After the grueling process of auditioning for schools (and getting rejected from most but hey that’s life and this business) I have narrowed it down to two choices- UNH and Salem State. I got into UNH for a BA in theatre with and emphasis in acting and Salem State for their BFA performance program. Here’s a pro and con list for both schools
UNH:
Pros- amazing theatre, supportive staff/students, great campus, good program, stellar theatrical productions, award winning cafeteria
Cons- Out of state, only a BA, expensive, didn’t give too much money for financial aid, would have to dorm, kind of rural
SSU
Pros- amazing program, stellar shows, BFA, new 22 million dollar renovation for their theatre, in-state, possibly commutable, great staff/students, great location, I have free tuition because I got the J&A scholarship (only like $500 tho), mom is an alum
Cons- new theatre won’t be done until 2016, might have to dorm, spread out campus, still pretty expensive
I’m really not sure what school to choose! I’m leaning more toward Salem because I have heard nothing but great things about their acting program from everyone I talk to. Plus I felt as if I belonged when I walked on campus. But I also felt that way at UNH! Anyone here go to either school or know of anyone who did/does?
Hey! I don’t know much about either of those schools well, so you probably want to get someone who does have that experience to answer your question.But just after looking at your cons list, I think you described SSU as the better option. If the new theater isn’t done till 2016, keep in mind that’s the beginning of your sophomore year, so you’d still get a lot of time with it. If you’ve got a scholarship it’s a little less expensive, too, which is nice. It sounds like you’re going to have to dorm regardless, so it’s hard to weigh that as a factor. The campus feeling too spread out might be something though. But along with all that, the way you say “kind of rural” about UNH and “great location” for SSU makes me think you’ll be happier with SSU. 
Have you seen productions at both these schools? I think if you get to visit and see shows there you’ll get a sense of what kind of work they do and what you really want. You might even find some clips (or at least pictures) on their website, too.
Anyways, those are my two cents! Hope it helps and best of luck to you!!
I don’t know anything about either program, but I agree that you sound excited and enthusiastic about Salem. Phrases such “I’ve heard nothing but good things,” “amazing,” “stellar,” “great” indicate this, and this phrase clinches it IMO: “I felt like I belonged.”
Can’t speak for UNH although it has a wonderful reputation. We’ve been to many productions at Salem State and they are great. Lots of exposure and a great network for Boston and NY. And of course you can hang out in Salem which is a funky town with lots of theatre, too! New dorms are going up as well and they look beautiful.