<p>Ooo…I just had a thought. Webster has begun offering a BA in Theatre Studies and Dramaturgy. That might be right up her alley! Plus, I found that Webster’s FA package was superior to all the other schools.</p>
<p>Just thought I’d weigh in since we took a slightly different route. My kids were homeschooled and their tests grades were pretty average, and they both got scholarships. My son is at Anderson University in SC and they have amazing merit awards, though their theatre scholarship is more according to need and its a pretty good program. My son is there for Graphic design and his ACT was 23 I think. </p>
<p>Brenau GTA is a celebrated drama program in the South and they are happy with low 20s SAT scores. It is a womens college but the GTA program is in conjunction with Gainesville State and the community theatre program. Daughter was offered great merit and a theatre scholarship after audition. Her SAT was 1800, but her math was very average </p>
<p>Similar schools on our radar or that the kids and their theatre friends are happy at:</p>
<p>Oglethorpe
Covenant
Piedmont</p>
<p>I will also vote for Muhlenberg. They have a very respectable theatre program, good academics, and offer a merit scholarship through auditioning. To be more clear, there’s no audition to be accepted but you can audition to receive merit money, so it’s based on talent, not grades. I know three kids who went there and one graduated two years ago and has been working in theatre since graduation, one graduated last year and decided not to pursue theatre and is working as a teachers aide and going for her Masters in Education, the third was not a theatre major but a dual major in Chemistry and Communications (maybe?) and is taking a year off and then going to graduate school for Meteorology. She did however perform in many of their shows. </p>
<p>It’s a nice small LAC and might just suit your daughter. Good luck!</p>
<p>Your daughter stats sound very normal to me and I think she can do very well if she rises her ACT score. The good news is that it is possible. I have seen with my son a great improvement in his ACT scores from his first to his third, so practice is fundamental. Look for Barron’s collection of ACT books. They have specific ones for the area most needed and general ones that cover the whole test. They tend to be a little more difficult than the actual exam but that is why they prepare them well. Good luck!</p>
<p>Chaptertwo, my son also has a “meh” gpa (3.3 at a rigorous private school but with no AP classes), and his SAT/ACT scores were pretty much middle-of-the-road after a little math tutoring. I was happily surprised by his range of acceptances from both types of programs–we spread a pretty wide net, and that turned out to be a good strategy for him. We’re in Virginia but didn’t look any further south than here; however, I can tell you that my older two kids both went to school in Ohio, an 8-hour drive, and almost always were able to find rides home (or within a couple of hours of here), so the transportation costs were minimal. My son will be attending Otterbein this fall and was also accepted to auditioned programs at Ithaca and James Madison University, had five NON-auditioned (academic) acceptances as well, and his FA offers were all over the map but most were very helpful. Please feel free to pm me if you’d like details or have questions, and proceed with optimism–it’s a fun process, despite the stress!</p>
<p>I think my question would be, if your daughter doesn’t want to be a professional actress, what does she want to do for her career?</p>
<p>I don’t think your daughter is a slouch at all, it sounds like she works really hard both in classes and in theatre. I do notice that the parents of the more “academic” kids seem to sometimes consider the “artistic” kids to be “slouches” (or worse!), and then are shocked when those kids get into very good college programs, with scholarships etc, almost entirely on the basis of their artistic ability (when their “academic” kids are turned down!).</p>
<p>There are a lot of different programs that “weigh” artistic v. academic differently. But really, her academic qualifications are perfectly okay.</p>
<p>If she does decide she wants a theatre career, she might enjoy identifying people who have the job she wants, people who right now are doing the kind of theatre work that she wants to do. Then study how they got there, what college (if any!) they went to, etc.</p>
<p>Also I think you should at least consider foreign programs in addition to the U.S.</p>
<p>KEVP</p>
<p>chaptertwo, I hope you feel better - maybe even kind of pumped! It’s really an exciting process, although we all understand your anxiety.</p>
<p>One thing I want to say as you get used to this Forum is that while we love hearing about these kids’ accomplishments and cheer them on, we tend not to focus on things that seem to measure “talent.” There’s a general agreement here that none of us can or will know anything about how each others’ kids perform, so we just assume they are all really talented and really dedicated. Also, since there is no way in the world any of know how they will be responded to at auditions or in their programs once they attend, we tend to consider that whole side of the process a complete mystery. So that may be refreshing - there’s really no comparative talk here about theatre “achievements” and everyone is in the “theatre 99th percentile” in our eyes.</p>
<p>Definitely check out Bard. They tend to be quite financially supportive; my friend, with a GPA similar to your daughter’s, will only have about $2k in loans when she attends next year because of the assistance she got. It’s a very intellectual and diverse population, and the school has ample resources for performers and other artists.</p>
