m4deint4iw4n

I was recently offered admission into CCM as a Drama major, so I checked out their site and I realized that, though their freshmen class always consist of 18-20, as they progress the class sizes DRASTICALLY dropped (class of 2009 has 7 people?? class of 2008 has 11??)

I was wondering, for anyone who is currently or has been in the program, why the class sizes drastically drop? Do they cut that many people? How rigorous is the theater program?? I wouldn't want to join a program where I'll end up getting kicked out of!

Thanks in advance!

MTbuffboy

hey, i am a current musical theatre major at CCM and the cut system SHOULD NOT stop you from considering the program. Those who are cut are people who are most likely not working to the full of their potential and skipping classes, causing drama within the class, etc etc. However, the faculty MAKES IT CLEAR that they want all of their students to succeed and dont WANT to cut anyone. I have experienced nothing but complete dedication and kindness from the faculty here and I am sure that if you come and visit/talk to more current students, you will find the same answer. good luck! any questions, ask me in a message!

taxguy

I can't speak for MT,but I can't relate what was told me by the dance department chair. UC has a VERY strong department in dance especially in Ballet. They lose about 50% of the people between freshmen and senior year,but it isn't generally due to the school cuting the kids. The demands are enormous. Many kids just don't realize this when they enroll. They are expected to put in 8 hours a day dancing.

soozievt

Taxguy,

CCM's BFA in MT and BFA in Acting have CUTS. Faculty evaluate students after the first year and can opt to cut students. This is not the same as students CHOOSING to leave.

However, classes dwindle for a few reasons.

One....CCM's BFA MT and Acting programs have cuts decided by faculty.
Two....like in any intensive BFA program, some realize after doing it that it is not for them.
Three...like in any college, some leave for personal reasons
Four....in theater or dance too, sometimes there are students who take professional jobs and leave school.

(as far as the 8 hours....those in BFA in MT programs in most schools have 8 hours of class and then rehearsals at night and on weekends)

Katgirl

MTbuffboy, please don't perpetuate the myth that those who are cut from CCM MT "are people who are most likely not working to the full of their potential and skipping classes, causing drama within the class, etc etc.". Though those people can (and would likely) be cut, it is terribly unfair to characterize all people cut from CCM MT as slackers. People who get into CCM as MT majors are the cream of the crop, and have certainly been accepted into other prestigious programs as well as CCM. People ARE cut from CCM MT who are talented, work hard and soothe drama rather than cause it. They are cut because MT isn't the major for them, a conservatory isn't the place for them, or CCM isn't the place for them--or maybe all three of those factors are true. It doesn't mean they are not talented, hard working and responsible, and it doesn't mean they "cause drama". It is devastating to be cut from any program. Many people cut from CCM's MT program have gone on to find huge success in MT and other areas. Please don't make generalizations that are unfair, unkind and untrue.

MTbuffboy

I can only speak for my experiences and what I have seen. I do know several people who were cut from CCM and gone on to study at other well known conservatories and have started working professionally in the theatre. I am in no way saying that ALL people who are cut fall into that category but some do. if that is the way my previous post was interpreted, than i apologize. this was not even the point of my post. all i am saying is that you shouldnt let the existence of the cut system keep you from looking into everything else the university has to offer. best wishes! :-)