Best VA College for Theatre

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I’m interested in going into theatre, and I live in Virginia, so naturally, I was curious which college in Virginia were best for theatre. I don’t think that there are any outstanding, top ranked theatre programs in Virginia, but in terms of just the state, which college would be best? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Tech? Design? Performance? Management?</p>

3

<p>I vaguely remember a friend who is interested in theater going on about Emory and Henry–apparently our teacher who’s an alum is writing a great recommendation–off track, but anyhow, she was happy because theater is good there or something like that.</p>

4

<p>Elon in NC has great BFA programs in theatre, musical theatre, and theatrical design/production and may actually be a lot closer to you than some Virginia colleges, depending on where you live.</p>

<p>[Elon</a> University - Department of Performing Arts](<a href=“Elon University - America’s Top-Ranked Teaching University”>Elon University / Performing Arts)</p>

5

<p>Are you more interested in public or private schools, or doesn’t that matter? Also - are you looking for a BFA, or a BA? </p>

<p>George Mason is the only public VA college that awards a BFA in theatre, I believe. James Madison’s Theatre and Dance program is in its own separate college (Performing and Visual Arts), but I believe the degree earned is a BA. <a href=“The School of Theatre and Dance - JMU”>The School of Theatre and Dance - JMU;

6

<p>There is not a “best” program in VA… there are many different programs in VA that offer strong programs. It depends on what you are looking for in a program and in a college experience.<br>
for example…
James Madison has an auditioned BA program.
VCU has an auditioned BFA program.
George Mason offers BA and BFA
Shenandoah is a private, auditioned BFA program.</p>

<p>Pretty much every college in VA offers theatre as a major. What are you looking for in a program, what are your academic stats, are you willing to do an audition/ interview/ portfolio review?</p>

<p>If you check out the Theatre Majors Forum, you may get more specific information from students and parents who have applied to/ attend programs in VA. </p>

<p>“George Mason is the only public VA college that awards a BFA in theatre, I believe.”</p>

<p>VCU and Longwood offer BFA programs as well. </p>

<p>However, a BFA is not necessarily a “better” degree for a student interested in Theatre… it may be, it may not be depending on the student and what he or she is looking for in a program. Not all BA programs are alike, not all BFA programs are alike. It is all about finding the right program for you. There is a long thread on the Theatre Majors forum that addresses this… <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1416376-ba-vs-bfa-must-read-article.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1416376-ba-vs-bfa-must-read-article.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>If you have questions about JMU I would be happy to answer them, and/ or put you in contact with a current students and alums.</p>

7

<p>UVA followed by William and Mary</p>