<p>I don’t think it has to be liberal vs. vocational – my college certainly isn’t.</p>
<p>There are many types of theatre programs out there. Yes, there are BAs and BFAs, but the structure of these programs still varies widely. There are conservatory programs, semi-conservatory, strictly academic/theoretical studies, and every color in between. And certainly in an acting program, there will not be a lack of “academic work.” There will still be papers to write, journals to fill out, and memorization to be had. You will be required to remember historical dates, time periods, genres, the stylistic differences of playwrights… there is tons of “bookwork” to be done.</p>
<p>If it is not so much the concern of the bookwork in your major, but not being able to explore other areas of study beyond theatre, then yes, that is something you should think about. General education classes will run out eventually, but in a BA (and in some BFAs) electives outside your major are available, if not required over four years. You should ask yourself if you weren’t studying theatre, what else would be happy studying for four years and beyond, remembering that these classes mostly won’t involve studio classes or practicum. Is there some other academic major that would make you just as happy, if not more happy? Maybe that is holding you back, and you should explore that major, or a double major instead.</p>
<p>Basically, try to change your focus. Try not to decide either or, but find a strong group of schools in between. I would suggest you look at programs like Brown and Southern Methodist University, which strongly emphasize interdisciplinary studies while maintaining strong theatre programs. Look for semi-conservatory schools. If you strongly feel liberal arts is the way to go, remember you can still have long hours of practice like you want – get involved in shows and student theatre groups and never say no to an opportunity to act. If you are prioritizing curriculum first, then expand your geographic range of schools. Don’t be afraid to apply to a mix of types of schools: let fate and admissions departments sort things out for you a little bit, and go from there.</p>