Future?

In response to Lizi's email below, here are my thoughts if someone is seriously considering continuing in theatre.

Contantly: read scripts and see shows. Audition everywhere you can, be in as many shows as possible.

When looking at colleges, first determine Theatre Conservatory, where your courses would be focused solely on theatre, or a liberal arts degree, where you would have a wide range of required classes - from science to philosophy and math (well-rounded education). If you know you wouldn't be happy doing anything except theatre, probably a Conservatory, aiming for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After the B.F.A. I would suggest a year (or more) off to audition and see if your skills are sufficient or if you should return to a conservatory for an M.F.A.

In all discussions with potential colleges, speak directly to the faculty and students there, asking one question in particular: In the past year, how many freshmen, sophomores, and juniors were cast in shows? Of course these numbers vary based on the talent, but if the school also has a M.F.A. program, those graduate students sometimes get the roles. If your goal is time on stage, a smaller school without a MFA program may be the best choice for exposure.

As far as ranking programs at different colleges, it depends how serious you are. If this is a fun hobby, it will be less important. If you're going to make a career of it, aim for the best programs in the country. I can help narrow the list with you.