PROCESSING THE PROCESS - Auditioning for Musical Theatre College Programs, A Parent’s Perspective

Hi friends! This episode is a listen in on my chat with Giovanni about his experience of the college audition process and outcome!Thinking of you all as you take on this special journey with your child!Sending love - Lisa

How are you all doing with the wait? If I had to guess your child is processing better than you are, their parent! Let me just tell you, you are in good company! I am a Mamma Bear more than most anything else. When my kids hearts struggle or hurt, it almost takes me out. BUT, it doesn't actually, I become a whirlwind of emotions. I definitely plummet, hit the bottom, and come to the surface fighting. Anyone else relate? Each of our children are approaching this differently. Most will have low lows & high highs! Thinking of you and hoping you feel validated by our sharing! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lisa-thams/message

Learn from my experiences in this process! Hopefully, what we've done wrong and/or right will help you to avoid some things, to do some things and to prepare for some things. I'm publishing this episode just as Giovanni, my auditioning son, is about to go to Chicago Unifieds 2024. So, it's by the skin of my teeth. Details shared in this episode, I believe, will be helpful at which ever stage you are at in the process with your child and most helpful to those looking ahead at this with your rising Junior. Man! It can be confusing. Hope this will make it a little less-so after you listen. To your children - BREAK LEGS! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lisa-thams/message

This is much delayed in being published! If your child is auditioning this year, for Fall 2024 admission, these are steps you've already taken with them. Nonetheless, if you are anything like me, it is validating to hear that you've considered all the points I share. For those of you looking ahead at the process, these will be helpful points that you'll want to think ahead about. Hope everyone is staying sane and grounded. Sending my best out to you all! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lisa-thams/message

Has your student been seen by a Laryngologist - an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor, specializing in Vocal Health, specifically, vocal fold nodules and cysts, laryngeal cancer, spasmodic dysphonia, laryngopharyngeal reflux, papillomas, and voice misuse/abuse/overuse syndromes? This is your reminder to have this done ASAP!!!! Seriously, schedule that NOW. Best case scenario is that your child is seen while in optimal vocal health to get a baseline and then checked annually or sooner, as needed for any issues that may arise. Singing through illness and/or over straining vocally can result in vocal cord damage. Untreated, the injury can worsen and can become a path changing obstacle. In this episode I am sharing experiences and thoughts. For more medical perspective go back and listen to Episode 4, where Dr. Rubin, our ENT and author of The Vocal Pitstop: Keeping Your Voice on Track, available on Amazon, chats with me about all thing vocal fitness. Go and get his book. It's an excellent resource. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lisa-thams/message

This is a response to a question sent to me by a student listener who is aspiring to show her best self at workshop while performing for adjudicaters who will be evaluating and also in front of participating peers. My response is informed by attending workshops and training sessions that demonstrated strategies to get out of your head and immersed in the character and the story that's being told. Enjoy listening! And please send me questions, feedback, topic suggestions and comments to lisathams@gmail.com (include “PTP” somewhere in the subject line) or text me at +12485156832. Be well

This episode is an update on my son Tommy Thams and his path to date pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Our chat includes honest, open talk about his COVID prompted Gap Year and reflections on his choices, growth, lessons learned, his summer spent training in NYC, the future and many other miscellaneous insights. A great listen for parents and students. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

This episode is jam packed with amazingness! There is so much to benefit from in listening. Mark Christine is an incredible resource and such a nice and genuine person. We focused on sharing his knowledge about the process in three areas - timing, coach -vs- no coach and money. Lots of valuable information and tips to save you time, stress and money. Please subscribe. Rate my podcast on Apple podcasts and leave comments. Oh! And if you do decide to get a Chase Sapphire Card, please list me as your referral. I'd love the extra points. Be well! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

