<p>I wish I had learned about this website earlier! Maybe my post is a little too late but as a student who was cut last year, I feel moved to comment.</p>
<p>Most of what the instructor from the University of Arizona said was correct. We were all extremely aware of how cuts work, and how they are a possibility to everyone. I can honestly say that I was treated with respect from every one of the faculty members, but knowing what I know now about the program, I most likely would not have come. </p>
<p>I can't speak for every student in my class who was cut, but I can honestly say that I was never told to register for other classes in case of a cut. I even recall asking a teacher about headshots and told not to worry about that until I take a certain class senior year, which suggested to me that I had nothing to worry about. </p>
<p>The freshman acting class had two showcases at the end of each semester, and an audition to re-enter. These two showcases were no longer than half an hour each, and our audition two minutes max. For the two teachers who worked with us through the semester, I feel that they were capable of judging out talent, work ethic, and passion. But for the four remaining members of the faculty who had a say-so in our being cut, I don't feel that it was fair. I was never late to a class, always had my assignments in on time, never missed a class, and I know in my heart that my passion is now greater than ever, but those four faculty members had no way of seeing that for themselves. </p>
<p>What hurt me the most was not the rejection, but the lack of warning. The day before my audition, I approached my teacher (who I still think fondly of because of his respect for me) and asked him for help with my auditioning piece. He looked at me and said, "You don't need help. You're golden." And unfortunately I believed him. When I later asked why I was cut, I was told it was because of diction. I accepted that. I was told that I wasn't listening in my scene to my partner in the showcase, when only a couple weeks prior in rehearsal that my listening was "flawless." My teacher said to me, "Remember that one rehearsal about a month ago where you were just coming out with some great stuff?" "Yes," I said. And he told me that it came too late. Which now doesn't make sense, seeing as how they told other students that they didn't improve at all. So it seems that some students were cut for not improving and I was cut for improving too late... that I don't understand. I can't feel responsible for my own ability to improve, which is obviously there, but I can't expect to improve at the same rate of evey one else, and I don't think teachers should expect that either. Not only did I have no warning, but besides the diction comment, I didn't know what criticism to take to heart because it's contradictory nature. </p>
<p>I remember going to a show with my father at the end of the semester. We sat and looked at the program which had the shows for the following year. He whispered to me, "You're not going to be in any of these shows." "I know," I realized. More than anything, U of A helped me to pay attention to my type. As a minority student, my options were limited at a school like U of A. Not only are there not many parts for women in the shows, but many require people to look like they belong to the same family. I remember leaving "Side Show" which was fantastic, and crying that night, realizing that I would never be one of the sisters, or even be considered. I would never be in the Brighton Beach or Philadelphia story family. I would never be Juliet or her mother. I would never be the sweetheart in Biloxi Blues because race was an issue in the time period. And I don't sing so that knocked out the musicals fast. Now, I'm not saying that U of A should put on A Raisin in the Sun or Hairspray because of the 2 or 3 black students that they have. The U of A puts on very classical pieces and does a great job, but most of their shows have very set types for their characters, and not many of them African American. For me personally, I felt limited, and I questioned why I was selected at all when there would be half as many options for me as the other students. </p>
<p>Whoever posted something like, "I don't know an actor who was cut and wasn't better for it" was absolutely right. I am certain that this isn't the last time I will be rejected as an actor, but my passion is still strong. I am applying to five schools this year with a knowledge of what I am looking for that I didn't have a year ago. I will not look back at the U of A in vain, but just as a step and struggle I had to endure through my journey. I am now acting more in my community than I did when in the program, and more than some students from my class who advanced. I am sure that the U of A is a perfect place for many students, but I am anxious to be in a school where I have more options, more of a warning of the fore coming, and more of a comfort that my place is valued in a program. It's hard because for some of the students who were cut, I can see why. And it was difficult to see students who never turned in work, showed up late and/or inebriated, lied to teachers, or were just disrespectful, admitted back in. But I can only look at my work through the year which was honest and evidently trainable. </p>
<p>Do I feel cheated for the amount of work that I put in? Yes. Do I hold that against the U of A? No. I knew exactly what I was getting into, when cuts would be made, and that it would possibly be me. Does it hurt when my old professors don't even look me in the eye when I pass them in the halls? Absolutely. I hold nothing against them for where I am in my life, because obviously this is where God wants me to be. But would I advise anyone to get into the program as a freshman, especially girls and/or minorities? Absolutely not.</p>