<p>What do you guys know about the BFA Program at Western Illinois University?</p>
<p>I'm from Illinois and I have talked to a few of the BFA students at western. I opted not to audition there, ultimately, but to be completely honest, I haven't heard the best things. They strictly teach the "belt" technique--which I disagree with, and I've heard they don't have strong dance classes for MTs. </p>
<p>Also, I knew a teacher that taught there and he said he hated it strictly on location and would never teach at a "college in the cornfields" again. Ultimately, the school isn't for me, and if I were to pick between BFA western illionis and BA columbia, I would gladly bick the Columbia..</p>
<p>wow! i really need opinions because i need to choose between Western's BFA and Ball State's BA Theater and I don't know what to do.</p>
<p>Sleepy - We are from Illinois and have never heard a good thing mentioned about Western's program. If there was anything whatsoever good about the program my D would have auditioned there as the in-state cost is very reasonable. This school specializes in turning out good teachers and has an excellent Masters program for teachers. Also as mentioned the location does completely suck.</p>
<p>Regarding Ball State my D has a former classmate in the BA program there and another that just got in to the MT program. We have heard wonderful things about this school. My D received a call back from Ball State at Illinois Theatrefest and was considering auditioning but I confused the cost with another school (we were reviewing about 20 at the time) and thought it was way over priced (it is not) so we passed. Hopefully you can visit and attend a couple of classes, meet the faculty and talk to the students. My vote is Ball State.</p>