<p>Hi.
Thank you all for your help last May. My daughter has decided to go for non-audition BA programs, and she has narrowed her list of colleges down to about 10. Her focus is on acting, but not musical theater.</p>
<p>However, she is breaking her mother's heart because her list does not include Cornell University, and her mother has a connection there.</p>
<p>My daughter has really tried to find out about the theater department at Cornell. She has called the school and talked with several people. The strange thing is they have all been somewhat vague about the program. We have read newspaper articles online that say that Cornell faced budget cuts and decided to make those cuts in the arts, but that's all we know.</p>
<p>We would add the school to my daughter's list if we could find out more information. Are there any parents or students on the forum who can give us some insight into the current situation with Cornell University and theater?</p>
<p>Hi! I’m a current theatre major at Cornell University–I must say that I absolutely ADORE the program. It is in fact true that there have been severe budget cuts to the program as of late. However, the program is truly a community and I would argue rivals even BFA programs in the quality of instruction. There is a sense of family and cooperation rather than rivalry and competition in the department, which is especially conducive to learning in the theatre. Budget cuts have only served to make the theatre department that much more fervent in its efforts to practice theatre in new and innovative ways, and have encouraged the creation of art by the students themselves rather than solely by the professional staff. There are many theatre opportunities behind the scenes and on stage throughout campus, and the professors in the department are absolutely inspiring and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend the program. I too considered a conservatory track when I was in high school, but decided I wanted a more flexible, well-rounded education, which brought me to Cornell University. I could not have made a better choice. Good luck with your decisions!</p>