<p>My D had much of the same dilemma, so I do understand your point of view. I struggled with it, too, although not in the same artistic medium. My D lives and breathes theatre and absolutely plans a career in it, but wanted to have a liberal arts foundation, because she felt that was part of becoming an educated adult. That’s not so unusual, and there are many training programs that provide plenty of academics, and also many BAs that provide plenty of training. It takes some looking - and there are lots of suggestions for schools like that here on this Forum.</p>
<p>In her case, she was accepted into some very fine schools that have very good reputations for theatre BAs. But in the end she chose a not as “elite” University (that does however have many quite respected and very successful alumni) that had the exact combination of coursework that helps her achieve her goal: a broad-based, rigorous auditioned BFA with diverse production experience, and a stand-alone Honors College based on the Great Books. It requires 50% of her credits in theatre, 25% in the Honors College (which also counts for most of her gen eds) and has the remaining 25% for electives or a minor. While she has considered doing a minor, currently, she is not planning to, because she wants to devote that time to additional theatre courses - which would bring her ratio more to 3:1 training vs academics.</p>
<p>Halfway through her college years, she is also experiencing the very common feeling that there will not be enough time to do everything she wants to do, or learn everything she wants to learn. I felt this way in college, and I also felt this way in graduate school. Whether academic or professionally-focused, a program just might not give you enough time to study everything you want to study. Many people use their learning skills from college to teach themselves what they have missed, through self-study, additional courses, or just in their life experience. </p>
<p>It’s possible to have a broad, varied college education. You have to research the curriculum, course schedule, major and other requirements, and ask lots of questions. You have to look at a lot of schools, especially in this field, because the options are so very different.</p>