For many of you the topics & thoughts shared in this episode will be a familiar now or in your future. I want to do my best to share accurate information. My chat with this mom is current, relevant and, I think, will be helpful. It's a valuable articulation of the potential overwhelm and realization of the magnitude of the demands of this process. I am wowed by the commitment that so many kids, in this time ,have made to move forward, doing zoom sessions for skill development, etc. Which, actually, lends itself well to the requirements of auditioning in this time where the pandemic exists and the comfort level that is needed for self tapes, zoom live auditions and interviews. It is the norm now and I think it will stay to some degree going forward. Our conversation touches on: the Project Manager role as the parent, the dilemma of the mask requirement of being in-person versus being on zoom with no mask, Walk-ins, Headshots, when all things considered equal what does it come down to, deadlines & parent versus student interface/outreach with college program contacts. God bless and my best to every one of you and your children! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Erin & Michael met in college as they were both MT students. They've journeyed together working in the industry…on ships & land. Today they are using their experiences as actors in interesting ways. I love hearing what life up the road could entail for BFA grads. Throughout this chat you'll also get a brief update on what my boys are up to. Please rate, comment or reach me at lisathams@aol.com or on instagram @processingtheprocessptp or @308lat. Would love to hear from you. Any input or feedback is a gift to me;) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Meet a heart-driven powerhouse duo, ARTSBIDGE Founder & President - Halley Shefler and Vice President - Shaun Ramsay. They both have extensive experience in college admissions and are expert authorities. If you've listened to previous episodes, you've heard me speak of Artsbridge Summer program that both my boys attended as their final big push to prepare and train prior to their college auditions. It's special! Listen to hear why. This is packed with so much insight and conversations that will help parents and their students think through the process ahead of them. If you found this episode, consider yourself very lucky. It's a gem. ENJOY! As always..please, like this podcast, comment, email (lisathams@aol.com), rate, share, or reach out to me on social media @processingtheprocessPTP. I'd truly love to hear your thoughts and feedback. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

I’ve thought about recording with Antonio Cipriano for a while and finally reached out to him to recently. I think it’s important to get insight into alternative paths to the same end. Tony’s has been a special journey to the stage and now, TV. He did audition for College Musical Theatre Programs. As his path revealed itself, he did not end up going that route and has no regrets. Listen, enjoy, and share! You can follow him - https://antoniocipriano.com, Instagram: @antoniocipriano_, Twitter: @antoniocip_, Tiktok: @antoniocipriano_. And don’t forget to also, follow this podcast and @Processingtheprocessptp on Facebook and Instagram or email me with feedback and updates of your path as a parent or student in this niche process. Loving hearing from listeners. I’m hopeful for live performance to be back ASAP. CAN’T WAIT! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Continued from Episode 1. This is a fabulously transparent conversation where Laura and Andrew (Mother and Son) share their journey through this process. This captures the nuances of their dynamic. We touch on many, many elements of their experieNce as they reflect back, including: communication, coaching, Senior year commitments, deciding not to audition at a school you passed a pre-screen for, the importance of resonating, the “waiting process,” the “ waitlisted process,” and the mental dimension of it all! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

A good listen for more great insider info on the process! Gabriella and her Mom share the journey since they last recorded with me! Listen for tips, foresight, things to consider and much more. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

What will life after college look like as an MT graduate? It’s hard to truly know. Bryn Rivière shares her own journey from CCM to being an aspiring actress, living the auditioning life in NYC. Lots of practical information and insight to the variable of what this path entails and how she has adjusted to day to day life as it is now. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Jack Kay is an aspiring Actor and 2019 Juilliard Graduate. We had a great chat and went a bit deep, talking about challenges and how he’s met those and kept moving forward. I’d say this is quite enlightening and invaluable food for thought as you support your child through this process. Being able to benefit from Jack’s thoughts looking back and now, having begun the real world part of pursing a career as an Actor, I feel, is a huge gift back to us parents. Hopi g you feel the same. Please do subscribe, comment, review, and send me your thoughts on any of this and my podcast at @processingtheprocessptp on Instagram, PTP - Lisa Thams on Facebook or email me at lisathams@aol.com. Still thinking of you all and cheering you in as you move forward in the process! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Dylan Mulvaney is 23 and graduated a year ago from CCM with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Shortly after showcasing in NYC he was cast as Elder White in the Book of Mormon tour. A dream come true! Listen to hear about his journey thus far, including, how the pandemic of COVID19 has affected his work. If you are interested in reaching out to him, he is @dylanmulvaney on Instagram. As always, lots of good miscellaneous insight to Musical Theatre overall. Also, apologies for the overlap of our voices toward the end of this episode. Still working on my tech skills!! I’d love for you to rate my podcast and leave a message for me with your thoughts about it, specific questions or suggestions. You can email me at lisathams@aol.com or message me @processingtheprocessptp. Be well everyone! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

