had to apply for an audition on one of the audition dates that were open. When I did, I was informed when my audition would be and what to prepare for it. 

Brooks Center at Clemson University

5.  Did you get to tour the campus?  The performing arts building(s)?  Meet any faculty?  Now that you've actually been there, does the school live up to your initial expectations?  If you are accepted, will this school still be one of your choices? (I know it may be early for a definitive answer to this...)

Corey:  Well, back in September I actually visited the school and I have been on about 3 different campus tours because I live close to the school. In September though, I met with the head of the Performing Arts Department who took me on a tour around the PA Center and showed me all the ins and outs of the program. At my audition though, I was able to meet some of the professors I would have if I were to go to the school and it was nice meeting them and learning their goals for us and what they expect from students. The audition was a HUGE help and I can't wait for my next one this weekend in Elon, North Carolina!

Photos provided by Corey and Getty Images.

Jeff

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JKTS CHAT: Corey's Quest: Getting Into College

One of the very best benefits of writing this blog is hearing from other people who eat, sleep and breathe theatre like I do.  Between emails and Twitter, it has been my distinct pleasure to get know so many of you - from theatre enthusiasts to community performers to working professionals.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to my Twitter buddy, @ChaoticCorey, or Corey for short.  He is an 18 year old high school senior from the South, and he is getting ready to go through one of the most challenging rites of passage there is: getting into college.  And, of course, since this is a theatre blog, it only makes sense that he is planning to go to college for performing arts training!  As we've gotten to know each other over the past weeks (or more!), I've found his enthusiasm and love for the craft to be refreshing and eye-opening.  But why keep it to myself?  I have a feeling that more than a few of you could learn a thing or two from his journey to post-high school education.  And those of you who, like me, have been through the same thing can certainly understand what he's going through!

Well, Corey has been kind enough to agree to a series of interviews each step of the way.  What follows is a brief interview in which he tells all about how he developed his love for performing and some background about the colleges he's seeking admittance to.

5 QUICK QUESTIONS 

FOR CHAOTIC COREY

ONE
JEFF: Corey, thanks so much for sharing the momentous, life-changing journey with us!  What do you specifically plan on majoring in in college?  Which colleges are you planning on auditioning for?  Why each of those colleges?
COREY: Of course! I'm excited to share my experiences with you! Well, for me, it's always been Musical Theatre ahead of everything so that's definitely what I intend on majoring in. I have already auditioned for and been accepted to AMDA in New York City and I still have auditions set up for Clemson, Elon and for Coastal Carolina. I chose 4 schools that I felt fit different molds for me. I knew I wanted to audition for at least one school in New York City so that I would have a chance to go there, but I knew I wanted to keep my other schools closer to home, so I picked out 3 very different schools. Elon has a well-known, well-regarded program; Coastal Carolina has a great program, but not quite as well-known; and Clemson has a very small, blossoming program with different opportunities than other schools. I only chose to apply to 4 schools which isn't a lot for us Performing Arts majors, but it was the choice that best fit me. 

Corey as Finch in How to Succeed...

TWO
JEFF: How did you get to this point in your life, having decided to pursue a career in the performing arts?  What were the deciding factors that made you choose this?  What got you interested in the first place?  Do you have any training? 
COREY: Well, I should say I started performing (acting, singing) at a very young age. I did small plays and little things since I was about 8 years old. But it was in my 6th grade year when I truly discovered my love for acting. I auditioned for the middle school play that year and was cast in a large part.  At the end of the year, as a 6th grader, I won 1st place in Solo Acting (monologues) at a state competition out of 50 middle schoolers. That's really when I realized my love for acting and also the first time I actually realized I was good at it! I decided in 7th grade and informed my parents that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and although they thought it was just a phase, there was no changing my mind. And as for training, I have taken voice lessons since I was 13 years old, I have taken almost every opportunity that has presented itself to me, so that I could build my resume and also train. I joined a year-long performing arts company in my hometown that gives extensive dance-training because I feel like it is my weakest link as a performer. So my advice for people wanting to do this is TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN! Take voice lessons! Take dance lessons! And if an opportunity presents itself, take it, because everything you do helps. 

