<p>SMU has a highly respected BFA/Acting or Theater Studies program. It a conservatory program with a strong liberal arts component. They take about 24 students a year into the program.</p>
<p>Perhaps when I started this thread, I should have entitled it "Programs that are way off the radar screen, but are very good, in terms of quality of education and experience'. Assume that theater-related work beyond the 'professional training' is not an important criteria (is that a sin for a parent to say so directly?). What is important is the experience, quality, caring, ethical practices during the four year intensive theater training (BFA). I have in mind WVU, Montana, Wyoming, Drake, Marietta, Oklahoma. Two of these programs require auditions for direct entry. I do not want to bring in the BA (large or LAC) into the discussion because it complicates things.</p>
<p>Briansteffy,
I know of a school in Florida that I think fits what you are looking for. Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida. The school is a private liberal arts college with a strong tradition of caring mentoring and the arts. They are located on a campus largely designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and have a Festival of Fine Arts series that brings in shows, concerts, opera, plays, etc to the general community. The theatre program there is very progressive and successful. I have seen many of their productions and met the staff. They seem to be genuine, friendly down-to-earth caring people. I also heard that they are in the process of adding the BFA to their BA degrees. It might be worth a look as the "hidden gem" you are looking for.</p>
<p>I have heard SUNY New Paltz is another "hidden gem." Anyone have firsthand knowledge about it?</p>
<p>Chapman University combined dance, music and theatre into College of Performing Arts last year with plans to elevate their program as they did their film dept.</p>
<p>For all those drama students looking at schools for FALL 09: Consider CCM Drama. While certainly not a snap to get into, CCM Drama does not seem to get the attention from applicants that some other programs do, so you might have a fighting chance. Indeed, it seems that a number of students were discovered by the director of the program at one or another thespian festival and "recruited" (not our experience; my S auditioned). The academic qualifications are not so steep as to exclue many students. There is scholarship money for talent, and even more for academics. The program auditions on-campus and at the Unifieds. And, admissions are rolling, so if you audition early, you'll know something soon enough! Check out the website and visit the campus--you WILL be impressed!</p>
<p>We just dropped our freshman S off last week, so it's hard to judge the program, yet. However, the curriculum is intense, the productions are phenomenal, and the kids get lots of acting experience on and off-campus while they are in training. There are great opportunities to take dance, voice, lessons for an instrument, and academic classes, too.</p>
<p>I will try to post some updates for everyone to consider as time goes on. Good luck with the process!</p>
<p>I just noticed that Brian Steffy started this thread in September of 2007. For those of you who were posters or lurked back then, you might remember that he started posting when his son became interested in acting.</p>
<p>Earlier today, I learned that Brian passed away in May. If his son still logs on, I want to extend my condolences. He cared a great deal about you!</p>
<p>Thanks for posting, dramatica. Brian's posts were always interesting, offering new perspectives. We all knew he was ill, but, until he stopped posting, he seemed very upbeat and optimistic about his progress and potential outcome. I corresponded with him via e-mail a number of times as my S was beginning his search for schools and we were learning the ropes with regard to BFA programs. He helped us alot. Suddenly, he stopped posting and stopped returning e-mails. No one seemed to know what had happened.</p>
<p>I know I speak for many in offering my best to Ian and his mom. Hopefully Ian landed where he is happy and is adjusting to college well. He will be in my thoughts and prayers, now.</p>
<p>I want to echo what letsfigureiout wrote above. Brian was a very thoughtful contributer to CC and he cared a great deal about his son's college process and future. He was clearly a very dedicated father. As a college professor, he affected the lives of many young people. Brian stopped posting and I have worried about that. He occasionally touched upon being ill. I hope he was able to rejoice in being there for his son's admissions outcome whatever that may have been. He cared so deeply about it and put a lot of time and interest into his son's future and guiding him. </p>
<p>He will be missed and is a great model of a dedicated father. I do not know where his son landed for college but my thoughts and sympathies go out to Brian's wife and son. I'm sure Brian is shining down on his son and that his spririt will live on with him in all he accomplishes and he'll do his father proud.</p>
<p>Oh, dramatica, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I have wondered for several months now since the last time I heard from Brian, and have been afraid that this was the reason he stopped emailing. He was such a warm, intelligent man, and a very humble one. I have no doubt that his son benefitted greatly from his love, his research, and his compassionate personality, in the years that they had together. My thoughts are with is family.</p>
<p>I am so sorry to hear about Brian's passing this past summer. He was such an intelligent, curious, and warm gentleman and he obviously cared so much about his talented son. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.</p>
<p>Here is a link to Brian Steffy's obituary, which includes a photo:</p>
<p>EphrataReview.com:</a> Obituaries : Brian Steffy, 55, F&M professor</p>
<p>(If the link doesn't work in your browser, I simply googled "Brian Steffy, obituary" and it came right up).</p>
<p>I lurk more than I post on this website, and I always enjoyed reading BrianSteffy's thoughtful posts and insightful comments as he followed his son through the BFA admissions process. His son was certainly fortunate to have had such a wonderful, caring father who supported his dreams ... </p>
<p>Coincidentally, Prof. Steffy was a business professor at the college my oldest son now attends ... my sincere condolences go out to the entire Steffy family and to the F&M family, as well.</p>
<p>Does anyone know the nature of Prof. Steffy's final illness? Does anyone know where his thespian son now attends college?</p>
<p>I felt the same way. Brian had such wonderful posts; he was open in sharing his thoughts about the whole process and programs and the dilemmas he had about them. He had a refreshing approach that gave alot of food for thought. His posts were actually quite charming. I looked forward to them.</p>
<p>In early March, as I recall, he said he wasn't going to post for awhile. I thought, okay, with college acceptances going out soon, he doesn't want to tip his hand. So I waited. And waited. Kept checking the list of acceptances. I was patient. Kept checking. Then I recalled he mentioned about being in the hospital. Finally, last month, I took a chance and googled his screen name. And then I cried.</p>
<p>I am so sad to hear of Brian's passing. He was a passionate advocate for his son, and generous with the information that he found while helping his son through the application and audition process. My heart goes out to his family, particularly his son. The transition to college is always a difficult one, I cannot imagine how much more difficult it would be after just loosing a parent.</p>