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Comments
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7/12/25 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
This camp has some amazing people, and the counselors are angels. I have gone to the camp for six years as a rather introverted person and while I love my friends that I’ve made, the experience itself is gilded. I warn that you will likely not get personal attention from the directors/MDs unless you are a leading role. HIGH preferential treatment is given to male campers in every way: OTC, roles in shows, casting in Dramafest, etc. If you are a girl that isn’t conventionally attractive and tall and skinny, you’re likely not going to get a good role or into any extra performances. Classes are fantastic and helpful, but the rooms are disgusting. Showers are rusty and you need to wear shoes or else you could get tetanus. No AC, phones M-Sat, bad service, a lot of favoritism towards musicals over plays. Cliquey. But the satisfaction of completing a show is magical, and the creative staff are incredible.
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6/16/25 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Stagedoor was one of the most traumatizing experiences of my life. It’s been a year and I still get nightmares. Every night in Stagedoor I considered self-harming. I experienced suicidal thoughts again for the first time in almost a year. The facilities are absolutely horrendous. The stuff they say on their website is an absolute lie. The rooms are tiny, and the bathrooms don’t have soap or a lock. There’s no air conditioning even in 100+ degree heat. It’s incredibly overcrowded, and extremely overwhelming. Meeting my basic needs at Stagedoor was impossible. I got sick. I tried to sleep in my room but, I was kicked out by a counselor so I could to an acting class where mind you, we weren’t learning a thing. They say “welcome home” before you realize it’s an abusive household. This is a horrible camp. I beg of you not to send your children there, because I would hate for any kid, especially those younger than me to experience what I did.
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12/12/24 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
Stagedoor Manor is like my second home. I always enjoy my sessions there and find friends quickly. I see a lot of bad reviews that say stuff like people only pay for leads and you only get casted if you went years prior. Those people couldn’t be more wrong all the leads are cast on talent. Sure you are more likely to get cast once you have gone to camp at least once but that is only because the casting directors now know how you can act on a stage. All the classes were really helpful and taught me a lot. It is winter now and I am still in touch with all my camp friends. If you are reading this to decode weather or not to go all I can say is if you are willing to put in the time and effort into your show yes go you will love it. But if you are just going to complain about getting put in ensemble and give your director a hard time about it don’t go it ruins the theater experience and can be very disrespectful. Now if you are a theater nerd this is your sign to sigh up for Stagedoor.
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9/4/23 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
I loved it there it there it was a bit stressful but I still loved it there. If you are willing to take on the responsibility I highly recommend it
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5/1/23 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
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2/13/20 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
This camp was incredibly abusive. The kids were entitled snobs and bullies, while the majority of the “instructors” were the same. Many times I was insulted and even harassed by staff to the point of mental breakdown. The kids are cutthroat, and it’s favoritism and politics that get you parts. I was also SCAMMED! I payed full price for this camp and was forced to leave because I was having panic attacks due to the constant abuse I was receiving. I have flashbacks to this place and to this day they still induce anxiety, don’t send your kid here unless they are a rich, entitled, brat who enjoys paying for a lead role and bullying kids who don’t fit in.
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10/20/19 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Has anyone heard of grinderfest? Apparently a camper described a dance where girls would give lap dancers to the boys. Can anyone confirm this? Looking to send my daughter, but afraid if this is the case.
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6/20/19 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
This place is a farce- they cast based on how long you have been going there...at least for girls. They don't even have callbacks. Then you are stuck in rehearsals for 5 hours a day and the last week, all day- so if you aren't happy with your show or your part, you're sort of out of luck. And some of the shows they do are AWFUL- no one wants to be in a show that ppl don't want to watch. Save your money and do some intensives, or go to French Woods- much more opportunity there.
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7/27/18 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
just an incredibly overrated camp don't waste your money
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*
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4/9/18 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
I was an educator at this camp and I was disappointed to find out that the camp teaches the children to be stars, not actors. I saw elitism being encouraged. The sense that just because you can sing, dance or act better does not make you a better person than others around you who also enjoy the theatre. The mind games that are played on the kids by the "directors" can really mess up a young person's mind and made me sick. It is really a pity. The camp has the potential to be a great place for learning instead it is a place for spoiled rich kids to look down on others. My advice to the older kids at Stagedoor Manor is to go get a job at a Summer Stock Theatre and see how real theatre is performed and gain some valuable experience if they want to pursue a career on the stage
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2/8/18 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
I worked at Stagedoor for two summers. This place is abusive plain and simple. Abusive to staff and to the campers. I was horrified how the campers were treated by staff that has been there for decades. Please send your children anywhere else. Unless all you care about is rigorously preparing your child for the abusive realities of the entertainment industry then it's great, very realistic, Connie the casting director tells children they're too fat for roles so yeah that's true to Broadway theatre and Hollywood, so sure if you're into destroying the humanity of your child and turning them into a hollow-career-driven-self-loathing-fame-hungery shadow of their former selves YES send them to Stagedoor. If you're interested in fostering their creativity and love of theatre yay that's awesome, great parenting, please I beg you do not send your child here. The food is horrible and 70% of the campers and staff have eating disorders which the senior staff encourage.
