I’ll be a senior come August, so I need to narrow down colleges for my applications on November, however I’m having a bit of trouble finding good schools mostly in-state (California) but also out of state (preferably New York) that have the kinds of majors I want. I plan to go into the performing arts programs, such as acting (screen, film, and theatre), theatre production, ect. If you could help narrow down this search thank you very much 
Places that come to mind (in no particular order) outside CA include NYU (Tisch), Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon (esp. for theatre tech and dramaturgy), Syracuse University, Muhlenberg, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Yale, Brown, SUNY Purchase.
Sarah Lawrence, Purchase College, the New School, Bard. A classic liberal arts college with good theatre/film/performing arts could also be an option.
You should consider Ithaca College in NY…I have a friend who goes there now and she wants to go into screenwriting - she LOVES the program and has gotten to help produce/write for many student films! She is also going on a semester “abroad” in LA come this fall…sounds like it could be up your ally
Ithaca and Muhlenberg
@SeniorAesthetic, I may have suggestions.
Are you interested in a BA or BFA program?
Does “such as acting” mean just acting or other pursuits?
Straight theater and/or musical theater?
Which colleges are on your current list?
Which colleges are your top choices?
@SeniorAesthetic, I may have suggestions.
Are you interested in a BA or BFA program?
Does “such as acting” mean just acting or other pursuits?
Straight theater and/or musical theater?
Which colleges are on your current list?
Which colleges are your top choices?
@arwarw I’m more familiar in terms of BA programs, but do know some schools I may apply to that offer BFA.
“Such as acting” would be like a major in screen acting and minors in production, but otherwise I’m more open to others in the field.
I’m thinking more straight theatre, I’m way more familiar with it and have been in programs for straight theatre.
Currently I have NYU, LMU, Chapman, Marymount Manhattan, and University of San Diego on my list.
So far my top choices include NYU, Marymount Manhattan, and Chapman.
Thank you by the way
What majors exactly?
Look into NYU, Marymount in California, Marymount Manhattan, Juilliard (if you’re good enough), St. Lawrence etc.
There are several UCs and CSUs with the kinds of majors you are interested in.
Have you used each school’s net price calculator?
@SeniorAesthetic you might look at Pace in NYC - I think they have a film acting BFA - though I don’t know much about it. I do know Fordham at Lincoln Center has a strong straight theater program in a great campus in a great location in NYC.
As you might know BFA theater programs are generally about 2/3 studio work and 1/3 traditional academics; whereas BA programs are the reverse - 1/3 studio and 2/3 academics. Here is an article describing the differences: http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2012/04/23/up-close-for-thespians-yale-degree-not-enough/
BFA programs are generally highly competitive and students will travel to LA, Chicago and NYC to audition for ten or more programs in hopes of getting a slot - often these kids are working with coaches and consultants to prepare and plan their audition campaign. Here’s an article about the audition process: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/education/edlife/theater.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
If you decide on the BFA route, you should maybe start preparing your audition pieces and making travel plans as soon as possible. Audition slots can fill up quickly.
The BA route, with a few exceptions (like Fordham and UCLA), is just the traditional college application process.
I helped my daughter last year with this process and she decided on a BA program, but is supplementing her studio work with extracurricular theater and summer programs.
You’ll likely get more specific help if you post your questions in this section of the forum: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/
Best of Luck!
I was going to suggest Marymount Manhattan and Purchase too. Also Marist - I’ve heard that they have an excellent theater production program.