@“Yalie 2011” The family should look at USC. It would meet their prestige requirements, I imagine. If admitted, he would get 1/2 off tuition as a NMF. He could, at least initially, pick a major acceptable to his parents while still taking some drama classes. There are a number of drama school plays that are open to non-majors, and a host of student run clubs which a non-major can join or audition for their shows. Alternatively, he can be a BA drama major at USC and have time to take other courses as well.