<p>Just wondering how difficult it is to be allowed a minor in Drama. Of course getting into the CFA is very difficult, but when looking at the requirements of getting a minor in Drama, it does say you have to apply to enter the program, without much other information. Which could mean anything from…next to impossible, they turn down most applicants, to merely chatting with the advisor. I know many other minors at CMU are easily accomplished.</p>
<p>Anyone have any knowledge on this issue?</p>
<p>I’m not sure how hard it is, but I suspect that it isn’t easy. They’d probably expect you to be nearly as if not as competitive as their “normal” students. Class sizes also might be in issue in regards to how many minors they accept. I wasn’t in CFA however the one acting course they do offer for non-majors is wildly popular.</p>
<p>Take acting for non-majors, do well, and then talk to the Drama advisor. That’s how everyone I know who is minoring in Drama is accomplishing it. A couple of others joined Scotch n’ Soda and used that as their repertoire to persuade the advisor that they could handle the Drama minor.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information, I appreciate it. Is it that hard to accomplish the minor? My son will have had 4 years of drama in high school, and is pretty dedicated. Is it difficult because there are many intense classes, or are they just trying to limit numbers of people?</p>
<p>That does sound like some great ways to accomplish getting into the minor!</p>
<p>I’ve been told repeatedly that it is somewhat difficult (but nowhere near impossible) to get in, and their coursework is also as difficult as that of any regular Drama major. Additionally, it’s not as rewarding as being an actual Drama student because you aren’t allowed to act in any actual Drama productions, which is kind of disillusioning to many students. You get the “second class citizen” treatment a lot. </p>
<p>They aren’t necessarily trying to limit the amount of minors, but it is a small program to start with so there aren’t a whole lot of classes to go around – and they’d probably rather reserve most of those spaces for actual Drama students.</p>
<p>Also, just consulted some friends - passing Acting for Non-Majors is a requirement to apply for the minor. Have your son keep that in mind before he applies. If he gets an A he should be ok to take the minor. :)</p>
<p>Thanks alot for getting that information! You know, we had thought that CMU would be the perfect school for him. His brother goes there, he loves the school, so many choices of majors, great drama program. But if it’s virtually impossible to get into the CFA (or double major), and they don’t let non-drama kids act in the productions…for someone who really enjoys being in plays and musical theatre, most other colleges would let him at least try out. That could be really frustrating.</p>
<p>Is your son in Scotch n’ Soda? If not, I think there’s a good chance he would really enjoy it. It’s a group of kids who are very similarly minded - they were huge on theater in high school but didn’t come to CMU for Drama. Many of them are minoring in Drama, but there are no Drama majors in SnS productions (to my knowledge - I think it’s a non-major only troupe). </p>
<p>Add to that-- SnS productions often draw a bigger student crowd than the real Drama shows do. They’re definitely more popular and more talked-about, because the plays are generally crowd pleasers (like Rocky Horror this fall) versus the “artsy” plays that CFA often puts on. And some of the big names that came from SnS are just as big as those coming out of the school of Drama - IE Stephen Schwartz (Pippin), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Charmed, Lost, Law and Order), Barbara Feldon (Get Smart) and Michael Patrick Walker (Wicked, Lion King, etc).</p>
<p>The older son is probably not in SnS, he’s too busy with his frat and classes. But that’s excellent to know it is an option, for son #2 (he’s a junior). In fact, probably more fun than getting a minor in it. That sounds just perfect for him, CMU goes back to the top of the list again!</p>
<p>Rocky Horror must have been alot of fun to watch. Thanks for all your help, completelykate. And tell my son he should buy you dinner to pay you back for your great advice.</p>