<p>So in looking at the Ithaca drama dept. I've realized that they have two programs I might like and I can't tell which one is better for me: their BA in drama or BFA in acting. I'm worried that the acting degree might be TOO focused for me, as I spent the summer at CMU and found that theirs was. I'm looking for a conservatory-ISH vibe, basically, more like BU or NYU (as I've perceived them so far).</p>
<p>This post isn't strictly Ithaca, actually-- I'm wondering similar things about the programs at Pace, Rutgers, Fordham, Purchase, etc. When in their acting program, can you do other theater stuff (ie, playwriting, dramaturgy, directing, design) and how much liberal arts do you get? </p>
<p>It's really hard to find balance here!</p>
<p>My S is a new freshman at Fordham Lincoln Center, a location that can’t be beat!!! He is a Performance major and was just accepted into their Playwriting program as well but has not yet decided if he wants to double major with Playwriting or with English.</p>
<p>One of the reasons he picked Fordham was because it is a BA program and the large core curriculum in liberal arts gives him the exposure to a wide variety of courses outside the Theatre major. Of his 5 courses this semester, 2 are for the Theatre major and the other 3 (Art History, Theology and English Composition) are for the core. Fordham’s program is collaborative in nature but I’m not sure exactly how much exposure he will get to the other Theatre major tracks given that he just started the program. It’s a small but well respected program and there are 20 new Theatre majors…17 in performance, 1 in directing and 2 in design/production. If you can, I recommend you attend one of the open houses this fall. Theatre Dept faculty and students will be there to answer your questions and give you an overview of the program, curriculum/teaching philosophy and entrance requirements. [Admission</a>, Auditions & Interviews](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/prospective_students/admission_auditions_/index.asp]Admission”>http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/prospective_students/admission_auditions_/index.asp)</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Ithaca to help you decide which program is better for you but you seem to be on the right track in finding a program that is a good fit for you. My S did consider BFA as well as BA programs and BU and NYU were of interest to him as well. Ultimately he decided that NYU was the only BFA program he would apply to but I really think that if the director of the BU program had been there the day we toured that may have been different. All of the programs that you are asking about have strong reputations and are worth investigating to see if they might be right for you. Good luck! :)</p>