Expert: Rusty Meyers - 3/2/2010

Question
Rusty,
My son has applied to a number of BFA acting programs for 2010.  I wanted to get your opinion of these programs.  
USC ; CMU ; BU ; LAMDA

His auditions were encouraging for all and we think that he may be accepted to all.  What guidance do you have regarding the "best" one for him.  He is a serious actor that wants to get the best training and preparation for a career in acting.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Answer
These are all good schools, but it really depends on the professors teaching them, they change.
If it's theatre he is interested in, that's one thing if it's film and tv that's another thing to consider.
If I was you I would ask his current coach and depending on where he wants to live for a few years and how much he can afford should make his decision a little easier.
I'm sorry I can't be of more help but this may be to personal a question for me to answer without knowing your son.
First of all a lot of these schools will say yes as long as you have the tuition.
What about getting them to pay him to go to their schools?
Then you know that they really want you and not just the other way around.
If you aren't able to actually bi in the shows (your first year) not just on the backstage crew but in the show with a part.
Not spear carrier #4 but a part then I would pass on that school.
Unless these schools come out and see you perform and are trying to recruit the best actors to attend their schools then they will take anyone.
Is that the type school you want hm to go to, the one that will take anyone?
I hope not, so as great as these schools and others like Harvard and Yale and Northwestern and even Julliard are, they really just want the money to be paid.
The good actors get scholarships and they are the ones that get all of the juicy roles and treated like a king.