<p>Hi - We toured Bard last summer, and my D loved it. She’s done a lot of reading and visits to lots of other schools, and Bard has remained high on her list. She’s very focused on theater and liked their department and facilities very much. We did learn about their approach to choosing a major, and we understand that process, that you can’t assume you know what you will major in, or that they will agree.</p>
<p>There was mention in another thread by a couple of people that some majors, possibly including theater, may be even more difficult to get into, even beyond this complex method of choosing. Apparently some of them have only limited space, so it seems that she could be in a more competitive situation there than we thought.</p>
<p>Does anyone know anything about this? We’ll ask the school if we need to, but I’m curious what people have to say here.</p>
<p>I know that hopeful student photo majors endure a number of “cuts” from the program; each semester D has had to survive a system where only a portion of the class was permitted to continue to the next level, and Moderation was similarly stressful.</p>
<p>I just asked her about theater and her take is that the difficulty there is not so much people being cut from the program but that they have many specific requirements. Apparently you have to take certain classes and perform in a certain number of department-sponsored productions (which of course means you have to successfully audition for those along the way), but as long as you are aware of those, it shouldn’t be a problem. Each department holds info sessions for students during L&T (freshman orientation) and they go over everything you need to know. (You are aware that Bard’s program is great for “regular” theater, but not musical theater?)</p>
<p>Thank you! And yes, my D is interested in acting, also theatre “arts” like design and directing. And writing, and music, too … she’s a bit of a Renaissance woman, which is one of the reasons why Bard appeals to her, in my opinion.</p>
<p>I think as she considers Bard it will be a very educational process for her. As long as the information is available, she’ll be able to make a careful choice. I’m sorry it’s been stressful for your D - there is something sad, if not unfair (at least from a parent’s point of view) about working hard and then finding out you’re shut out of what you want just because of space, not accomplishment.</p>
<p>I never cease to be amazed at the kindness and helpfulness of CC members. Thanks again!</p>
<p>To sort of reiterate what Stradmom said, the only time I’ve heard of there being the possibility of limited space in certain majors has been with the Photo department, though it seems to be something that’s just said and not actually practiced (but don’t hold me to that).</p>
<p>That being said, certain classes required for certain majors are competitive and hard to get into and thus makes it hard for one to major in that area. Professors are, however, kind and understanding and tend to give preferential treatment to those who state they need a class for moderation and/or graduation/distributional requirements.</p>
<p>Thank you, lilygraces. Nothing compares to hearing from people who have direct experience at the school.</p>
<p>The good thing about theater - well, at least we feel good about it - is that there is always the MFA in performance, and many people believe a good liberal arts education is an essential part of an actor’s training. I think my D would take her chances at Bard, knowing that she could do a lot of great stuff there in whatever major she ends up with, and then do a Master’s down the line if that’s what she wants.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you!</p>