<p>From reading this thread, ahermitt, it sounds like your daughter is extraordinarily driven and knows exactly what she wants, so I’d encourage her to go for it. Unless she spends the gap year training, workshopping, and staying active in productions, taking time off isn’t going to be incredibly conducive to personal growth as an artist-- and since the audition process is not going to get any easier as time goes by, now is just as good a time as any to go for it, regardless of her age.</p>
<p>You also mentioned that she’s worried about being behind, not coming from a public school education. I wouldn’t worry about that too much-- my high school’s drama department was a joke, and with the meager “training” I got there I’m lucky to have gotten accepted to any schools; the manner in which one received their theatrical training isn’t weighted too heavily. If she’s got the talent, she’ll get in. Best of luck to you and her as you go through the process!</p>