<p>My son is hoping to pursue a BA in theater with perhaps a double major in communications. American is on his short list and any input regarding AU's programs, social life, pros and cons etc. would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>There’s a sub-forum for American University that has quite a few posts in it which you should check out! :)</p>
<p>May I suggest that if at all possible, take you son to see one of their performances. Read through the playbill and tour the campus/facilities. Truly this is the best way for you son to determine if this school and it’s (theatre) program is what he is looking for. We did that and it helped my daughter formulate her opinion of weather it was “right” or “Not” for her.</p>
<p>Thanks kb for your suggestions. Seeing a performance is a wonderful idea. Did your daughter decide to attend AU?</p>
<p>My d will be attending AU this fall as a freshman Musical Theatre major. I can’t give you a whole lot of details about the program but I can tell you why she chose AU. She auditioned for 7 BFA and BA programs (and 3 non-audition BA) and was accepted to 2 BFA, one audition BA (AU) and two non-audition BA. According to her, she chose AU because:</p>
<ol>
<li>The faculty were very warm and encouraging. They were the only school that offered her written feedback from her audition (the good and the bad).</li>
<li>She liked the flexibility of the BA program. Due to AP credits, she only has to take 6 gen ed classes, plus one semester of math and 2 semesters of college writing. The rest of her credits can be used for more theatre classes (48 hours required) or a double major (she’s thinking dance or history or both). She plans on taking voice and dance every semester.</li>
<li>Freshmen are allowed to audition for shows starting in spring semester. There is a freshman showcase during the fall semester.</li>
<li>She loves DC and feels there will be lots of professional internship possibilities.</li>
<li>The campus is gorgeous and small enough to walk across in 5 minutes (15 minutes to the theatre from her dorm).</li>
</ol>
<p>More than anything, I think she wanted a broad-based liberal arts education because she went to a performing arts magnet high school. After 4 years of doing theatre and music 24/7 - she’s ready to try some new things and make friends outside of her major. </p>
<p>Of course, this is all prior to her actually attending. I will post an update of her experience later this fall.</p>
<p>A former student of mine is a rising junior at AU. She is double-majoring in biology and theater. This summer she’ll be studying theater in an AU program at Oxford University in England. I’m not familiar with the details of the program, but I do know she has performed regularly while at AU, and is very happy with the program.</p>