So, I’m assuming you’re the parent since you refer to “him” in the third person. I’m also assuming you know your own finances pretty well and that your budget has some relation to an accurate perception of what a reasonably generous, need-based college will offer in terms of aid.
I’m really intrigued by dear son’s (DS) six plays*. This immediately triggers thoughts of Wesleyan which boasts an unusual mix of traditional New England LAC and pre-professional arts school. You may want to examine the thread, “Transferring Out of Wesleyan” for the story of an artsy kid who found the atmosphere a bit too competitive: Transferring out of Wesleyan. The key quote I would draw your attention to is the following:
Obviously, the OP viewed all of that in pejorative terms but if it sounds even a little bit like it might appeal to DS, the Wesleyan adcom may also see him as a good fit.
*EDIT: nine plays