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7/30/17 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp is amazing!! I just finished my second session yesterday and I have not stopped crying since I left. Although the rooms aren't amazing, they're pretty good for a camp, it's soooo much better than living in some cabin in the woods! All the staff are amazing, and although the campers are very diverse, we all came for one reason: to preform and escape into a crazy theatre world. I would not exchange my memoriers here for anything, and I can't wait to go back
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1/19/14 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Stagedoor Manor is my idea of heaven on earth, you will love it
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7/18/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
THIS IS THE BEST CAMP IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! I loved it here so much once my parents came for visiting weekend I told them 2 sign me up right now 4 next yr. This yr was my 1st yr and I went for 3 weeks. I wish I could go 3 more but it is a little too pricey, but I am fine with 3. I will say that I was very nervous at first what 2 expect but everyone is so nice and the food is really good . I am very picky about bathroom conditions and bugs and stuff but I had no problems with them at all. As long as u and ur roommates keep the room clean then its fine, u gotta lower ur expectations a little b/c its camp. The staff is lovely but ur always gonna have a few that are different b/c its acting camp. This is a place where u can actually be a kid and do what u want but u have a show to put on so use ur time wisely b/c it will pay off. I dont think they pick favorites. dont fall for bad reviews b/c they arent true. if u love acting then u have 2 come 2 this camp. srry for grammar there is a limit
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7/16/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
stagedoor is my home, theres no other place i would rather be! i went three weeks this year and it wasnt enough for me so next year im going 6! stage door is a place to grow and thrive and the educated, supportive staff encourages it and gives the kids all the advice to success! 3 weeks and they cast and perform truly amazing plays and if theater is what you love, go to stage door, you will never regret it, you go looking for friends, and u find a family! to be completely honest i dont find one thing i would change about this place. i look foward to it all year and i truly feel back at home at stage door... theres no pllace like home & theres no business like show business
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7/11/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I LOVE STAEDOOR MANOR! This year was my first year and I went 3 weeks and it went by way to fast next year I am going 6!! Stagedoor is truthfully the best performing arts camp out there no its ands or buts! I The staff is absoulutely amazing-- i never encountered anyone who worked there that was unkind! I learned more in 5 voice classes from a teacher there than in a whole year of lessons from my voice teacher at home. The facitilies are actually pretty nice! I mean cmon at least we have hot water and a shower and we dont have to bathe in the lake like other camps! My room never had a single problem. People are like "Stagedoor is so much work" well yes thats true putting on a huge production in 20 days is hard but its so worth it i had the time of my life! My experience at stagedoor was amazing and I cannot wait to go back next year! !!BEWARE!! The waiting list to get in is long and the price is high but you will have the time of your life I AM NOT KIDDING
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5/28/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I am completely appalled at other people's ratings for Stagedoor Manor. Some of them appear to be from former campers! How could they insult a place that does nothing but free people to be themselves through their personal form of artistic expression, theater. They were obviously just upset because they weren't given a lead when they didn't deserve it... Anyway, DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF IT! Stagedoor is a safe haven for teens scattered across the world. A place where they can hone their talents and just have fun. If you or your little broadway baby has any interest at all in a great summer definetly attend!
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"Auditioning Round the Campfire" - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/fas... |
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5/15/13 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Mean staff, terrible facilities, hierarchical casting, little-to-no 1-on-1 attention. TOTAL RIPOFF. My child had a terrible summer!
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4/4/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
This is a life changing camp. I would not be where I am today without this camp. Sure it's a little pricey but isn't what you get from it priceless?
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*
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1/1/13 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Stagedoor is terrible. I used to go there, but then I switched to French Woods which I LOVE.
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11/14/12 |
5 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
I LOVE STAGEDOOR!! I hinestly dream about going back there during the whole school year. The rooms are kind of disgusting, my bathroom barley worked the whole time I was there last year. But everything else is amazing!! The counslers are amazing and they really act like a sibling-figure to help you. Also, people say all the time that the directors and staff pick favorites, and that is just not true! There are alot of different talent levels at stagedoor, but they maturely cast the shows by giving leads to the most talented. Also, the food is really really good!! I didn't know what to expect, because I'm kind of a picky eater, but I loved it! And make sure you eat alot, because otherwise you're starving all the time. And in terms of the kids, I didn't think anyone was really cutthroat, most everyone is friendly. However there is one group of talented kids called "Royalty" who act a little egotistical, but other than that everyone is super nice and excepting! You'll have an AMAZING time!
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8/8/12 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
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5/28/12 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
Terrible facilities. Mean staff. Rigged Casting. Rigid social structure. I personally had a bad summer there. The atmosphere was hyper competitive so much that the kids were not nice to each other. Very cutthroat. The staff cares more about the shows turning out well than campers well being. Some directors even told kids they were "terrible actors" or that they produced "the worst singing they had ever heard." The beds, bathrooms and showers were falling apart. The food was inedible and they often run out before everyone gets some. The campers, instructors, and camp directors agree that the first sessions is the most intense and each one after that is less intense. However, every session is incredibly competitive.e.g Kids would stay up all night learning lines, when the cast lists are posted many people cry and there is a lot of gossip and cattiness. The directors play favorites and cast shows ahead of time. Furthermore, they tell those campers what their roles are ahead of time.
