<p>Hello all, I have been reading all the forums about colleges with good theater programs for some time now, and they have really helped. However, upon further investigation, I've found most of these programs come with a high price tag. I want to get a BFA in acting, but we don't have a lot of money, and $20,000 is about our maximum. My question is, are there any colleges that have good theater programs with a lower price tag? I know there won't be programs like Julliard's or NYU's at that price, but I'm hoping to find a school with a little better program then a local state school. Also, I live in Virginia, just in case any of you have ideas of the best school to go for theater if I go instate. If I end up doing that, I'm considering William and Mary because it's a really good school, but there's only a BA, not a BFA there. Oh, and if you need to know my stats, i haven't taken the SAT yet, but I have a 4.0 and have been involved in TONS of theater and other activities....
Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>There ARE programs like Julliard and NYU for a reasonable price. You may need to supplement your $20,000 but you can do it for less than $50-$60,000. </p>
<p>There are several state schools with excellent BFA theater programs. And even for OOS students their pricetags can be significantly less than private schools. Take a look at Rutgers/Mason Gross, University of Minnesota/Guthrie, SUNY Purchase and UNCSA to start. These are all very competitive audition programs. But you can round out your list with schools like Temple in Philly which has a BA theater program. A BA in theater is another very strong path towards a theater career so don’t rule it out.</p>
<p>Specifically in Virginia, take a look at James Madison University. KatMT is the “local” expert on JMU and may chime in. [James</a> Madison University School of Theatre and Dance, Harrisonburg, Virginia](<a href=“The School of Theatre and Dance - JMU”>The School of Theatre and Dance - JMU)</p>
<p>Also, don’t rule out private colleges, you may qualify for need-based aid. And with strong stats merit or talent awards are also an option. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Oddly enough I was talking yesterday to someone who graduated from William and Mary as a theater major. He couldn’t say enough about the theater program and the opportunities there. You are mad lucky to live in Virginia, which has such great and reasonable state schools. Shenandoah Conservatory has a BFA degree and with good stats you would get substantial merit aid there (but acceptance is by audition.)</p>
<p>I recall when checking out schools that I thought CCM (Cinncinati Conservatoryof Music) was very well priced for the high quality of the training. Out of state tuition is $17,000.</p>
<p>I would say SUNY Purchase’s Acting Program is reasonable. It’s one of the best acting programs in the country. With an alumni list for days… I would look there.</p>
<p>In VA there are many great options with strong Theatre…</p>
<p>Ironically I am currently at the VA Theatre Conference in Reston… there are many VA Theatre programs here meeting prospective HS seniors. </p>
<p>JMU (where I teach) has a strong BA program. Just moved into an amazing new performing arts center. 
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<p>UVA, William & Mary, VTech, George Mason, Radford, Longwood, Virginia Commonwealth, CNU … the list goes on of state schools in VA that have strong programs.</p>
<p>For an instate BFA VCU is the state school that seems to have a strong BFA performance program. I think Longwood and maybe Old Dominion may also offer BFA degrees. I do not know as much about them. </p>
<p>Shenandoah is a strong private in-state option. Not state school… so more expensive sticker price… but with the right stats, and a strong audition merit aid could be a possibility.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind a Christian college, Regent University has a good theatre program with a beautiful 700 seat theatre and pretty impressive faculty.</p>
<p>I would look at SUNY Purchase in New York. Obviously, in-state tuition is much cheaper, but the out of state tuition is completely worth it to be at one of the top, if not the top, acting program in the country. Good luck!</p>