<p>So - my son now has some wonderful choices: Vassar, Bennington or Emerson for theater education with performance emphasis as an honors student. Money is coming out roughly the same (don't know about Vassar yet, but likely to be in the same ball park). He has said for some time that he wants to be a high school drama teacher, he is absolutely passionate about theater. He is somewhat of a free spirit, definitely wants to chart his own course and be free of lots of requirements, etc (enough of that in a large public high school). I know this will come down to our soul searching, especially about the differences between the Emerson program and a liberal arts school. Any insights or experiences that might be helpful? Anyone with comments about the strength of the academic program at Emerson or the theater opportunities at Bennington? Thanks!</p>
<p>Don't know what state you are from, but Vassar offers the ability to take education courses and become certified as a teacher in NY state (with reciprocity for NJ) so a theater major combined with that could make sense.</p>
<p>I would recommend going for Vassar. In my opinion it's just not worth getting stuck in a school that is specific for certain careers. I went to art school because I thought it was for me, especially with the major I wanted to pursue, and now I find myself trying to transfer out to a school that has more varied majors, yet are fine institutions. Vassar, in my opinion would be the best choice.</p>
<p>I agree that Vassar is the best choice. It has the best academic reputation and ranking. Emerson provides good background and contacts in communications and media fields and has a great location. Bennington seems to me to be the weakest choice of the three.</p>