<p>I am looking for a good drama program on the east coast. So far I have considered Emerson, Carnegie Mellon and Juilliard but those all seem really hard to get into...I don't even know if I am looking for a BA or a BFA...I just want a really good training.</p>
<p>I would also look into Boston University, Boston Conservatory (for musical theatre), NYU Tisch, Fordham, Marymount Manhattan and Pace if I were you.</p>
<p>Any program that requires an audition should be considered highly selective and difficult to get into. There are many excellent schools in the east; I suggest that you start by focusing on what type of program you want. There are several threads in this forum that discuss the differences between BA and BFA programs. Do a search and read through some of them – there is a ton of information here! When you have better defined what you are looking for, it will be much easier for us to give you useful advice.</p>
<p>you should have non-audition BA programs on your list regardless. There is no guarantee of getting in by audition!</p>
<p>Also a good idea to hone in on what type of college experience you want…small or large school, urban or suburban, etc. Academically, you’ll need to be a fit for wherever you choose to apply so keep your stats in mind when researching programs.</p>
<p>I think I would work better in a smaller program, but aren’t programs with fewer people often harder to get into?</p>
<p>Yes, that can be true if you are ONLY looking at auditioned programs. As SDonCC commented, it is EXTREMELY important to have a good mix of schools on your list, including some that do not require auditions and that are also an academic match. Every year I hear sad stories from students who didn’t get any acceptances because all of their schools were highly selective.</p>
<p>You are right, of course. That would certainly make me feel less anxious about not getting in. Can you suggest any good programs that don’t require an audition?</p>
<p>Company - when I joined this forum as a parent I asked a few initial questions like you, and I was urged strongly to read the archived threads at the top of the page. I really think you should read through them now. It’ll take you a few sittings, but be patient. In section 8 there is a list of theater schools that is still very reliable, if you want to skip ahead. But there is a wealth of information about how to decide what you want and where you want to go. You’ll read wonderful stories about some great, honest and helpful people who will show you what the journey toward a theater degree means. It will also give you perspective to help your parents understand what you need to do to achieve your dreams.</p>
<p>Most colleges and universities have theater BAs that do not require an audition. I don’t know where you’re from, but your state school is likely to have a very nice program, and so are many small colleges. They’re all over the country. Once you’ve read the archived threads, you’ll know a lot more about what you want and what seems best for you, and you’ll have a good list of schools to start reading about. You’ll also have a ton of advice about auditioning and how to go through your application process.</p>
<p>We’ll all love to help you and talk to you as much as you want. But you really will help yourself if you take the time to read those archived threads.</p>
<p>Best wishes!</p>