Expert: J. Spyder Isaacson - 10/8/2007

Question
Hi,
   I'm a senoir in high school so time is winding for me to send in applications and organize my life. I really need some help in choosing a good college for theatre. I know this is what i want to major and is one of the hardest programs to excell in because of the competition. I have
experience, I've been a two time national qualifer in Duo interpretation in the National Forensics League, in 2006 i was state champion in Duo and in 2007 I place 2nd in the state in Duo. I have also been apart of the Phyllis Wheatly Repertory Theatre for 3 to 4 years under the direction of Mr. Dwight Woods. I believe i have the talent, but i just have no idea where to go so that i'll stand a better chance of becoming successfull in that career.

Answer
You have a wealth of possibilities, since you're talking about post-High School studies.  There are a number of good programs around the country and around the world.

If you're not interested in a Bachelor's Degree, one of the hardest and best programs is at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City.  This isn't an accredited program, but is an intensive 2 year course in the Meisner Technique, which produced such talent as Anne Jackson, Eli Wallach, Jeff Goldblum, Tony Randall, Michelle Pfeiffer and many, many others.  Jim Jarrett, a Meisner-trained instructor, also offers Mesiner Technique training -- www.jarrettproductions.com.

For a Bachelor's Degree, if you can get the financing, The Juliard School is one of the best.  Additionally, Yale has an excellent program, as does Purdue (especially in technical theatre) and, believe it or not, the University of Missouri Kansas City.  Further, in my own backyard is the Cornish Institute of the Arts, also a very highly-regarded program.

If you're anticipating getting into film instead of live stage, you might want to consider the University of California at Los Angeles, which has a focus on film acting.  As a side note, there are also a good number of excellent workshops in and around Los Angeles.

The above options are the best, but also some of the most expensive.  They may also be further from home than you really want to travel.  Don't discount local schools - they may not have quite the same reputation as the ones I've noted above, but you can still get excellent education and experience in the craft.  For instance, in my own area, the University of Puget Sound offers a very good program, and my own alma mater, Gonzaga University, has a small but quite good program.

As a formal NFL competitor myself, I understand your comfort in public speaking.  Being an actor, as I'm sure you're aware, requires more, but if you really feel the call to pursue theatre as a career, I hope that the advice I've given here can help.  Let me know if it has.

Break a leg!

-- Spyder