<p>I think there are a million clues in the viewbooks and websites, especially the way a program describes itself. Some are really inspiring. But also-- does the curriculum cover the whole historical range of theater, or is it more avant garde, or more classical–even the photos of the productions give a sense of the values. </p>
<p>I thought of this thread yesterday when a friend was comparing two elementary schools she substitute teaches at. At one of them, she was saying, the conversation in the teachers’ room tends to be mean gossip about the students. At the other this would be unthinkable. You can guess which is the better school, though they are just a few miles apart from each other. You get the vibe when you walk in-- the same as when you walk into a BFA program.</p>