<p>Bisouu, your comment definitely reflects the frustration that lots of applicants and their parents feel over the audition/application process…but the smaller programs are adamant that they could not provide the level and intensity of training they do if their classes were larger. At that point it’s a matter of both quality and economics. No school could hope realistically to add faculty in response to sheer number of potential students–it’s just not logistically possible and would affect the quality and “culture” of their program. That said, an open admission program can be a great fit for certain kids, especially those who are extroverted and competitive and thrive in a situation where they have to capture their professors’ attention and compete with many other students for roles in plays. But for others, an intimate program where they can focus on skills and artistic growth, and where their professors know them well on an individual level, is the best way to go. Since a BFA requires a huge amount of commitment as well as raw ability and deep interest, an audition is the only way schools have to make sure that they are bringing in students who really can make the most of their intense training and who are likely to stay the course. </p>
<p>It sounds like your real concern is that your daughter may not be admitted to an auditioned program even though you both believe she would thrive in one. It’s tough to let yourself have faith in the process, but these programs, and the folks who run the auditions, have so much experience evaluating kids, and when it’s the right fit–a kid with raw ability who conveys the ability to work well in a given program–the auditors recognize it. And yes, the odds are tough and most kids don’t get in everywhere, and it’s important to have non-auditioned options as well, but (with apologies for repeating another CC cliche) this is the process they’re signing on for as a career, too, and preparing for auditions is part of how you learn whether this is the right path for you. </p>
<p>There are plenty of parents on this board–and I’m definitely one of them!–who made sure their kids included non-auditioned academic backup schools on their lists, places where they would be happy to go and where they felt they could put together an interesting and valuable four years in both BA and BFA programs. And there are LOTS of working theater folks who didn’t do a BFA and have lived to tell the tale (and thrive professionally). What was hardest for me as a parent was to stay unattached to one specific outcome, even though I knew my son’s heart was set on a specific degree at a specific school. His plan ultimately worked out, but we were prepared with good alternatives in case it didn’t. Hang in there–our job is to help our kids get ready, and to trust that the schools will do THEIR job well.</p>