<p>There are many places in the US that are close by great regional theatre. If you were willing to live somewhere without seasons, Austin, TX fits the bill with great schools and lots of theatre in the community at large. Boston, Chicago, Philly, Pittsburgh, DC, Seattle schools would also fit the bill (I am sure others could suggest additional communities as well). If you are looking at Vassar (which is about 1.5 to 2 hours out of NYC) you also could look at schools with lots of student produced work opportunities that are close enough to a city to travel when you want to see something… Bard, James Madison, Muhlenburg, Hampshire, Conn College, williams, Trinty (CT), and UVA to name a few.</p>
<p>Many college theatre programs have so many opportunities on campus that students spend their summers doing outside work, participating in on-campus productions during the academic year. Some choose to take a semester away at an intensive theatre program in the US or abroad.</p>