Students experience life in the ‘Big Apple’ through OCUNYC -

By Dakoda Smith, Copy Editor

“I thought it was a phenomenal experience,” she said. “I feel so much more prepared — I got out of my comfort zone but in a safe atmosphere.” --Caitlin Ahmman, vocal performance senior

Students hoping to move to the Big Apple after graduating are given the opportunity to experience what life is like for an OCU graduate in New York City.

The OCUNYC program was hosted March 14-17 during Spring Break and offered performance majors the chance to meet with talent agents, casting directors and OCU alumni living in New York City.

The program employs alumni workshops that serve to answer the question, “What are they really looking for?,” according to the OCUNYC website.

“This is the battle cry of almost every actor seeking representation,” the site reads. “But if you’ve done your homework and are a pro-active actor, you can immediately improve your chances of finding the right agent for you and your career.”

Caitlin Ahmann, vocal performance senior, said she attended the program during the break and gained vital insight into the performance industry.

“OCUNYC is a program that was created by the alums who are currently living in NYC,” she said. “They set up workshops and master classes with various directors and casting agents.

“It gives us an idea of what life in New York City is like.”

Ahmann said her first time attending the program pushed her outside of her normal boundaries.

“I thought it was a phenomenal experience,” she said. “I feel so much more prepared — I got out of my comfort zone but in a safe atmosphere.”

The program gives aspiring stars an advantage after graduation, Ahmann said.

“I just got a better grasp of what goes into auditions and what agents and casting directors are looking for,” she said.

Ahmann said she learned the tremendous importance of a first impression.

“Even little things like dress or minor details on your resume — things you might not even think are a big deal,” she said. “Having a good attitude and how to really present yourself in a positive manner.”

This article initially appeared in the March 23 issue of The Campus newspaper.