Liberal arts, with non-competitive musical theater

[groundhog74]

I was going to suggest looking at St Olaf

[Jackshome]

This was so super helpful. Thank you so much.
I am familiar with the colleges that change lives schools, because her counselor recommended we look at them, but I wasn’t familiar with College Navigator. Also I had no idea about tuition match. I don’t usually look at other public colleges because of the tuition difference for out of state.

[Jackshome]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I am suggesting she add these all to her list

[SpreadsheetMom]

What about Furman? Here’s what they say about theatre –

Current Students

My younger daughter is actually trying to see if she can major in something there that makes sense for her (maybe a combo of studio art and the visual strategy minor) – because the school itself feels so cozy and offers the small, low-pressure marching band she’s been seeking. Plus it checks a lot of other boxes – not too far from us, generous merit aid for her stats, etc.

But I understand about musical theatre! My older one is a junior at Rice, which has residential colleges – and each residential college does its own student-run productions. She has had the time of her life being in shows. And even though they’re bare-bones productions, they still do big shows (lots of Sondheim – Merrily, Great Comet, Into the Woods). She was also a big theatre kid in high school, but she doesn’t really have the talent to pursue it professionally. Loves it, though, and has found her people – and next semester she has the opportunity to executive produce and direct a nerdy, niche show (she’s running auditions as I type this!) – and she’s over the moon.

I don’t think Rice would be right for your kiddo based on what she’s looking for, but hoping you find the right place with the right type of theatre opportunities! It can be life-giving for sure (the same way band is for my younger one. )

[Jackshome]

Thank you so much. She has a list of about ten schools that she was able to feel good about, and lots of that list had early action so she is just waiting on answers that should come in soon.
She got everything in a while ago so we haven’t talked about schools at all this past month. At this point I won’t bring any new school up because her list felt complete and well thought out to her when she decided and she’s enjoying her senior year right now and I love that.

I think if she doesn’t get some early action answers, she still has time and then we will talk about broadening the search and Furman would be great to consider.
Thank you again!