Denise supports both the student and parent in the art and mastery of the audition and college/high school application process.
Schools are looking for three qualities when evaluating a student’s performance.
First, they consider the appropriateness of the material for the student as evidenced by age, type, and quality.
Second, they evaluate the student’s potential in terms of their belief that the student will grow as an actor. In this aspect they evaluate whether the student has made good, strong, and appropriate acting choices.
Third, they look for honesty and authenticity. Here, they evaluate a student’s connection to the piece in terms of how successfully the student conveys the emotional content of the monologue. In other words, how well does the student make it her own in a believable way?
Denise will help select two to four contemporary and classical monologues from published plays that best suit the student’s age, personality, acting type, and skill level. She will help complete any additional school-specific audition requirements as well as produce a wild card video. Finally, she will address how the student will present themselves to the College, or high school as a whole person beyond acting talent.
Her objective is to provide the framework and the coaching, and the proper mindset that encompasses all of these parts and result in a favorable outcome.
In addition to helping young actors matriculate in college theatre programs, Denise also coaches students wishing to attend high school performing arts programs.
2 monologues are needed as well as a song if applying to the musical theatre program and auditions are held at the end of each calendar year.
Denise has had students get into top high school programs such as Laguardia, Frank Sinatra, Professional Performing Arts, Talent Unlimited and Edward R. Murrow.
Throughout the year Denise teams up with faculty from prestigious musical theatre and acting programs in a free teleseminar series. Topics include: choosing audition material, what college theatre programs look for and finding the right program for your child. Past guest advisors have included:
SEE WHERE DENISE’S STUDENTS ARE GETTING IN
| COLLEGE AUDITION COACHING
I started working with Denise almost 3 years ago now, and from the minute I met her, I could tell that she truly cares about each and every one of her students. Even though she had just met me, she gave me the attention and coaching as if we had been working together for 10 years. So when it came time to work on my college pieces, I knew exactly who to go to. One of my favorite things about Denise is that she always pushes you to take that extra step and go the extra mile. It could be a piece that you’ve been working on for 2 weeks or 2 months, but there is always something else that can be discovered, and Denise will help you do that. She helped me pick pieces that I felt I could truly connect with, but more importantly than anything else, at least in my opinion, is that Denise is always completely honest with you. She doesn’t treat you like a kid, she treats you like a colleague, and if you make a choice that doesn’t work, she will tell you, and on the flipside, if you make a choice that does work, she will tell you. This industry can be full of facades and working with Denise is a breath of fresh air. I also don’t live in NYC, and Denise was always incredibly accommodating, offering online versions of her classes, allowing me to still work with her, even if not in person 100% of the time. She utilized her connections, and I can say with complete certainty that in the past few years having worked with her, she opened the door to countless opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. Thank you for everything, Denise. You have truly helped shape who I am not only as an artist, but also as a person, and for that, I owe you the world.
-Alex Massarotti, Pace University
Denise Simon is a coach like no other. She truly takes the time for every single student to help them find the right school and the right material. Denise uses her industry connections to fully support all of her students. Denise goes above coaching her students on their monologues, she helps them remain organized with all their auditions and times with spread sheets, docs, etc. Musical Theater and Acting have some of the most rigorous applications and Denise is there to aid but also keep you sane! Her commitment to every single student demonstrates her wonderful character.
-Eowyn Young, NYU Tisch
I feel very fortunate to have had Denise coaching my daughter Sophia during college applications. It was a very challenging start. Denise helped Sophia find the right college and best monologues for her personality. She prepared her with technique, pre-screen tapings and how to audition. I could not believe the improvement Sophia made in just a few months. And the best part... Sophia was accepted into West Conn’s BFA Acting department. Denise, we are grateful beyond words.
