<p>My daughter is a freshman Theatre Performance major at American University in Washington, D.C. It is a BA program. She just completed her first semester and is absolutely thrilled with the program. Through course work, a new student production at the beginning of the semester, a mentor program, various auditions and some other unique opportunities, she has gotten to know most of the professors and students in the program already. It is a fairly small, close-knit department with lots and lots of performance opportunities. She already feels that she has learned and grown as an actor and is extremely excited about some of the things she has committed to doing in the spring. She has been challenged and excited by her other classes as well and loves that the kids are from all over the world…freshman class of 1600 has 48 states and 40 countries represented within those students. Probably the best part of being at American is being in Washington, D.C. She has attended almost weekly professional theatre performances within the city through one of her courses and they have constant opportunities sent to them to audition within the larger community (which she hopes to take advantage of when she is a junior/ senior.) Study abroad opportunities at a conservatory type program in London for a semester later in her course of study is another exciting opportunity. </p>
<p>When we were doing the searching and auditioning process last year, American was sort of an afterthought because it is close to us and she loves D.C. Of all her auditions, the auditors at American spent the most time working with her and giving her feedback. She also received written feedback on her audition from them. After that, and a few more visits, she knew she had found her home and she has not been disappointed.</p>
<p>Anyway, we didn’t see much about American on here when we were searching, so I do think it fits into the category “hidden gem.” For her, it has been a perfect fit! I would be happy to answer any questions, if you want more info.</p>