This episode is one I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I think it’s important to consider the journey of deciding NOT to go the route of pursuing an education or career in Musical Theatre. You will be listening to my conversation with Emma, who after much back and forth about it, ultimately chose a different path for her life. She shares about the variables that led her to that decision. So many good thoughts shared here! Even if your child is full speed ahead in this process, you will appreciate the content in this episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

If your child is coming up on 2020 Unifieds, this episode is especially in synch with where you are at with your child in this process. The first part of this podcast is recorded in the lobby of The Palmer House at Chicago Unifieds last year. The background noise is an accurate representation of what it’s like there during that time! The conversation is one I had with another mom I met (now, a friend), Elizabeth, whose son was also going through the application and auditioning process last year. The second part of this podcast is an update of her journey with her son from that conversation we had in February 2019 at Unifieds and what all they navigated through from then until ultimately making a decision on which program her son would attend! I’d love for you to leave a message for me with your thoughts about my podcast. Go to - https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

If you are applying to school for Musical Theatre this year, 2019/20, you are currently in the throws of the process!Gabriella & her Mom, Amy, fall into exactly, that very special group of people! In this episode you will be listening to our chat. Gabriella has been thinking about and anticipating actively applying and auditioning for quite some time and is impressively articulate about her thought processes along the way of arriving at her decision to go all in on this route. So many great conclusions about that as well as choosing her prescreen material, finalizing her list of schools she’s applying to and much more. Lots of really great food for thought here, for sure! In Episode #1 of this podcast I talked with Amy, Gabriella’s mom, who was at that time looking ahead to now! So, this is somewhat of an addendum to that! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

This is the first time that my oldest son, Frankie, and I , have gone back and talked through his journey to and through the process of applying and auditioning for collegiate Musical Theatre programs. He ended up attending the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and graduated this past Spring ‘19 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. In this episode he shares, from his perspective, with impressive retrospective clarity as well all things intertwined with his past four years and most recently, transitioning to life in NYC and positioning himself optimally for a successful career! If you are a parents or a student looking forward to navigating this same process you will enjoy and benefit greatly from listening! I’m, of course his Mom, have been there through it all and STILL was enlightened! I’m so proud to share Frankie with you! Enjoy!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

A pretty in depth conversation with my son and MT Freshman at Wright State University about how he’s adjusting, a look back on the process from his perspective, what he misses, what’s hard and how he’s managing! Please rate, comment, and share! Enjoy! NOTE: sort of cont’d from Ep. 12 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Kevin Chlapecka a graduate of the CCM Musical Theatre program class of 2019, chats with me about his journey to and through being an MT transfer student. Lots of enlightening information about this process in general and a bit of a glimpse of “after graduation” and just getting his career started in NYC! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Continued from Ep. 9. I recount my experience with Tommy as he heard back from the College Musical Theatre programs he applied to and the turn of events leading up to his final decision!! Listen to find out how his process ended! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

This is another conversation with my friend Barbara. Last conversation was Ep. 8. We are touching base about where our boys are at with hearing back from schools and sharing our frustrations along the way! A great listen for what to look out for if you are looking ahead to supporting your child in pursuit of College BFA/BA. Enjoy! And please rate, comment or email me with questions to lisathams@aol.com and put Processing the Process or PTP in the subject line. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Listen to a parent and I talk about her daughter’s journey, what influenced her, Aha moments, coaching, observations, things to consider and do as you help them decide which college to spend the next four years at and many more interesting points to consider. AND a surprise at the end!! Enjoy! Email me with comments, thoughts and suggestions for what you may want to hear more about at lisathams@aol.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

