Truth, Please! - Musical Theatre Colleges

[Hailstone15]

Hi, all. I know you have probably all heard this before, I apologize in advance, but I need help. I'm looking for a great college where I can major in Musical Theatre (BFA), but of course, everywhere I look says, "This school has a great program". That's great and all, but frankly, most college websites or brochures out there aren't going to pick themselves apart with criticisms. That, my dear thespian friends, is where you come in. All I'm asking is for you to mention some colleges that you think would be a good choice for me, and be blunt about them. Give me your open and honest opinions, both praises and criticisms. You can even list colleges that I should NOT attend and why. To narrow it down, here are some things I am looking for in a college/university:

-Not a conservatory. I'm thinking of minoring in Creative Writing.
-Somewhere where I can improve my dancing, but not have to worry about not getting into the school because I haven't had any professional training. Dancing would possibly be part of the audition process for the purpose of sorting students into an appropriate-level dance class, but would not determine admission into the school itself.
-A school that's not overwhelming in size. Preferably under 10,000, but probably no more than 13,000 students.
-Preferably located in a suburban or rural area. I've grown up in a small town my whole life, and by small I mean VERY small. For a reference, a "rural area" in the state of New York is the size of my capital city. So, near a major city but not in one would be ideal. I want to avoid a total culture shock, but a minor one would be okay. :)
-Study abroad program is a plus, but not a requirement.
-The school does not have to be easy to get into. In fact, I would prefer one with admissions on the moderately difficult to very difficult side.
-A welcoming environment. A quality education is important to me, but I would rather be at a good school where the students are friendly than at a fantastic school where I'm surrounded by egotistical jerks. Sorry, but it's true.
-Preferable curriculum consisting of a primary emphasis on acting and singing, and a secondary emphasis on dance, but it's not one of my deciding factors.

Alright. That's all I can think of right now, so please, fire away. And thank you for your help! It's more than greatly appreciated. :)

NOTE: The school does not have to fit everything on this list. I mean, that would be awesome, but I'm not expecting perfection. These are just pointers to narrow the choices down a bit! Anyway, thanks again everyone!

[Sutton Ross]

[Sutton Ross]

[Hailstone15]

There are no words in your reply...

[Sutton Ross]

Sorry, I tried to do it on my phone but failed miserably. It sounds like you would be happy at SUNY Brockport or Ithaca College. Both great schools, one is in a small town and Ithaca is in a small city. These fit most of your requirements. Good luck!

[Hailstone15]

I will check them out. Thank you so much! :)

[oh-bwayhereicome]

Take a look at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. An audition isn't required but opens you up for scholarship. I am there as a Theater and Music double major. The school is less than 3,000 in size. However, the Theater department is the second largest one on campus!

[debora2]

You can also check with The Arts & Learning Conservatory based in Santa Anathat that offers training the kids between 5 to 17 years since 2004. They provide quality theater and performing arts training to student’s through unique performing arts program.

[EmilyPowell]

me too!

[NancyKane]

Except that there is a big dance emphasis, Cortland (part of the SUNY State U. of NY) meets your points very well.

[FlowerChild67]

I would check on the Musical Theatre Major board on collegeconfidential.com It's an incredibly helpful (and knowledgeable) community.