DisneyDirector

A terrific and thorough recap of the posts - and because we're on the internet let me clarify that there is no sarcasm in that remark at all. I think it is good to see one post that summarizes the various throughout the pages.

So, with all of this information at hand it is now up to the prospective student and/or parent to further explore these issues to:
a) see if things have changed for the better [a future possibility since it has also been reported here that next year they will have a new dept. head]
b) see if things have remained the same
c) see if things have gotten worse or
d) see if things are not exactly as has been reported.
Then determine if this school makes his/her list or not.

The things we have read here about UofA are absolutely shocking and a consistent report of some of the same issues and confirmation of a few of the practices by one of the professors from the school should definitely make anyone take notice. There is one thing I want to put on the table, though. This is the internet. We don't, in fact, know those people posting these reports (someone may know them but the vast majority of those who come here don't). Even though I don't think anyone is lying there is ALWAYS the possibility that this could be the case OR that the poster's point of view is clouded by other circumstances. Even the statement that a professor said to someone's friend that from day 1 they should be planning other contingencies is more than a third party retelling. So, even if there is the SLIGHTEST chance that this might be a mistatement (since it can't be verified), that should be enough reason for us to do our own research into the situation.

I do want to make sure that there is not a continued perception that I am defending the school or its practices. My point is, and always has been, that one should absorb what is reported here and then do even more research to create your own impression(s).

I think one of the best things that was said in the above post is that it "appears" that UofA falls in the latter camp... Yes, it does appear so. Now, go out, email, call, talk, research and determine for yourself if it is more than an appearance or not.

NotMamaRose

Really, the only important thing to come out of all this discussion, as far as I am concerned (as a parent concerned about every kid and parent who reads this list) is that those kids and parents be apprised that being cut is a distinct possibility for any student entering the University of Arizona program. Period.
Again, the quality of the graduates that come out of the program is not in question.
(And Disney Director, I don't think anyone here was ever saying or trying to say that the people at Arizona are terrible people. That's hyperbole and doesn't add to the discourse here. Again, the only important thing is that kids who choose to audition for the program have a very, very clear understanding that they could be accepted, earn A's and accolades from professors, and find themselves, at the end of freshman or sophomore year, out of the school.)
My guess is that Arizona will eventually do away with cuts in the same way that schools such as Carnegie Mellon have done away with cuts. Maybe that will happen when they recognize that there is a pool of really talented kids that they won't ever see, simply because those kids have opted not to audition for a program with those kinds of cuts.

Tapperboymom

Wow!! This thread has been an eye-opener! I have NEVER posted before, so previous comments can not be held against me... I have simply been stalking this forum for the past few months! I have a high-school senior (or at least he will be after two more days of finals!) who will be auditioning for MT programs Fall 2008 and Spring 2009. University of Arizona is one of the programs he is researching, but I believe I will lead him down a different path... many great programs from which to choose!! As NotMamaRose indicated, I don't believe the University of Arizona will be seeing my son in the next years audition process. Thanks to all of you who post on this and other threads. Your information is VERY helpful!

DisneyDirector

sigh..........

Tapperboymom

Haha... sorry DisneyDirector. I tried to go back and edit my comment after I wrote it and it wouldn't let me. I wanted to add that of course, no matter what I think, the decision is ultimately up to my S. If he has a strong interest in University of Arizona, (honestly, we are still in the fact-finding stages) I will let him make the decision on whether to pursue, but urge him to ask a lot of questions. As a parent, the info. here has been an eye-opener to carefully research the question of "cuts", the process by which cuts are made and the criteria on which cuts are based. Not only for this university, but for all!

And don't worry... I've already shown this thread to my S and he doesn't see it in the same way I do. He commented that the best of the best will be the last ones standing and he would be super proud to be one of those final few! I guess protective mothers don't see it the same way...

channelsurferdud

Thanks Disney Director. Your comments are right on the money. Living in Tucson and having worked with some of the BFA and BA students, I can tell you that there are many different opinions about the MT and the BFA Acting program. Reading the comments in this forum is not the end all. My son is starting in the program this fall, fully aware of the cuts. Like Tapperboymom said about her son, cuts don't scare him. If you are unsure what the truth is, get more information. Don't base your opinions on others comments.

azmtgrad

Hi everyone. I have read this site for several years and never felt compelled to write on it until now. I am a 2008 graduate from the University of Arizona's Musical Theatre program. I think it is very commendable that you parents are concerned for your future or current students and their pride and education. That being said, they are SMARTER THAN YOU THINK, they are going to find out what school is the best school for them.

The "cut" process is daunting and scary, yes, that goes without saying, but it seems as though very few people have looked at the flipside of the coin. Imagine the program didn't cut. Do you want your hard earned money, and your child's valuable time to be spent trying to teach a student concepts that they simply cannot grasp. Do you want your child's time being able to work in front of the teacher spent on a student who is not excelling at the same rate as everyone else in the class? So, then you ask, why did they accept that student into the program? The answer is because they saw potential! Potential, however, unfortunately does not always come to fruition as ability. Not to say your child isn't talented, but the stanislovski based training may not be what feeds their particular talent.

Next, what if it is your child that gets cut? Would you rather them be kept in a program where they are not going to be utilized in mainstage productions and more importantly, remembering this is an education setting, do you want them to continue to fall further and further behind essentially wasting their time, their classmates time, and your hard earned money?

I am one of the infamous students who came back in the 2006 school year which is part of why so many students happened to be cut that year. But, more than more students in class than expected, there was a lot of potential that year that did not blossom, in this program. They are looking out for your student as well as for the good of the company, please remember that fact.

There is more to a program to think about than the cut process as well. Piece of advice....ask yourself what kind of actor you want to be? What do you want your emphasis to be in? If you want to be the best actor possible it is emparitive you go to a school where the musical theatre program is based out of the acting school. If dancing is a huge emphasis for you, the UA is probably not the school for you, because many of the advanced dance classes conflict with the acting classes which make them not available for you to take. If you want to be a pop star, UA may not be the place for you, as with all of our training we are classicly based, including in our vocal training. (That doesnt mean we dont have belters, or work on belts, but the focus of your vocal training comes from a classical place, and then modified for modern musical theatre sound.) If you want to be a triple threat, i absolutely suggest the UA. The acting training is impecable, the teachers are experienced both as professional actors themselves and as educators, and the community support is phenominal.

Lastly, VISIT! Sit in on classes, see a production, ask current or past students, remember sometimes the reward is only as big as the risk! Also remember people tend to speak out a lot more if they are disgruntled or angry then when they are satisfied and content. Probably, because most of us are busy working as actors, go class of 2008! I hope this helps prospective students and parents with some of their questions. Parents, you i whole heartedly believe you are robbing your students if you scratch UA off your list because of the cut process, that is our business, have confidence in your childs ability and work ethic, and the rest will all fall into place.
Jeff