This is me, being real and raw, as I share my heart after Tommy was notified that he was not accepted to a top choice/reach school, for the second time:( Hoping this helps you prepare or relate as you listen to my true heart at the time! Waiting on decisions is a crazy time! Follow me or comment at @processingtheprocess on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you with questions or comments. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

I met Barbara at Moonifieds. She also has a son going through the process. Her son loves to sing but otherwise hasn’t had extensive training or experiences other than performing in his High School’s Musicals. At the time of this recording, he had applied and prescreened for 25 schools and was accepted to one of his top 5 programs! His Mom and I chat about her experiences with him including LA Unifieds, deciding to take some schools off his list, our experience with College Audition Coach and how she and her son have Processed the intricacies of this Process! Enjoy. And please share with anyone who might be interested. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

“The one thing I know for sure, is that I don’t know much about this process!” If you have a child who is planning to audition for college Musical Theatre programs and you can relate to that statement, you are really going to appreciate listening to this conversation! My guest, Laura, asks a lot of questions and I give her answers based on my experiences, having gone through the process AND currently being in it, with my boys. We talk through her many different curiosities and concerns as she thinks out-loud about what’s ahead for her son. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

As I was sitting and waiting for Tommy to finish one of his auditions, along with the many, many other parents who are here at Chicago Unifieds with their kids, I starting taking to another Mom, Gina, about her child and this process! No surprise, as it’s the certain common link all of us parents have in being here with our children for the same reason, college auditions, of course! But most importantly, to love them through this process! You will hear us talk and share about our joys, challenges, and concerns as we’ve supported our kids to this point. Gina went through this process with her daughter last year and is here again this year! Listen to her share about their journey through this process and how they ended doing it all a second time! I’m so happy to be able to put this honest conversation out there. Please share with anyone who might benefit from listening. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

I took the opportunity of my friend, Michelle, being on-site at New York Unifieds with her daughter, recently, to get the inside scoop. We’ve never experienced New York Unifieds. Actually, I’m in Chicago at Unifieds as I’m typing this! We had a great chat about NYC Unifieds specifics but lots about her experience with her daughter through this process so far. As always, please share with anyone who might be interested in listening in. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

As performers Vocal Health is so important. Just like any athlete our kids need to keep their voices "fit!" This conversation with Dr. Adam Rubin has a ton of information about how to best go about doing that, as well as lots of great insight to consider as our kids go through the auditioning process and look ahead to the demands of a career longterm. Dr. Rubin is our Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor. He specializes in Vocal Performance and is a performer himself! After having a professional acting career he went on to Harvard medical school. So, he gets "it!" His book, The Vocal Pitstop: Keeping Your Voice on Track, is available on Amazon, and would be an excellent follow-up after listening to this conversation. This is especially timely for me, as this upcoming weekend I'm headed to Chicago Unifieds with my son, Tommy. Yes, my second time around! Aye!! Maybe I'll see you there;) Thanks for tuning in and please share my podcast with anyone who might benefit from listening. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Consider elevator traffic at Chicago Unifieds! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

I chat with another Mom, Christine, who has a son who is a sophomore in an MT College program. So much good stuff in this conversation about getting our boys to and through this process! Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

I chat with a parent whose daughter applied to college Musical Theater AND Acting programs. She has really enlightening things to say about the process about faith, financing and challenges along the way! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

I chat with two parents about the Musical Theatre College Application and Audition Process. One parent has a child who is a Junior in high school and has questions and thoughts about what lies ahead. Myself and another parent answer her questions and share thoughts, looking back on our experiences. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message

Introduction to my podcast that will present parent discussions about their experience of their child’s application to and auditioning for college musical theatre programs. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lisa-thams/message