<p>Tulane is really the only southern school that I am familiar with since my son was accepted there. It certainly would meet your first 3 criteria, possibly the 4th (probably a 12-14 hr drive depending on which part of Kentucky) but although I know they have a theatre program that they think highly of, I really have no idea how it stacks up nationally or what its "intensity" is. But if it is within driving distance for you, I would definately spend some time investigating since it meets your other criteria quite well.</p>