<p>My son will be visiting schools in California over spring break. He is interested in a 4 year school with a very strong acting degree program. (not musical theatre; and, currently probably a BA versus a BFA). He is primarily looking in Los Angeles, but as we have family in San Diego, he will have a day available to look at a school there.</p>
<p>Bringing me to my question: Which San Diego university has the best undergraduate acting program? USD, UCSD, or SDSU? Is it worth a visit?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>It’s USD, hands down. Although I’m only a high school student I had the same dilemma and did some serious looking-into the question.</p>
<p>Although it’s a very good theater program on its own merits-- offering great placement opportunities, including with the Old Globe Theatre-- USD is the best of those three by default. UCSD’s program isn’t great, as the UC system is more scientifically-inclined than artsy (with the exception of UCLA), and San Diego State is a nice school, but badly, badly impacted, and there’s less of a focus on the arts with such a big student body.</p>
<p>Although San Diego can’t compete with Los Angeles in terms of an arts community, ours is still one of the most vibrant in America, and I’ve been advised by counselors and professionals in the performing arts that it’s one of the top places to start out. Hope your son finds what he’s looking for here!</p>
<p>PLEASE HELP FOR AMERICAN UNIVERSITY </p>
<p>my d is admitted for the fall as an intended major in theatre (has not auditioned yet), so she will need to audition in October for Musical Theatre.
We understand there is a BA in Musical Theatre and BA in Theatre, both entered into by audition. However we are still very confused… Is there a NONaudition Performance Major for Theatre that she is in now, (as an “intended theatre major”) or that she will be for sure into if the BA auditions are not successful? We have read some posts about some “performance track” and “theatre arts” and “non performing theatre arts” but can’t find any program specifics on the website about these other options besides the two clear BA programs.</p>
<p>We’d appreciate it IMMENSELY if you could shed some light on this…
thank you so much!</p>
<p>My D was in productions for many years with several very talented college students from SDSU. Although USD is also here in town I have never seen any of their shows and do not know anyone that has attended the school for theatre. UCSD is not a place I would go for undergraduate theatre as they have an excellent graduate theatre program which I think would overshadow the undergrads. Just my $.02 worth.</p>
<p>I’ve seen a couple of internet lists that say UCSD has a top undergrad program but showmom is right and the listmakers don’t really know what they are talking about. UCSD’s grad program trumps the undergrad. </p>
<p>reneemarie – you may want to start a new thread for your question but I’d also have your daughter call AU. Have you visited?</p>
<p>Thank you showmom858 and UVaHoo87! I appreciate it.</p>