Studio – Training or Cheap Labor?
From my conversations with agents I gather that studio programs can be tremendously variable, from cheap labor or inexpensive cover and rehearsal drudge work to a legitimate part of an ensemble, singing small parts with big people, gaining high level knowledge at a good address and maybe growing into major roles. The level of the theater is no guarantee, however, so don’t be star struck by the name of an important international theater. Check out the feeds and experiences of singers in these programs. Are they getting stage experience and high level master classes or lessons? Or are they mostly languishing, except when they’re thrown into an uncomfortable or difficult situations without proper preparation?
Almost no matter what, you’ll be learning German and seeing how a theater operates, but it can also be a trap. Age matters more than it used to, and after a couple of years in a studio you’re that much older but still a ‘Beginner’ or ‘Anfänger’, and you may have to accept an “Anfänger” contract. The real world consequence: two more years with barely enough money to get by, and you’ll have to accept almost any role. By the time you finished with that, you might be in your mid-30’s and your salary ceiling will be lower. The lesson here: make sure you’re getting something worthwhile for your time!