<p>cmcyanide, interesting to read that. A friend’s daughter, with similar GPA and better scores (although Bard is a no-score school) and an EFC of 0 was still gapped about $10K by Bard, her first choice. Her family has no credit; they will not be eligible for Plus loans even if they were foolish enough to take them. And this includes the daughter taking full Stafford Loans, about $30K in loan debt after graduation. I can’t imagine a family with more financial need than the family I know, so for some reason Bard must have preferred your friend’s daughter.</p>
<p>We are in Kentucky. RealKEVP, good question (if not act, then what career path?). Short answer, I’m unsure. I do know she loves reading plays, criticism, dramaturgy, AP Art History, tech, stage-managing and directing. She has been credited in several productions as either the assistant director or the assistant stage manager (school, children’s and community theatre). It is my personal opinion that she needs to know how to promote, market, and fundraise. I sit on boards for artistic non-profits, and see that business skills and plans are much more well-received if the directors have a financial and/or marketing plan for their projects as well. In a perfect world, artists don’t have to deal with the “business side” of things … but, in this economic time, I think it’s crazy not to have a basic understanding of a business plan or a marketing plan. same with graphic arts (posters/promotions) and front of house (facilities). My daughter is a total realist, and although the business side of things may not be as appealing, I think she’s finally getting that these things are necessary (esp since she’s about to direct her own project her senior year…she’s writing proposals to local businesses and scouring for regional grant funding).</p>
<p>I digress. She is not a slouch and I love her <3. That was my paranoia talking (where have I gone wrong? why is this kid at least not have a 4.0?) Her GPA does have to do with being heavily involved in theatre for the last five years, at least. (her relatively low test scores - anybody’s guess). She has a great theatre resume with varied companies and school productions, and there are no gaps in it (continual year 'round productions since 6th grade). She is a state speech team finalist for several years. She’s taken a wide range of theatre classes, including a local summer university conservatory program. </p>
<p>I love that bit about “measuring talent” on this board, and just taking it for granted that these kids are super-dedicated and love what they do…therefore, they’re good 
Yes, that is what I think too. So the actual measures though, become important - like GPA and tests … and that bums me out. But it is great to know that others are in this boat, and have come out with great options. And that was my hope for this thread!</p>
<p>I am working my way through your suggestions, everyone. So appreciated.</p>
<p>If anything else hits you in the head, do post. :-)))</p>
<p>Emmybet… as usual I wish there was a “LIKE” button for your post. </p>
<p>Welcome chaptertwo!! I will be right along with you next year, as I also have a rising Senior trying to decide between a BFA and a BA in theater. I was interested to hear that our kids sound very similar… although mine is a son. He has a bit higher GPA and test scores, but seems to be more focused on his theater passions, than his academic ones, and is definitely not a straight A student because of it. He does like writing and science though. It’s a tough decision for him because he is afraid of giving up most of his other interests if he goes the BFA route. He is a singer, competitive rock climber, varsity sailor, and loves to write poetry. But, his #1 has always been theater. I am kind of on the same page as you, as I think my son has a better chance of admissions with an audition, although I have really no idea how “talented” he is. It is very subjective I think. So… he has put together a VERY wide and varied list, which will probably be fine tuned and cut after his summer theater program at Northwestern, but wanted you to see some of the schools he is looking at with some of the same issues as your D.</p>
<p>BFA’s: BU, CMU, NYU, USC, NCSA, Emerson, DePaul, Elon, and possibly UMichigan and U Minn Guthrie.</p>
<p>Auditioned BA: Fordham, UCLA, </p>
<p>LAC BA’s Auditioned for scholarship not acceptance: Muhlenberg, Occidental, St Olaf, Whitman, Wooster.</p>
<p>LAC BA’s: Macalester, Skidmore, Kenyon, Oberlin, College of Charleston, Loyola Chicago</p>
<p>I know this is a HUGE list, and he will not apply to all of these schools. He has schools on there that satisfy some of his wants…i.e. sailing, and can’t decide between a small school or a city school yet, but not all. He wants to have a wide variety of schools on his list so if he changes his mind at the last second he will have options. Also, some of these are EA schools, so after December he may be able to reduce some of his BA safeties. NONE of any auditioned school can be labeled a safety. He decided to go big or go home with his BFA schools, because he thinks he can be just as happy at one of his BA LAC’s. He could care less about prestige, and we have NO time to visit schools with his theater obligations, now, this summer or next fall. It is going to be a crazy year, but I try to stay positive( as does my son), and think that he will end up where he is meant to be.</p>
<p>Chapter2, It would be helpful if you could give us the states that would be in the running which are in acceptable driving or flying distance so we don’t divert to schools which your D would not have an interest in attending. Are you interested in CA, NY, Michigan, FL for the “right” school or are these areas out of the question?</p>
