<p>First of all... definitely audition. I just got over the process and am VERY happy I did it. We are too young to have regrets. So, if you want it, go for it. And, having a second major is a lot of work, but, if you are academically motivated (like me), then it is a very smart thing to do. Basically, though, unless you are willing to give up that option, I would count out straight conservatory-type programs like Carnegie-Mellon, Boston Conservatory, Cincinnati, ect. (although auditioning and GETTING IN to these types of programs may be reason enough for you to want to go after only theatre full throttle!)</p>
<p>Anyway... I'm assuming that you are like me and don't want to spend four years wasting time. So, I'm going to leave out the little schools people talk about on here, no matter how much people like them, and how good they actually are, and what they offer for double majoring. If you want solid training plus another major with a B.F.A, UMich and NYU are your best bets. at UMich you actually have to get two degrees, which is hard, but it seems like a bunch of the students there do that. And, at NYU a double major is also a possibility, especially with two of your days every week being filled with classes un-theatre related anyway. And, also, that second degree won't just be from some random college, it will be from two very very well respected universities in their own sense, not just for theatre. I also personally liked the programs at Ithaca College and Syracuse University, although the faculty basically stated that double majoring is nearly impossible and not advised.</p>
<p>Then, there's the B.A. I don't believe it's possible to attain a B.A. in Musical Theatre... but that's just a name and it shouldn't be focused on as much as it is. If you decided to attend a highly respected school to major in Theatre, that would be a B.A. I would suggest applying to Northwestern, definitely. You can certainly double major, and they have produced lots of talented actors, many famous for Broadway roles. This is quite an accomplishment considering their program is not a conservatory. Also, many state schools have great theatre programs. I have been accepted to Indiana University at Bloomington. Gorgeous campus, great department, and connections with their incredible Music School... Kevin Kline went there.</p>
<p>Well, those are just a few options. Don't completely disregard going to a prestigious B.A. program. Many schools offer extensive work in Musical Theatre, just without the official degree. And, if you are really smart, consider Yale's drama dept. And I didn't mean to offend with the "small school" thing, but for truly academically motivated kids, this decision to pursue acting is twice as hard because of everything you are giving up, and to know that you can get a degree from a top-notch big name school which you would consider great to begin with, not just for theatre, is really a blessing. My one word of advice, however, is just to GO FOR IT!</p>