<p>shacherry, one way you can gauge the program is to ask industry professionals (directors, agents, casting directors, fellow actors) what they know or think of the program. The professionals you’d ask are the ones your son or you most respect and/or the ones who would work with someone like your son or - if you’re really lucky - who have worked directly with your son and know what his strengths/interests are. Of course, one person’s opinion on a program is just one person, but if you ask around a lot or if you get really enthusiastic responses, that is good information to have.</p>
<p>Another method I’ve used is to look at youngish actors whom I or my kids admire. We then look up how they got where they are. (If they are extremely well connected/extremely wealthy we mostly discount them.)</p>
<p>Often this unearths gems we hadn’t thought of before. Sometimes that’s not a college program, but that’s fine in that it still unearths possible paths. </p>
<p>Finally we did go alot by gut. It’s best to visit (not by tour) and sit in on classes and spend time there as well as you can; you can do this once you get closer.</p>