bsiegelmsw

My daughter wants a BA drama program in acting and is looking for programs beyond USC, UCLA to apply to in Calif. (already applying to USC). She's a top student, not as high in test scores. We have been advised against the UC schools given cost as out of state residents and financial troubles for the state in general. She is also interested in film and wishes to at least minor in this. Any ideas about other Calif. or west coast schools with strong drama programs? Another question--- if she would be happier in a less competitive environment, how does the making connections aspect of college choice factor in?

Also, I would be interested in knowing which top drama programs cut students after admission. Northwestern?

Thanks in advance for your advice...

researching4emb

I would suggest LMU, where she might be a merit aid candidate. Well-regarded theater program and film school. My D is a sophomore there (different major), and she/we have been very pleased with the quality of her education and professors.

Also consider Occidental. I know tons of Oxy alums, a few professors and some current students. Happy alums, happy students, excellent college, and apparently strong (but not famous) theater program. It would be the perfect school for my theater-loving D2 if it weren't ten minutes from our house.

joeschmoe

You may wish to look at University of Puget Sound. They have a small, but active, theatre arts department. Beautiful campus!

University of Puget Sound Theatre Arts Department Home

Son of Tranquil

I would check out Chapman or Pomona.

collegebrowser

I strongly suggest you check out Cal Lutheran. It's a small department, but if you take the time to read the degree requirements for the BA, and then go to the university's Schedule of Classes and read the description of every theatre course, I think you'll be amazed at how much they offer. They also have a very strong film and tv program. The campus is about a half hour north of Malibu, and is lovely. It's a private school, but they have a relatively new tuition-matching program that works like this: if you can prove you've been accepted to UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, or UC Davis, then Cal Lutheran will charge you no more to attend than what you would pay at these UC schools. It's an incredible offer. I think you'll find a lot to like at Cal Lutheran.