preforming arts high school for theatre vs. regular high school?
What’s your question exactly?
Depends on the schools and what your student wants. The PA school in our city has a curriculum similar to several college theater degrees. It is an intense study of theater and focused on ensemble building. They do shows, but kids may not be cast. The focus is not necessarily performing publically (they do lots of curriculum performances though as part of the learning process).
The kids have to really want to spend the time studying theater - not just performing. Those that are more about performing tend to transfer back to a regular school and get involved there.
Is it worth going to a preforming arts high school even though you would miss out on some regular high school experiences? :-/
That depends on you. The students I know at PA schools chose to go there and most don’t miss football games, etc. Some kids that have done both say “regular” school Isn’t all that great. 
However, others want a More “normal” high school experience. It is all about what you want out of your courses, extracurriculars, etc
You can ask your question the other way too: a PA school will provide experiences another school can’t. Is it worth missing out on those to have regular high school experiences? All about perspective and what you want individually.
Those I know who go to NY public schools of performing arts (city) have a much better experience than those with similar interests in private schools-I’d not say the same at the college level-about SUNY.
I currently attend a performing arts high school in Las Vegas. If you really enjoy theatre than go for it! Here are some things to be prepared for:
- The theatre classes will be more rigorous. There’ll be more expected of you and some theatre programs require you to participate in every show. I don’t know what your school is like but this is what it’s like for some schools I know of.
- Extracurriculars will be different. You might not get to go to football games, but instead you can go see the dance department’s show!
- Sports. There might not be sports at your school (there are at mine, since my school is half magnet and half regular), but this doesn’t stop you from doing club sports.
All in all, if you really love theatre and don’t care very much about school sports, then you should definitely go for it!
Hmmm I have mixed feelings about this. I attended a performing arts high school in New York City. I think bfahopeful is right–it’s really about the individual. If you’re very passionate about acting, you’ll definitely delve in on a much deeper level than those attending a “regular” high school. However, it isn’t for everyone. I think a lot of people are used to being “the” theater kid at their school. They are the star of their school and usually the best. At a performing arts high school, you are surrounded by talented individuals. It’s a much earlier wakeup call to the competitiveness of the “real world.” I think for some people, it’s better to have a more low pressure environment in high school and have lots of performance opportunities. I am someone who craved the training and learning and going deeper, so I think I made the right choice for myself by attending one, but it’s certainly not for everyone. Many people realize they yearn for a more academic or traditional route and decide leave. Others, like myself, enjoy it and then go on to conservatories. I think if it’s something you truly love, it’s worth the sacrifices. However, I also stand by the belief that you can be just as passionate and naturally gifted as someone who attends a performing arts high school, but prefer a more traditional high school experience.
Another voice about PA high school in NYC. Echoing others-- it needs to be the right choice for YOU. I have a child who would have done great at the PA school and one who would have not done well at all, both are very talented. The NYC PA school that I know and love (there are several here) is very big, fun, flamboyant, and for one of my children the best experience ever. But since I have another child who would have disappeared in that environment, I can say for sure, that you need to choose it only if you feel it’s right for you.
The other thing to consider is that not all PA high schools are alike. Not only in their training, but also in their academics. Some PA schools have superlative training and academics, others have great training but mediocre (at best) academics, and a few have mediocre training and academics.
Then there’s the culture to consider: some are nurturing and want to promote as much talent as possible, but others can have entrenched favoritism based on who is on the board or who knows who.
Before considering the PA school, I’d interview current Junior or Senior students and drop in on classes if allowed. I’d also look at their academic stats and curriculum offerings to see what’s available.