CQU Rockhampton performing arts graduate Jessica Havens has turned a 'haunting' audition into the offer of a place at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, School of Film & Television in the heart of Manhattan, where opportunities abound to get involved with professional productions.

She's also waiting on a response to her application for a place at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, to study how various cultures and countries use and perform music (particularly in church settings). In essence, this would be a singing (song leader) program under the Masters of Worship Studies with an emphasis in ethnomusicology.

Jessica Havens

Jessica is hoping to have the best of both worlds. If she is accepted into Liberty University's 2-year program, due to start in August, she would still be able to take up the summer courses in New York.

"If not accepted into Liberty, I will only attend the summer courses in New York as the 2-year course is $38,000 plus $20,000 for living in the student housing; which is in Brooklyn. So unfortunately, it's a tad expensive if you want to live and make it in New York City! It's a shame, but it's a doggy dog world out there, and you gotta take what you can get" she said.

Jessica has been living with friends in Virginia for the past 6 weeks on a visitor's visa to America. She said the New York audition was a daunting experience.

"The whole audition took about 2 hours. They gave me some paperwork to fill out, then showed me around the school; which is in a tall building on levels...not spaced out with trees and grass like CQU!

"I then went into the audition room with 2 ladies. I performed the piece I prepared; which had to be 2 contrasting monologues from a film or recent play; one of my pieces was from the film The Haunting.
 
"Once finished they gave me their feedback...and it wasn't all good either! New York people are very 'in your face' type people. But I took it as positive criticism; otherwise you won't get anywhere in this performing world.
 
"They then got me to perform the piece in different ways.One was to perform the piece sitting down and looking dead staright into the eyes of one of the ladies (the whole time!) and say the words like it was really coming from me; I was the character.
 
"Then they asked me to leave the room while they talk about me...longest 10 minutes of my life! Then when they came out, we did the thankyous and they said loved me and wanted me to stay. I got more even more paperwork, and that was it.

Jessica says she is glad the New York course includes dance and singing classes so she can continue to develop skills drawn from her Bachelor of Performing Arts degree at CQU Rockhampton.

Details on  The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, School of Film & Television are here.

Details on Liberty University are here.