<p>Posting for my sister who plans to double major in theatre and a social science. </p>
<p>She looked primarily at BA programs with the exception of a couple BFAs that would let her double major/ do dual degrees. She wants a program with rigorous broad liberal arts academics but quality acting training as well. She is interested in straight acting over musical theater, but has an extensive dance background and does sing. She may want to minor in dance and strengthen her choreographic skills. She is also interested in opportunities to direct, try play-writing, and take some performance studies classes. Interested in classical theater (her dream job would be acting in a regional Shakespeare festival) but possibly film or TV if the opportunity arose.</p>
<p>Many of the regular posters on this board are familiar with the programs to which she has final acceptances, and any advice on the reality of doing a double major as well as the quality level of acting technique classes would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Her final acceptances and thoughts include:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>University of Southern California School of Theatre (BA): Her concerns with this program is that she did not audition for the BFA, and worries that BA students might be considered lesser candidates. Otherwise, she loves everything about the program, the campus, California weather, and LA. Very active alumni association/ connections with Hollywood. Has great film school which uses theater students for films. Applied for Thematic Options, which seems like a fascinating way to fulfill the gen eds. (Also got merit money here)</p></li>
<li><p>Northwestern University School of Communications (BA): Loves the campus feel. No BFA vs. BA problem. Loves the fact that your acting teacher and cohort stay together for 3 years. Academics seem great. Chicago is a fun city with lots of theater. Many performance opportunities. Many seem to easily double major in the CAS. seems very nurturing, collaborative. Very active alumni association that has already contacted her. Seems to have a personal touch with the theater program senior admissions director already reaching out by e-mail.Likes the idea of the whole college experience here except for cold, icy, windy weather. (However, that would not be the deciding factor) Not sure if there is any exposure to screen acting- film department relatively small.</p></li>
<li><p>NYU Tisch School of the Arts (BFA): Her original dream school. Not sure how doable the second major would be. Big program-would she feel lost in it? Reputation for great quality acting training in theatre and film, audition technique, etc. Loves NYC, might want to live there after college, connections built up in college might prove invaluable. Drawback is lack of a true campus, less of the typical campus experience that she has come to believe she might want.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Also she has two acceptances to Ivies that are tops in the country in her second major but not particularly well known for their theatre programs:</p>
<ol>
<li>Dartmouth</li>
<li>University of Pennsylvania</li>
</ol>
<p>Personally, because of the kind of person she is, I think she could end up being happy at any of these schools. But from the perspective of those who have attended or had a family member attend these schools, what would your advice be?</p>