<p>Nothing is too late for an 18 year old, dear! Even if you take a year to prepare and apply a year later, you have plenty, plenty of time. But first-- you’ve never been in a show-- are you sure you want to spend four years training arduously for something you haven’t really tried? It’s a big step…I’m wondering if it isn’t too early for you to try for a BFA! (Not that there’s enough info here for anyone to guess, so ignore me if you like.) </p>
<p>I think your plan is a good one-- start someplace where you don’t have to audition (at least not right away) and where you have some other options if the newfound dedication to theater shifts into something else. There’s no harm in trying for an auditioned program (though it’s late-ish for this year, to apply and get an audition slot etc.) But I’d test it out as much as possible first-- ordinary college life may be rigorous, but there are lots of chances to try new things. A BFA means hours and hours of classtime, followed by hours and hours of rehearsal…then repeat. It’s not something you want to jump into without a lot of forethought.</p>