Corey as Cinderella's Prince (Left) in Into the Woods

THREE
JEFF: What shows and roles have you done in school and in the community?  What kinds of things have you learned about yourself as a person and a performer from chorus and ensemble roles?  Lead roles?  How has each theatrical experience up to this point made you who you are today?
COREY: Well Jeff, I did straight plays for a long time and got into musicals later in my acting career. In my first musical, I was cast as Bert in Mary Poppins. That was definitely one of my favorite roles so far, it's just a ball. Also, for Bert, I learned how to tap dance, which was also something I found thrilling! I definitely recommend tap dancing because it is really fun and looks great on a resume. Since then, I have played Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Finch in How to Succeed in Business, Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods, and even... wait for it...Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! This may come as a surprise because I've played the likes of Seymour and Finch... hahaha, yeah, I don't even know how to explain that one. Not only have I had lead roles, but I've also been in the ensemble of several shows, which I think is also great because it teaches you a whole different style of performing that is so different from having a lead or supporting role. Each role teaches me different things about myself as an actor and I love performing different roles. It's always fun getting into the mind of a character. 

Corey as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors

FOUR
JEFF: How are your parents with all of this?  Are they supportive?  Did you get the "you need something to fall back on" speech?  Do they have any influence on your school choices? 
COREY: When I first informed my parents that I wanted to be an actor the rest of my life, when I was in 7th grade, they thought it was just a phase and I would decide otherwise in a few years. But sure enough, here I am, talking to you about auditioning for colleges! It's crazy. They are so supportive, though! My mom and I always joke about how she acts like my manager, and I'm not sure what I'm going to do without her in college. Hahaha! They are all for me going to college for this and believe in me completely but they also, as any good parents would, gave me the "you need something to fall back on" speech. But I think every teenager planning on majoring in anything in the arts gets that speech! They definitely have had a say in my college decision, but they pretty much let me choose where I wanted to apply and they are just sitting back and hoping I choose a reasonable school (money-wise). Hahaha!

FIVE
JEFF: Before your first college audition, what have you done to prepare?  Tell us about the whole process from when you picked the schools you are going to up until the scheduling of your audition.  Has your current school been any help?  Certain teachers?
COREY: Wow, preparing for college auditions has been hectic, stressful, and fun, all at the same time! Lucky for me, two years ago, I found a wonderful voice coach who has not only helped me with voice, but has also helped me learn piano and works with me on monologues. I meet with her an hour and a half a week and we work on everything. She has been the biggest help to me and deserves every penny we pay her! My drama teacher at my school has also been a huge help. I have been with her since my 6th grade year, so she's seen me through all the times, good and bad. She has helped me with scholarships, audition opportunities, and choosing schools that are right for me. If there's one tip I can give to fellow teens who are starting this college auditioning process anytime in the near future, it's to start early! I mean, really, really early. If you think it's too early to start, it's the perfect time. Because once you begin your senior year, you don't want to have to worry about filling out applications and scheduling auditions and finding scholarships. Apply and audition for all your schools as early as possible. It helps! Trust me! And as for girlfriends, hahahaha, ain't no dedicated actor got time for that!

BONUS QUESTION
JEFF: What advice &/or tips would you give future perspective performing arts applicants about the process up to this point?
COREY: WOO! Do I get extra points for this one!? Well, I will just reiterate some of the tips I've already mentioned. Start early! It REALLY helps. Choose schools that are right for you and take visits to those schools to decide if they're right for you. And also, take almost every opportunity that presents itself to you to perform. Every little thing you do only makes you better in the long run and may also look great on a resume! Oh and a quick one, take up tap dancing. It's fun!

Thanks, Corey!
Pictures courtesy of @ChaoticCorey

COMING SOON: Corey's adventure continues at Elon!

Jeff
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