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4/20/12 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
The facilities are moldy, falling apart, and disgusting. The staff is full of wannabe directors who like to seem important but have no idea what they're doing. They take bribes from parents! My daughter hated it here. Try Papermill or Belvoir Terrace. Both camps are exceptionally better than Stagedoor.
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12/8/11 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I literally cannot imagine my life without Stagedoor Manor. It has given me so many amazing opportunities that I could not have gotten anywhere else! It is an intense 3 weeks, but the most fun 3 weeks of my life. I count down the days starting in Christmas. If you are thinking of attending this camp you have to realize that you work so hard, but you achieve something so amazing that it is all worth it in the end. If you are serious about performing I would definitely consider applying. I love it so much!
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
*
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2/22/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
rated #5 in the world for summer programs by Worth Magazine. Only 290 campers per session. Campers from 45 states , 25 countries last year.
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*
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6/19/10 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Okay, so my child went for 6 years. The place hands down is filthy, and falling apart, & no one does a thing to fix it despite calls to the office. Each year my child had a bathroom where the ceiling came down. They put a piece of cardboard over it & then it came down again. Kids are sick all summer. Last year lots of H1N1. Be prepared for your kid to always come home sick. As for casting, people REQUEST parts, leads included! The directors can be ornery and nasty. Some are not. It is ALL POLITICS when it comes to leads, OTC, etc. If they like you, you'll get a good role, if not, ensemble. I recently heard a mother paid the camp director to give her daughter a lead last year. It made sense, because honestly, the kid was okay, but not one of the best performers. It is very sad to think they would entertain this. They would probably deny it, but it came from another mother who knew first hand. The backstabbing of other kids/parents can be horrific. But my kid made some nice friends.
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1/27/10 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
warning.. the facilities are very moldy!!! also, it is a fun camp... but there is little supervision (and this is why kids love it). If you want serious training don't go there. the camp is full of kids who want to be famous... enough said on that.
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7/10/09 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Not good, facilities are dated and dirty, the whole gay thing ( which is part of theater, I know) is poorly handled for younger kids especially. Staff are too focused on the shows. Admin & directors not as professional as they could be.
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9/24/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
If you are a true performer at any level and can deal with some competition, than there is no WAY you should go anywhere else! No matter their ability, every single camper lives and breathes for being on stage and everyone makes the greatest friendships. It is hard work, but every second is worth it. You get to work in a professional environment, and still have loads of fun while watching and performing in amazing productions. Everyone is mainly accepting and so kind. I LOVE STAGEDOOR MANOR!
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6/29/08 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
our daughter went there for two years. Her first year was wonderful. It was all she talked about for the next year. She made great friends,and learned a lot. Her self-esteem really benefited.We had been warned about the facilities being old. (dirty too)But overall this was an incredible experience. THEN the next year came. Her director was the biggest jerk in the world. The kids really bonded over this. He was inappropriate and abusive. She being a year older was more aware of many of the issues of these kids. There isn't a great deal of adult supervison (as I noticed even the year before)..we are an accepting family of all people. But the overt sexual/coming out thing was disturbing to her. She has worked professionally in theatre..she knows that her directors are gay.(but these were her peers). Make sure your child is ready for this.The truth is there are many mixed up people there, and it is a great place for them to feel normal.The show and director is luck and pricey at that.
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2/17/08 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Facilities are really bad. Yes you put on a show on in 3 weeks, but they aren't very good and you don't get the full show experience. There is usually no pit and not much of a set. There is a true battle within the kids which makes for a really rough environment and snobbishness. Make sure you visit the grounds before you send your child there. If you read in the other reviews, even the kids who liked it think the facilities are bad.
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10/23/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
It's been about 15 years and still remember it like it was yesterday. I loved it! Best memories of my life there.
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10/13/07 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I FRICKEN LOVE STAGEDOOR MANOR.
whoever said that thing about the staff is clueless, they're amazing.
and cmon guys the rooms aren't THAT bad
at least we're not in cabins in the middle of the woods!
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5/7/07 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
My daughter loved it last year and can't wait to go back this year. Wonderful experience and opportunity. I only wish I could go, too!
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2/13/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp is the best camp to send ur child to. I have been going there for 7 years and it has been an INCREDIBLE experience. It is not like frenchwoods or long lake because this camp focuses on REAL acting not like set design and like band members. Everyone there is there because they share a passion and that is something that is really hard to find in a camp. Everyone is open with how they feel, what they wanna do. Every single kid gets so close to each other it is ridic. I have nothing but great things to say about the camp. The food is AMAZING, the artist staff is amazing! the only thing that needs updating is the rooms. otherwise...AMAZMENT
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6/21/06 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
What a pit of a camp with immature counselors. Kids bond based on their similar interests but there is no appropriate adult interaction. Everyone trying to work out a lot of their own issues.
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6/4/06 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
My daughter had a great experience at this camp. The facilities could use a little updated (specifically the dorms)
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