<p>I would add Wash U in St. Louis to your list! It has old buildings (beautiful campus!!), medium sized city (and borders one of the country’s largest urban parks with a zoo, a lake, a museum etc.), and has MT classes in its curriculum. Very supportive professors who are working theater professionals! Never cited here as “known for theater,” but personally, I think the “big fish in a small pond” experience can be very beneficial: imagine all the competition for roles at schools “known” for theater. I was told that auditions at Skidmore last for days because so many students try out! </p>
<p>I think that all four of those schools in above post could be considered safeties; my D was offered merit aid at Muhlenberg, got into Skidmore (based on our Naviance, I have no doubt she would have gotten into Trinity and Union) and comes from the Northeast (more geographically competitive than you!). However, I had her apply to UNH just to play it really safe! (I don’t want to post her stats publicly, but you can pm me if you want more info).</p>