JKTS Chat: Chaotic Corey's College Journey Part 2

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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.


5More 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 ofschools?
Corey:  I did. This was technically my second collegeaudition since I previously auditioned for AMDA last summer, but it feels likemy 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 SouthCarolina (home of my favorite football team. Go Tigers!). This probably ranksabout 3rd on my list of 4 schools. This is because they do not have a MusicalTheatre program. They have an Acting BFA with an "emphasis" in MT. SoI wouldn't receive a MT degree from this school. 

2. Explain the audition process and audition itself.  How similar anddifferent was it from regular show auditions?  Who was there?  Didyou meet any fellow perspective students?
Corey:  Well, this audition was the shortest of all myauditions. I arrived at the school at 9 in the morning to check in at theirPerforming Arts Center, the Brooks Center. Here, I had my picture taken, gavethem my letters of recommendation and my headshot, and I took a seat. I tookthe waiting time to chat to some students at the school already and questionthem about their program and their experience and I also took the time to talkto the other auditioners. This was a great experience because I got to learn alot about other people, the program, and even a little bit about what my chanceswere of getting into this school. This audition process was similar to a showaudition, just longer waiting time. About 30 minutes before my audition, Iasked if there was a practice room where I could warm up and a student led meto a practice room where I warmed up for my audition. They came and got me andled 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 10minutes 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 applyto future auditions?
Corey:  I feel like I did really well. I definitely wish Iwould have remembered to bring my water because I forgot it at the hotel andhad to keep running back to the water fountain to "wet my whistle". Ifeel like it went really well and I think the judges like me and enjoyed myperformance. As the student was taking me to my practice room, she asked whatprogram 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 timeand they were in need of more, so that raises my chances of acceptance, Iguess! 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 theapplication process like for this school?  Do you feel like you wereprepared enough?  Were there any surprises?
Corey:  Lots and lots of prep! It always feels like Iprepare TOO much for auditions. Hahaha! But, it really paid off in the end. Forthis audition, I worked every week with my voice coach on my song and on mymonologues. The application process for this school was simple. It was justlike any application process, I filled out my application online and have yetto be informed of my academic acceptance (I learn about that at the end of thisweek ahhh). After that I had to apply for an audition on one of the auditiondates that were open. When I did, I was informed when my audition would be andwhat 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 theschool live up to your initial expectations?  If you are accepted, willthis school still be one of your choices? (I know it may be early for adefinitive answer to this...)
Corey:  Well, back in September I actually visited theschool and I have been on about 3 different campus tours because I live closeto the school. In September though, I met with the head of the Performing ArtsDepartment who took me on a tour around the PA Center and showed me all the insand outs of the program. At my audition though, I was able to meet some of theprofessors I would have if I were to go to the school and it was nice meetingthem and learning their goals for us and what they expect from students. Theaudition 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.
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