<p>Hi Alliesmom, </p>
<p>I was just thinking about you because each year I receive brochures from Tufts because I am an alum interviewer and I was browsing the latest booklets I received and took special care to read over the Theater and Dance stuff. I had already seen a presentation by the dept. when visiting with my older D who applied there (though this is an EC interest of hers, not her college major or career interest). There is quite a bit going on there both in courses and in theater groups. I could tell you more if you need it. </p>
<p>As far as BU goes…realize that it is a BFA, not a BA like Tufts. However, as with many BFA programs, the curriculum includes liberal arts each semester in other subjects, plus academic coursework in theater studies (such as dramatic literature). It just is not as many liberal arts courses as a BA. </p>
<p>BU, however, has two BFA options. All BFAs start out in a Performance Core freshman year (and still take their liberal arts courses as in any other year). Then each student at the end of freshman year, along with faculty advising, can opt to do a BFA in Acting or a BFA in Theater Arts. The BFA in Acting is self explanatory. The BFA in Theater Arts has two approaches. One is for students who want to do a more interdisciplinary study combining theater with another area of study (might this fit your D?) and the other approach is for students who wish to create original works. The first option in BFA Theater Studies involves an individualized plan of study basically. The second approach combines performing with directing, writing, producing, etc. </p>
<p>First go to this webpage about the BFA degree options: <a href=“http://www.bu.edu/cfa/theatre/programs/bfa/index.htm[/url]”>http://www.bu.edu/cfa/theatre/programs/bfa/index.htm</a> Then visit the links for the BFA in Acting and the BFA in Theater Arts, both of which are explained, as well as you can obtain the curriculum for all four years in each option. It isn’t a MT program, however. </p>
<p>If you are looking in Boston at other BA schools, take a look at Brandeis, which isn’t a MT program but a very well regarded BA in Theater. Also, same with Boston College. I have a student going into theater who wants a BA who is applying to BC and she has done opera and MT. BC will accept a DVD sample (no auditions for this school) as a supplemental submission, with a theater resume and essay for the theater department. Same with Tufts. I loved Tufts and think a theater student would do great there. They also have dance and active theater scene including musicals, and also great a capella groups. If looking for a BFA in MT in the Boston area, Emerson’s program, which I have visited twice, has significant liberal arts as part of their requirements, so I would also suggest that school if your D wants a BFA where she can also do some liberal arts </p>
<p>I can’t recall if you looked at NYU/Tisch but I have a kid also strong in academics who wanted a BFA in MT but also wanted and values academics and enjoys that aspect of her education. As well, the academics there are strong. Some BFAs are not located in academically selective schools and so if that is an issue for your D, these are some suggestions. If she goes the BA route and is a good student, there are schools like Skidmore, Sarah Lawrence, Vassar, Muhlenberg, Connecticut College, Emory, Northwestern, USC, or American that may interest her with regard to very good theater. I have no idea her qualifications but if she is in the ballpark for Tufts, might she look into Brown? Great place for a theater kid. </p>
<p>Susan</p>