-Ana Reidy, mom of Sophia
Western Connecticut BFA
I attended Denise Simon’s pre-college intensive in the summers before my junior and senior year. Before I started the program, I was plagued with anxiety over the college audition process, but Denise and the amazing coaches made me feel comfortable and confident in the audition room. I felt fully prepared for all of my auditions and walked in knowing exactly what to expect. Through the workshop, I made incredible friendships and industry connections that will stick with me for life. In the fall, I’ll be attending my DREAM program at Boston Conservatory for a BFA in Musical Theater, and I couldn’t have done it without Denise’s help.
-Katie Grgecic, Boston Conservatory
The inexperienced, overdramatic, eager little ten year old that worked under the direction of Denise as Dorothy in a production of the "Wizard of Oz" never imagined that seven years later, she would be accepted and committed to one of the top college musical theatre programs in the country. Yet here we are! Having grown up with Denise's wisdom and guidance, I have developed not only into a more well-rounded, self-aware artist, but human being as well. Denise has always cultivated an environment of loving honesty that pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me into a more truthful performer. She is a beam of support throughout all the ups and downs of auditions for professional work or college and engages with her students in a manner that enacts noticeable change. I thank Denise for all she has done for me over the years, and am excited to embark on this new chapter of my professional career with her training under my belt.
-Sophia O’brien, Baldwin Wallace
Denise has taught me so much over the years, but some of her greatest advice got me into the college of my dreams. Denise took the overwhelming, daunting process of the college search and applications, and made it intelligible. She worked with me and my parents to construct a college list that suited me perfectly. She suggested schools for me based on my personality as well as my performance ability. She encouraged me to apply to schools where she knew I would learn from great professors and grow immensely in my particular field. Denise worked one on one with me on my audition pieces. She took me through the entire intimidating audition process until it seemed like a walk in the park. We went over every line of my monologues, found what techniques felt right for me, and by the end of our last session I was filled with confidence. As I narrowed down my choices for my top colleges, she connected me with her previous students in order to help me get more information about the majors, programs and student life of where I might be spending the next 4 years. I highly recommend working with Denise to help navigate the college process. I am very grateful to Denise Simon, as she helped me find the perfect school for me, where I will be able to soar academically and artistically over the years to come.
-Fifi Fernandez, Elon University
I am beyond grateful for Denise's guidance throughout this college process. Denise truly cares about her students and their needs. We worked together to pick schools that fit my interests and a program that supported my career ambitions. She also helped me choose unique pieces that aligned with me personally. Because of her, I developed confidence in my acting abilities and myself. I can't thank her enough for all she has done for me!
-Sofia Slaman, Syracuse University BFA
Denise Simon inspires her emerging actors with empathy and compassionate rigor. The outcome of her coaching is a flexible actor that is hungry, dynamic, and unique!
-Kenneth Noel Mitchell, Professor of Theatre Practice, University of Southern California
I wanted to reach out and thank you for the help you provided me for my college auditions. I took everything you said to heart, made some changes - and then auditioned for over 25 schools for musical theatre. They said you only need 1 to say yes - you know how competitive it can be! Well, I got my one yes!!! I got admitted into the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Boston for MT! I didn't sing that Dream with Me song - thank gosh! That was all because of you! Thank you for the quick tips, brutal honesty, and for your time! Without you, I'm not sure I would have made the changes I needed to get in. You're awesome, and I just wanted you to know.
- Jersie Joniak
"Parents, kids, and the industry love Denise because she is not only so good at what she does, but she’s incredibly down to earth and relatable. And efficient—I was amazed by how quickly she found monologues suitable for Clementine, and her critiques were spot on. The HS audition process is stressful, and it was a relief to feel in such good hands the whole way.”
— Aleba, mom of Clementine 2019 & 2018 National Tours, "A Christmas Story, The Musical”
My daughter Beatrix and I both agree that working with Denise for her High School auditions was a great decision. Denise absolutely delivered on all fronts. She helped Beatrix pick strong material that showcased her talent and range perfectly. She prepped her thoroughly which allowed Beatrix to have complete confidence in her delivery. The final pieces were extremely well done and she received multiple offers as a result. Denise has a true gift when it comes to helping young talent get noticed!
