Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!
Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!
Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#0
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:12pm
I like alliterations.
Anyways, I'm new to this board. This is my first post! I have no idea why I didn't stumble across it before.
However, I was looking for any of you that have attended the Shakespeare School at Stratford. I've never been and I'm applying in about a month!
It's friggin stressful, I'll tell you, because I generally rely on auditions to get me where I need to go. Not that I'm not a weak writer, very far from it, but the fact that it's pretty much just a short essay and a couple teacher recommendations that will make me or break me is pretty intense.
So, questions...
1. How wonderful is it?
2. Is everyone in the program intimidatingly talented? I'm worried that I won't be up to par!
3. How should I approach the essay? What are they looking for?
4. Any other tips?
Oh, and I'm not going for the musical program. I'm looking at the Shakespeare program.
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#1
Posted: 2/3/06 at 7:49am
Oh my gosh, it's fantastic!
Don't worry about it though, they try to facilitate taking as many people as possible. If you just show how much you really want to partake, you'll be set.
There are some amazing people at the program (people I went there with went on to go to Northwestern, Boston Conservatory... good schools), but that doesn't mean everyone is amazing. There really is a large gammut of talent. However, I did both Shakespeare and musical theater, and it seemed like there was less of a difference in the Shakespeare program, most people had at least potential if not anything else.
You'll be fine, trust me. The directors there really embrace everyone and you turn into a family. I don't think I got in a fight with anyone the two years I was there. Everyone just really... loves eachother... not to sound cliche... lol
Broadway Star Joined: 12/19/04
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#2
Posted: 2/3/06 at 1:23pm
Not to bash Stratford Shakespeare school because I've never been there, but I just want to tell you about the Theatre Aquarius program...
I think I've heard that Stratford is $2000 for two weeks (am I wrong?) and you don't do a full show at the end.
Theatre Aquarius is $480 for seven weeks, has professional directors, acting teachers who work in the field, costumes, musical directors, voice coaches, etc... Plus you do a full scale Broadway show at the end...(past three years have been Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Les Miserables)
I understand you don't want to go into musical theatre so much, but I just letting you know about this fantastic program.
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#3
Posted: 2/3/06 at 3:40pm
Haha, I'm in the Theatre Aquarius winter program right now!
However, I've talked to people in the TA program (namely Snow White in Into the Woods, who is a very good friend of mine) and it doesn't seem like the right thing for me.
Mostly because it's musical theatre, which I don't do, and Stratford focuses on Shakespeare, which is what I'm actually interested in.
Plus, I want to start building a connection with Stratford as soon as possible, since that's pretty much my career goal.
As for the cost, the cost of TA vs the cost of Stratford is balanced out by: a) the fact that TA is seven weeks, which is far far far too long to give up day shifts for a girl saving for university and b) the price of Stratford includes room and board for two weeks plus A level seats for 10 plays!
Also, as much as you and I know TA is a great theatre...not many other people do. When reading a resume, Stratford is far more impressive than Theatre Aquarius. Unfortunate, but true.
And THAT is why I think its worth the extra $2200 for Stratford!
Broadway Star Joined: 12/19/04
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#4
Posted: 2/3/06 at 4:26pm
Yeah, I understand the job thing, I guess I just could never produce $3000 (is that close to what you said) for a theatre program.
I would also consider Stratford for the shows you get to see, however this season isn't thrilling me, although Colm Feore is supposed to be fantastic.
Ps... say hi to Mel for me, haha.
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#5
Posted: 2/3/06 at 4:30pm
haha, will do!
Yea, I'm so psyched to see Colm this season. I've heard nothing but good things!
But I agree, the season isn't their best. I mean, I think its just because I don't know Coriolanus that well, and I have a love/hate relationship with Oliver, but Twelfth Night and Much Ado should be fantastic!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#6
Posted: 2/3/06 at 4:55pm
Heh, my friend teaches at the Sratford Shakespeare school. Haley is the coolest person ever!
Akiva
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#7
Posted: 2/3/06 at 5:00pm
Are you serious?
Um...do you think you could get me in contact with her...?
Just want to talk to her about the program, thats all!
I promise I'm not a lurker!
PM me!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#8
Posted: 2/3/06 at 5:29pm
I will pass on your questions to her, for sure. She is a wicked person. I acted in a workshop of her script this year. Very talented actress and writer.
Akiva
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#9
Posted: 2/3/06 at 5:32pm
Yay! You're my hero!
Thank you muchly.
re: Stratford: Shakespeare School Stress!#11
Posted: 4/13/06 at 6:37pm
AHH! I just found out...I got in!
And, they granted my bursary request!
Thanks alot for the encouragement y'all!
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