Can you suggest Acting/Theater schools based off certain credentials?

I want schools that isn’t more than 35K (it can be more if you think I have a good chance at scholarships, but my family makes too much for Financial aid, so I’d have to get it another way); it can be a little over I guess but not too much over. I want them to be “known” for their acting/theater (have a really great program), but their programs shouldn’t combine the programs with Musical Theater/Dance as I’m not interested in those (if possible). I’m leaning toward a school that isn’t a pure conservatory: It’s fine if it’s a conservatory program within a college with other non-art majors, or combined with academics. I have a 3.4 GPA and while I’m not done taking the SATs/ACTs (Taking one more of each), I have my first score in at an SAT of 1250 (650 English, 600 Math). I would prefer schools in the Northeast or California. I live in New Jersey since you probably need that to know In-State Tuition, etc.

It’s okay if they don’t fit all of the credentials I want, but as much as possible would be good. If you need any additional info, feel free to ask! Also if you could also provide safeties, fits, and reaches specifically that would be amazing but don’t feel like you have to, since I’m already asking for a lot. Sorry it’s so specific…Thanks in advance!

Montclair or Rutgers in NJ would be great choices. For other Northeast schools that are in that price range for acting look at American University in DC, or James Madison and Shenandoah both in VA.
Both Montclair and James Madison don’t require an ACT or SAT.
A good safety would be a non - auditon school but I’m not familar with any in the northeast. There are some in California but non of the California schools audition or non audition are in that price range for an out of state student.
If you are willing to look outside of the Northeast maybe Loyola in Chicago which is non- audition would be a good safety.

Two possible safeties: Drew University in New Jersey, and Hofstra on Long Island.

My daughter is a senior at Drew and I can answer any questions if you have them. We pay $20,000 a year in tuition.

@bisouu Thanks - I have quite a few questions (sorry)

  1. How much is musical theater involved in the program? I saw on the website that Dance seems to be required, so I was wondering if that meant it focused more on musical theater.
  2. Are plays/shows automatic for the program (you are in the show if you are in the major) or are they auditioned?
  3. How many shows do they put on/what kind of shows?
  4. Is there any Gen-Eds or is it purely acting?
  5. How many hours are spent in class per week/per day?
  6. Are you dormed with other acting majors or is there co-dorming with other majors?
  7. Do they have programs to help you find work after you graduate (festivals, etc.)?
  8. Would you say it’s a good program for people who want to go into Film Acting (even if it focuses on theater, does it help in any way?)
  9. Just generally, if you or your daughter could say your favorite and least favorite thing about the program/drew as a whole, it’d really help!
    I’m sorry it’s a lot, and I might have more in the future, but it would be really helpful!

If you are interested in schools in NY, look at SUNY Fredonia. It offers a merit based renewable OOS scholarship or $5K per year - OOS tuition this year is 8,968. There is also a one year honors scholarship of $1,500 on admission to the honors program. S17 had a 3.4 with a 1290 equivalent and was invited to do the essay for honors and was accepted; these stats are similar to yours.

My son is in the BFA Tech program so I can only answer some of your questions.

There are BFA’s in MT, acting and dance, as well as tech.
Shows are auditioned but acting majors can audition for MT and vice versa as well as dance. The BA theater students can also audition.
They do musicals and straight plays. I am going up this weekend to see Spring Awakening and they did Peter and the Starcatcher in the fall. Next year, the shows include Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson and Noises Off. There are also operas, dance productions and many different kinds of musical concerts and ensemble performances.
My son’s BFA has 10 gen eds. One will be covered by a required theater elective. SUNY’s accept 3’s on AP exams, so he got credit for 3 gen eds. He took one first semester, one this semester and one over winter break, on line. At the end of freshman year, he will be done with 6/10 gen eds. I would guess that the acting BFA is about the same.
My son has to do a resume update and website every semester so far and they do offer career and summer options help.
As far as I know, there is no special dorming for theater students. S17 lives in the honors dorm and is very happy there - he is staying there next year as well. His roommate is a music education major (who has been cast in an opera with a leading role) and his proposed suite mates include a composition major and a couple of other music ed majors. There are single gender dorms, wellness dorms and they offer singles. As of this year, students have to live on campus for two years, unless their permanent address is within a certain distance.
I don’t think there is any film acting, but I never really looked into that. My son dropped his film-making class in HS and has no interest in working in film so it wasn’t something we checked out.
What I like about it is that the price is reasonable and my son likes that as well. Coming out of college with no debt was one of our primary goals in the college search. Life is so much better in your 20’s without overwhelming debt, take it from someone who had that debt. He likes his lighting classes and working on the shows. He also likes most of the kids.

Good luck and have fun on your search.

Rutgers is a top program but VERY tough to get into…especially if you are in-state. They also have a non-audition BA that would be a purely academic admit. You should absolutely apply to Montclair. Price is right and it’s not as tough to get into (I’m not saying it’s not a great program!). My D is currently a freshman at LMU in Los Angeles, in a BA program, but it is expensive and they are not generous. Most programs in CA for out of state kids are going to be over $35K. University of Tampa is pretty reasonable and they are pretty generous with merit money. In fact there are many Florida schools that are reasonably priced with good programs.