<p>You’re looking in the right directions, and in many ways your questions answer themselves.</p>
<p>Like any school, people of all kinds of ages and backgrounds apply to and get accepted at acting programs. Your daughter will have a lot of options as she moves from one step to the other. Perhaps the “gap” year at the HS will give her some of the practical supports she’ll want in the application process (so it isn’t all on you). </p>
<p>A girl from our HS is currently at AMDA in NYC. She loves it there. It has virtually no academic coursework - its 2-year program is basically a performance certificate, although there are options for a more standard BFA. There are other schools like this. And definitely there are schools where the artistic coursework far overshadows the academics, in the way you describe your daughter may need. I would look through some of the lists you can get through this website (I believe page 8 of the archived thread at the top of this forum) and also through the college board website (put in “theater/acting/drama” as preferred major). That will give you a start on some choices.</p>
<p>Just like everyone, she needs to be thinking about what kind of “place” she wants to be: urban, rural, large, small, high/low cost, etc. That will narrow down the daunting list significantly, or at least give you a starting point.</p>
<p>I also agree that lots and lots of community experience of all kinds will be helpful. I live near you, and there are many musical and non-musical productions that kids or anyone can be involved in. Are you familiar with the website “mad stage dot com” (no spaces and a real dot). It lists auditions for numerous productions in the area. Crewing on anything also will get her out meeting people and exploring experiences, so she can get past the Shakespeare single focus. </p>
<p>Acting coaches are a little hard to find in Madison, but I’d just say go to shows or call the contacts on mad stage and see who’s out there. Vocal and singing coaches are a great resource, too, whether you are a musical theatre person or not. </p>
<p>Training is helpful, but I think for kids this age experience is invaluable, and it’s not that hard to get. There are so many great pathways to an education in theatre - I’m sure your D will find the right one(s) for her. Good luck!</p>