My daughter is about to graduate from SEMO and has had a positive experience there. She feels she has grown as an actor. Some faculty members are very strong.
With hindsight being 20/20, I would look for a program that requires Ballet 1 of all freshmen. I would also look for a program that doesn’t cast freshmen in main stage shows. Those 2 criteria indicate a program that is focused on training and skill.
Several of her friends who graduated last year and the year before are working actors. The program achieved Conservatory status a year or two ago and is up and coming.