<p>Good point. Thanks and sorry. West Coast, Texas, Northwest, etc., would all be out. States we could readily access by car include: Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, the Carolinas (except probably coastal, unfortunately), northern Georgia, Pittsburgh, possibly DC and Virginia, West Virginia … are all within 6 or so hours. Elon is around 7 hours to drive, so possible…but not really realistic because of the unlikely scholarship opportunities. Belmont is close, but I am unsure about their financial aid, and to date, have not been able to find much out. Most east coast schools are too far, unless it really was a tremendous package … in which case, I guess I could find a way to find low-cost flights. I also have to think about cost-of-living in the bigger cities … which make them somewhat unrealistic. </p>
<p>Again, I think she could be happy in lots of different environments. KY is part of the academic common market, but unfortunately, there are very few options for good fine arts programs on the list. Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM) is very close, and would be fabulous, and they also offer in-state tuition to KY counties…but obviously, it is extremely hard to get into the drama/MT department (probably not as hard for drama as for MT, but still, highly competitive). </p>
<p>So, unearthing institutional aid and scholarships for these stats and programs which have endowments and don’t shun or penalize out of state students … ha. trying to ferret out some of those right now:-)</p>
<p>I would definitely take a look at Wooster…and maybe Ohio Wesleyan, Northern Illinois, Loyola Chicago, DePaul, James Madision and Denison. After careful research their theater programs looks great and they give great merit aid… I think your D would be pretty competitive if she raised her ACT score a bit…which I think is definitely possible. Most of these are BA programs. I would also take a close look at College of Charleston… great city to be if you are an arts student…</p>
<p>I think your D’s stats are just fine for most schools in the country . . . of course there are exceptions, but something I think eclipses stats for admittance is GPA and ACT/SAT scores for merit money. Many, many schools list GPA + ACT = scholarship amounts. Plain and simple. Working on increasing her ACT score can make a huge difference in merit money. If I had to do it all over again, I would hire a tutor for my D. She had abysmal math scores that cost her lots of merit money. We bought the books and my D faithfully did the problems over a long period of time, but she needed someone to explain the solutions to her. Money spent for a really good tutor can help your D increase her score and can help qualify for more merit money.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be so worried about travel costs. You might want to at least look at further away schools just in case there is one that is less expensive even when you add in the travel costs!</p>
<p>Webster and Nebraska Wesleyan gave my D really great FA packages. Also I know distance wise east coast was out but Dean(Franklin MA) gave her alot of money as well. We opted out of Dean for a couple of reasons(if interested I can pm you about them but it was mostly because my D is not interested in that area and it was a BA)however the head of acting from Emerson moved over there to be Dean of the theatre department and does have plans for it so having another year might make it worth a look.</p>
<p>I would add Montclair State University. Wonderful program, close to NYC, fantastic performance spaces and warm faculty and students.</p>
<p>Texas State has both an auditioned BFA MT and acting program and your D would have no problem with getting accepted academically. I believe also they give all accepted performing arts BFA’s an initial scholarship which qualifies them for instate tuition. If she wants to pursue a BFA, Texas State is a steal economically. The auditions are highly competitive for MT, not sure about acting.
Might be worth the long commute! ;-)</p>
<p>chaptertwo - I agree your D is no slouch! And it’s a shame that you feel Coastal Carolina is too far, because it might be a really good fit for her. You are right about limited options via the Academic Common Market, although for Kentucky CCU’s BFA in Physical Theatre IS an option for the ACM credit:
<a href=“http://www.sreb.org/page/1304/[/url]”>Academic Common Market - Southern Regional Education Board;
<p>CCU offers BFAs in Acting and Physical Theatre. They also offer a BA in Dramatic Arts. The BAs are not second class citizens at CCU. They can audition for any of the mainstage shows, and they are cast. (The BFAs must audition for the season but that is optional for the BAs.) I was just at CCU to attend the junior cabaret and there were BFAs and BAs performing that evening and all were terrific! There are many opportunities to get involved at CCU. My D is a BFA MT. She has performed in 3 mainstage musicals, 3 plays, and 2 developmental workshops/readings with creative teams from NYC. She has ASMed a mainstage musical, with a guest director from a really great regional theatre. She created and directed the first freshmen showcase at CCU (which was music directed by a BA Dramatic Arts major who is one of her very best friends!) They are currently working on an indiegogo campaign to raise funds to help cover the costs of the senior showcase for her class fo rnext year. She is actively involved in UpStage (the student run theatre group) and APO. She works in the theatre office and coordinates the auditions for the prospective BFA students. She was a blogger for TheatreMania University in the fall. Every step along the way, she has been supported, encouraged, challenged, nurtured, pushed by the faculty at CCU and by the other students. So if your D wants to “do it all”, there is definitely an opportunity at CCU for students who want those challenges and opportunities. </p>
<p>Again, CCU may really not be an option for her because of the distance. But I wanted to make sure I posted because maybe for the next person reading with similar interests it will be an option. </p>
<p>Best of luck!! There are many GREAT programs out there!</p>