Williams v.s. Wesleyan for Theater major

Hi, recently I got all my regular decisions back and I’ve got into Williams, Wesleyan, Vassar, and Colgate. Currently, I’m considering Williams and Wesleyan because the other two schools didn’t offer me a good financial aid package (thus, it would be a burden to my parents if I choose to attend there). I plan to major in theater and I’m a hugely theater-focused person. I believe that since both Williams and Wesleyan are top LACs, the academics or the diversity of students is pretty much the same so honestly, the theater department, the arts scene, career opportunities after graduation, connections with the professional theater world, etc. are all that matters in my college decisions. I’ve received $32K from Williams and a full scholarship from Wesleyan and now, I’m torn between them. The connections or the alumni network I can get from each school is tremendously important and also the prestige the school holds to outsiders, especially people in the profession theater field, matters to me. I am mostly interested in acting, dramaturgy, and theater management. I know that these schools are not at all conservatories (I actually do not want the education of a conservatory) but I was hoping if you guys can give me some info or advice to help my decision!

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Wesleyan is riding pretty high right now in theater circles. A full scholarship from them would look good on a cv.

Wesleyan all the way. There’s a very old and active student theatre community, a good film program (they’ll need actors for student films), a good alumni network and most recently a single superstar theatre graduate (Lin-Manuel Miranda) who has already “given back” to the school in the form of a theatre scholarship. Busses go to NYC for the weekend. Williams is a fantastic LAC but for theatre I would choose Wes over any of your choices other than Vassar.

These schools have very different vibes, so I would really consider that, as well. Where are you more likely to find your people? For most theater kids, the answer is probably Wesleyan. But if you are more of a sporty, outdoorsy type, then maybe Williams would be a better choice. If possible, I would visit and try to connect with as many people involved in theater as possible – students and faculty. Try to sit in on classes, rehearsals, and see a production. Ask about professional/alumni connections. And do not limit yourself to meeting with Theater majors, but rather with as many students who are doing theater as possible, because some of the most serious theater students at liberal arts schools are actually majoring in something else.

Wow! Awesome choices. Visit if you can. Everyone I know who went to Wesleyan loved it.

Both are very good options. I wouldn’t discount the opportunities at Williams, both at the school and with the Williamstown Theatre Festival community. I agree with @elsacc that many of the accomplished theatre kids will be majoring in other subjects. One of the most accomplished actors I know is a Williams grad, he was not a theatre major.

Visit both if you can. That may help you decide.

I know this is off topic but - how on earth does someone who only asks totally innocuous questions like the OP on this thread end up getting banned?