<p>From wording on their website, it’s clear that students may be cut from the program for artistic reasons. (“The faculty believes it is unfair to graduate people who, because of lack of motivation or apparent talent, will not achieve successful, professional careers or who do not seem to be growing adequately within the Professional Actor Training Program… Students who are not making satisfactory progress, even with a grade of “C” or better, may be advised by the faculty to withdraw from the program.”) How often are students cut? What are reasons given? Was anyone surprised at some of the people who were cut?</p>
<p>D is a freshman - they can put students on probation sophomore year, and if they don’t improve, they are cut, but they don’t just cut them without warning. They definitely work with the student to help them improve. She said no one is every surprised if they are cut, and she doesn’t think it happens very often. The faculty is very caring and they want the best for their students! </p>
<p>I was going to say my S spent 2 weeks with Joe Deer lat a summer program and we spent time on campus with the faculty for 2 days when he auditioned, I can’t imagine they don’t do everything they can to avoid doing it. So I wouldn’t let that sway the choice to attend.</p>
<p>D has spoken to one person she knows who was a freshman this year and one who is a graduate who is amazingly talented and positive and a mentor for my D. Both are adament that WS cuts only for work ethic issues. For example, two were cut this year: one for missing way too many classes (not for legitimate reasons), and one for a very low GPA due to an obvious lack of effort (despite the faculty trying to work with the student and pull him/her along). So, WS is definitely on D’s list now, which is very exciting for both of us; it’s a fabulous program and a likely fit for my D’s desires!</p>