<p>Marbleheader asks some good questions. It will help us respond if we know the level of experience your D has. Has she done any community theatre? Or acting classes? If so where did she take the classes? Did she do a pre college summer program for example. There are many pre college programs that give students the idea of what the BFA training is really like. If they come out of these programs saying “that was the best experience of my life and I can’t wait to go back” then a BFA program is probably right for your D. </p>
<p>BFA training is very intense. They are in studio for hours and hours every day, and then spend most evenings in rehearsal for shows. It is not a typical college experience like she would have with a BA. The BA is more than half traditional college classes and the remaining classes in acting training. </p>
<p>I think the best way to know if your D has enough talent to pursue acting is to think about whether she has been judged by a variety of theatre professionals. Has she been to a variety of auditions at different theaters? Has she been taught by a variety of teachers? If the answer is yes, and the majority of these people think your D has talent and cast her, that is a good sign. There are some people in my community who have only taken class at one small community theatre school, or at our high school. They ask me why my D and I travel to audition for other theaters. One reason is for an opportunity to be in other shows obviously, but the other reason is to find out if a variety of directors are interested in her. Because we have done this, and taken classes with several college professors, I feel confident that my D at least has enough talent to give this a try. </p>
<p>Now, as far as applying goes, quite a few parents end up helpings their kids out with apps and scheduling. Of course the student must write essays and prepare for the auditions and interviews. But most theatre kids are very busy with school, training and shows. There is just not enough time for the student to get it all done in most cases. </p>
<p>Most students applying for acting apply to 10 or more schools. Why? The programs are highly selective. As in, 5 hundred or 6 hundred kids apply and the school accepts about 20. It is more difficult to get into some of the BFA programs than to get into Harvard. So by applying to more schools, students give themselves a better chance to be accepted somewhere. You should also have a backup non audition school. There are other threads on this forum about that.
Fill us in a little more and maybe we can provide more guidance. :-)</p>