- Marcy J. Wang
“While auditioning for a variety of programs, including BAs and BFAs, Denise helped me to present a range of skills in my acting repertoire. Her support alleviated many of the stresses that appeared in my college audition process and made me feel better prepared to audition for so many schools. Committing to USC for a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre was the best decision I made because it allows me to have access to incredible acting teachers while maintaining the flexibility of taking film, dance, voice, and other academic classes that align with my interests. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn about lighting design and other elements of technical theatre through student productions!”
-Scott Weinstein, USC
"With 30 years experience, Denise is a trusted resource. I've worked with Denise's students multiple times and can confidently say she shares my passion for truth and individuality in her students. It's clear they are talented but Denise always has them prepared, open and ready to take and understand adjustments. I look forward to meeting them every year."
-Grant Kretchik, Head of BFA Acting, Pace University
“Every time I work with Denise Simon's students, I am struck by their confidence, professionalism, and readiness to present their talents on prescreens and in-person auditions. As anyone reading this knows, applying and auditioning for university theatre and musical theatre programs can be a confusing and complicated process, but Denise Simon's website, book, private lessons, podcasts, classes, and master classes help in giving parents and students all the support needed to navigate a path to success.”
-Mark Madama, Professor of Musical Theatre, University of Michigan
“Denise Simon Coaching supports young artists in navigating the path to following their dreams, providing up-to-date information, strategies, and skill-building to help them succeed. Her website, materials, and workshops are student-centered, and she creates a safe, dynamic learning environment where they can explore and grow. Whether the goal is preparing for college auditions or a professional opportunity, Denise offers ways to build skills and confidence in what seem like an overwhelming industry. Her focus is on process and developing a growth mindset – something applicable to any chosen major or profession. Her book provides essential guidance for parents of young performers, perhaps the only resource of its kind available.”
-Catherine Weidner, Ithaca College Professor of Theatre Arts
“So grateful to have had Denise Simon’s coaching, guidance, and wisdom during my college audition process. She takes time to know her clients, and aids in finding the most fitting and unique material to them. She helped me enter the audition room with full confidence in my ability to produce a mastered monologue. I am honored to say that, with Denise’s help, I will be attending one of the top music theatre programs in the country at Texas State University.”
-Brooke Cox, Texas State University
I would be lost without Denise. She not only helped me find and connect to my audition pieces, but her guidance was integral to me having the confidence to succeed in a college audition. Working with Denise made me feel secure in my acting abilities and her teaching style encouraged me to keep improving and reminded me to enjoy the acting process through the stress of auditions.
-Rayna Frantz, NYU Tisch
“The process of auditioning for colleges can be stressful and even emotionally challenging at times. However, after I started working with Denise, I felt as though I finally had a sense of security and reassurance. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication is second to none. I am extremely lucky and grateful to have found a coach who gave me insight into what a successful college audition is, which has allowed me to enter my auditions, knowing that I had nothing to worry about, after working with her. She’s an amazing, smart, dedicated, and honest acting coach, and a wonderful person.”
- Marcelle Guilbet, NYU Tisch
The precollege summer program not only just prepared me for the college audition process, it left me with the ability to learn at fast paces and to think on my feet. I couldn’t be more grateful for the exposure and workshops given to me by numerous professors and Denise Simon! I would highly recommend participating in this program as I wouldn’t be committed to Manhattan School of Music for musical theater without its help. Thank you.
-Lily Flynn, Manhattan School of Music
“Working with Denise throughout my college audition process made a potentially very stressful time period very exciting and relaxing. Denise is patient with all of her students, and works to find pieces that speak to us as individuals. Her guidance and advice gave me the tools to navigate my audition process, and will aid in a fruitful career in the industry. I can’t thank Denise enough for her role in my acceptance to NYU Tisch!”
-Marisa Caputo, NYU Tisch
