Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to all of you for sharing your journeys, and CONGRATULATIONS on the acceptances and final decisions!
While reading through posts in final decisions, or things I’d do differently, etc. many mention they wish they had applied to lesser known programs and/or found hidden gems. I’d love to get some information on what programs you think fall into those categories. (I realize that this is very subjective, and I’m not looking to stir any pots). As my S is just starting this journey, I am very curious as to programs that may not have been, or are not already on our radar screen.
Thanks so much & congratulations again!
U Wisconsin-Stevens Point
U of Northern Colorado
U of Wyoming
University of Minnesota - Duluth - BFA Theatre/MT. Honestly, S loved the school. We thought it was a strong program, and absolutely loved the people, the campus and town of Duluth. (Not to mention the price if you have in-state or reciprocity tuition). For S, the only downside was that the strong network connection is to the Minneapolis theater scene (which is large and vibrant) rather than NY which is what he really wants. Highly recommend taking a look at them. I think they might be doing auditions at unifieds next year.
Wichita State BFA in MT - staff were extraordinarily helpful and less expensive/ lesser known program
University of Central Oklahoma
West Texas A&M currently a BA in MT but switching to a BFA- their shows are phenomenal
Lipscomb University in Nashville TN. Amazing faculty, friendly students, and in the heart of Nashville where there are TONS of performing opportunities (both professional and non-professional).
UT-Dallas and UTSA. For tech and engineering, UT-Dallas is right in the middle of the Dallas area with tons of internships and job opportunities. UTSA has a #1 ranked cyber security program with a 100% job placement.
@coolguy40, this is the “Musical Theater Major” forum.
I am wishing there was an “amused” icon like on Facebook!
Kent State University, BFA MT
DeSales University, BA MT
Northern Kentucky, BFA MT
South East Missouri State and Missouri State get mentioned but not a lot.
Western Carolina is getting more well known. (they have two graduates who will be in RENT live)
I have a friend whose daughter is at Avila College (or maybe it is University now) In Kansas City studying BFA in MT, and we know a couple of people who graduated from Mars Hill in North Carolina (near Asheville) who are very talented actors they also have a BFA in MT.
(Can you tell I’m from Missouri and now live in North Carolina? ) 
Missouri State, BFA MT
University of Alabama-Birmingham, BFA MT
Temple, BFA MT
SUNY Cortland and West Conn come to mind. Quality training at both places and they don’t often get mentioned.
I second West Conn. Beautiful new 8 mil facility, proximity to NYC, great guest instructors, showcase, and a great price, especially if you’re a CT resident. And they just went to a BFA this year.
The University of Arizona is a hidden gem of a program in Tucson, but it’s growing rapidly. The amount of auditioners doubled over the past year. It’s great if your S is looking for a program with strong, integrated acting training.
We were really impressed with Arizona State University as well. Brian DeMaris has been really building the program and creating some awesome opportunities and connections for the students (he used to be the music director of the opera and musical theatre programs at Ithaca). You can read more about it here: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1923496-arizona-state-university-musical-theatre-p1.html
They have also added a senior showcase in NYC now too. 
@curlyk I’m glad to hear some good things about Univ of Arizona. It’s been around for a long time but had a very bad rep for many years. Discussions in the individual school forum section go into detail.
@alwaysamom - Arizona State is a completely different school than U of Arizona.
@CaMom13 Yes, I’m aware of that. My reply was to curlyk, as indicated, who had mentioned U of Arizona.
Nebraska Wesleyan - great little school in a big college (UNL) town. Lots of performance opportunities - freshman are typically up on stage within a month. And they do approximately 45,379 shows a year. Prolly an overestimation but not by much … last month my kiddo opened one show and was in rehearsal for TWO others at the same time.
University of Colorado music program.