I suffered with terrible anxiety, and this made me not pursue as much in terms of acting. I have grown a lot and have always had an interest. I don’t want to give you a sob story; the point is I am a senior in high school and with college applications in the air I am just now realizing I really want to do this. I was looking at VCU’s art program, and I am no expert on BAs and BFAs and I have not done my research. I just want some advice, what would you tell someone who knows what they want to do but in a sense is too late for them? A gap year is not an option for me. Any information on non audition majors? I live in Virginia.
Can any drama majors give me some insight? I currently have two acting credits-- a one liner on a SAG short film and my and my final scene from sophomore year theater class. Thanks for all the help. Be as honest as possible.
There are certainly people who get into very competitive programs every year without much experience, but they are the exceptions. It sounds like you should look for a solid BA program that fits your criterion (academic, financial, location), and then either major in theater/drama or participate as an extracurricular. BFAs are pretty all-encompassing, and it’s hard to see how you would be ready to make that commitment without having more experience. You can also pick up some training during summers and perhaps consider a master’s program if you are still interested in theater after you’ve done a bit of it.
I agree with jkelly. I would recommend finding a college you love that has a quality, non audition BA theater program. I would particularly recommend a LAC so things are smaller and more personal. Go, start studying, and see what you think from there
Thanks for the responses! Everyone here is always so nice and helpful. 
I will definitely look into some non audition BAs at a college that is hopefully the right fit.
Does anyone have experience with Columbia College Chicago?
A little. It’s basically open admissions, though I believe they’re starting an audition for the MT BFA. I know one kid who is doing very well there, another who is happy but somewhat less successful. Entry level classes are very big and you have to make your own way. Lots and lots of productions, though. People do come out of that program and succeed, no question. We just saw “Disgraced” at the Goodman and the youngest actor (the nephew, if you know the play) was CCC. Terrific film school, too. Kathryn Bigelow went there.
I think it would be terrific for you to attend a liberal arts college that has a non-audition BA theater major. A well-rounded liberal arts background is good for any performer to build a foundation on. Another option could be to find a theater program that admits to the BFA program after the first year (I’m talking Acting, not Musical Theater in this post btw). Two options I can think of off the top of my head are Hofstra University (Long Island, NY) and UMBC in Baltimore (closer to your home). In both programs, students start as BA majors (non-audition) and take classes their first year that allow the professors to get to know them, and allow the students to get to know the path they’d like to pursue. My daughter attends UMBC and in her first year she took Acting, Movement, and Voice for two semesters each, Scenic Design, Costume, Lighting, and fulfilled Crew/Production requirements. At the end of that year, she and her classmates who were interested applied to be a part of the BFA program. She’s had some great experiences there. Hofstra seems to produce more musicals and UMBC has some more experimental/edgy productions for some contrast.
I am very indescisive as to whether to purse this acting major or to follow a more practical approach and major in history with the hopes of becoming a teacher. I have always battled between these two and I am rethinking things.
@lovetoact Being in New York seems ideal and I will talk to my parents about that idea of Hofstra. Thank you.
I have looked more into Columbia College Chicago and I really like their open admissions policy and the affordability (still expensive, but it is in Chicago.) Thank you all. I wish I had figured this out sooner!
@leslieknope4 It’s great that you’re investigating different options. If you haven’t had a lot of experience, I can see why it’s hard for you to make a decision! Also whatever you decide doesn’t have to eliminate the other occupation forever. Plenty of working actors didn’t major in theater in college and plenty of theater majors find their joy in other occupations–related to theater (arts administration, production, etc…) or not (lawyer, sales, teaching, etc…). Dealing with all the downsides of working in theater (rejection, pounding the pavement, moving anywhere there’s work, etc…) isn’t for everyone though, and it’s good to remember the wise saying that if you can imagine yourself doing something else, you should probably do that.
Hi hi hi another Virginia person here!
If you pursue a BA in theatre, you have the option of double majoring if you want a safe career option, so I think that’s a great idea if you aren’t positive about acting long-term. That being said, doing a double major with an education minor/certification in four years would be very difficult without AP credits or summer courses, so be aware of that.
Schools…
Longwood: Very strong theatre and education programs + affordable.
CNU: Strong theatre and education programs + that sweet, sweet in-state tuition.
UNC-Greensboro: Strong theatre, strong education, in-state tuition obtainable. Greensboro is pretty cool too.
Catawba (Salisbury, NC): LAC, so much scholarship $ it’s not funny. 45 minutes from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. Also has strong education program.
Illinois State (Normal-Bloomington, IL): Kind of a wild card location-wise, but they have a very reputable acting BA and one of the top education programs in the country. Getting in-state tuition there is also fairly easy (grades or 6-month lease)
I have friends at all of these programs, so let me know if you want to talk to a current student or have any questions about Virginia schools!