I would not characterize programs that do weigh ins as focusing more on appearance than training. Their main and really sole focus is training you to be a professional performer. Or at least at OKCU it is. Their dance school is consistently rated as one of the top if not #1 entertainment dance school in the country. But part of the reality of being in this business is being aware that sometimes, like it or not, size will matter. And learning how to maintain a healthy weight in a healthy way will be an important skill to have in their professional career. I worry more about those who are not taught about this, then sign a contract with a weight clause and resort to unhealthy measures to stay within the parameters of their contract because they weren’t taught about these issues.
I do totally get where everyone is coming from. I hate that it is a subject we have to deal with. However you approach it, these kids need to be made aware, they may not get a part simply because they don’t fit a costume. Or because they are too tall next to a short leading man. Or their skin is the wrong color. Weight is just one of many parts of their appearance on which they will be judged.