<p>Shacherry – I think it would be appropriate to ask that question. I know I would be happy to answer it honestly for the program where I teach, and I assume that others would as well.</p>
<p>I think the answer will vary from program to program… for example, I teach in a small MT program where all of the freshman MTs are in a MW voice class and a F performance lab. There is only one section for each of these courses, so all freshmen in the program are in these classes. We also placed each student in their acting class for the fall. Some were in a MWF class and others in a TH class. These placements are based upon dance class level placement and whether or not the student was also living in the arts Living Learning Community (LLC). </p>
<p>There is slightly more flexibility for the Theatre students, because the program is slightly larger and their are a few more sections of some freshman classes, BUT there are still some restrictions based on the arts LLC, which classes we place the students in based on their audition/ interview/ portfolio review, etc…</p>
<p>All of our freshman also have to complete certain specific general education requirements before the end of their freshman year, so the general education for freshman may also be a little more tightly prescribed, because the student will be looking for general education classes that work within their major course schedule.</p>
<p>Once students reach sophomore year they start to have a more flexibility in scheduling (although there are still some classes that a student takes in sequence over their four years that only has one section or all sections meet on specific days that would prohibit a student from scheduling a full day off from classes). </p>
<p>We have had students in their junior or senior year who were performing/ rehearsing up in DC (a 1.5 - 2 hour drive) who were able to make it work with their course schedule if they took fewer credits/ went part time those semesters. We also have worked it out for a student to take all or part of a semester off for a professional opportunity.</p>
<p>I blah, blah, blah about these specifics in relationship to where I teach as examples of what MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be possible at any particular program that you will not really be able to find out by just looking at view books and websites. </p>
<p>Hope it helps :-)</p>