Choosing the Right Theatre Program for You: Part 2 - 10 Overlooked Things to Ask About When Choosing a Theatre Program
Howard Community College
by Chris Peterson
Choosing a college major can feel huge, and if you are drawn to theatre, it can feel especially personal. That is why I am launching a friendly, step-by-step series to help you make a confident, informed choice. I have lived on both sides of this: I majored in theatre and later built a career in higher education, so I understand the excitement of training for the stage and the reality of navigating applications, auditions, and campus life.
Together we will slow things down and walk through the whole journey: how to identify programs that fit your goals and learning style, build a smart school list, weigh costs and scholarships, understand training approaches, prepare materials, and plan visits. We will also talk about red flags in the admission process, such as glossy promises without outcomes data, pressure to deposit early, hidden fees, extra costs for performance opportunities, or limited production slots. My aim is to be a calm, honest guide so you can choose a path that feels right for you, not just right on paper.
Part 2 - 10 Overlooked Things to Ask About When Choosing a Theatre Program
Every fall, thousands of aspiring theatre majors begin polishing their audition monologues, travel to campus visits, and dream about where they’ll spend the next four years. Most focus on the “big” questions: Is it a name-brand program? Is it in New York or Chicago? Does it have a strong reputation?
But many talented students overlook other, equally important factors that can shape their training and future career. If you’re planning to pursue a theatre degree, here are 10 often-forgotten questions worth asking before you apply or audition.
1. How soon will I be allowed on stage?
Some schools reserve mainstage casting for juniors and seniors. Others throw first-years right into productions. If performing experience is your priority, ask whether underclassmen get real stage time early on. This matters more than people realize — those first years are when you’re the hungriest, the most eager to learn by doing. If you’re stuck only watching from the sidelines, you may lose valuable time developing confidence and craft.
2. What’s the casting culture like?
Does the program typecast heavily, or are they open to stretching students into unexpected roles? Do certain students always land leads, while others rarely get opportunities? The answers will tell you a lot about inclusivity and program culture. Remember: a school that embraces risk-taking in casting often fosters better artists. You want to be trained to explore your full range, not just the box they think you fit into.
3. Are the faculty still working in the industry?
Faculty with current professional ties can connect you to auditions, internships, and emerging trends. But career academics may provide stability and teaching focus. Find out the balance, and ask about mentorship: Will professors know you by name and invest in your growth? There’s no one right answer, but you’ll want a mix of both — people who push you to refine your technique and others who show you how the industry actually works today.
4. How strong is the alumni network?
A school’s name may open doors, but the alumni who answer your emails and recommend you to casting directors often matter more. Research where grads are working: Broadway, TV, regional theatre, or related creative industries. Even better, ask current students how accessible alumni are — do they come back to campus? Host workshops? Send job leads? A strong network turns graduation from a cliff into a bridge, helping you step into the professional world.
5. What career pipeline exists?
Do they host a senior showcase in New York or L.A.? Are internships with summer theatres or casting agencies built into the program? A strong pipeline can smooth the jump from student to professional. Too many graduates discover the “what’s next?” moment is terrifyingly unclear. Schools with intentional pipelines — built-in showcases, structured internship programs, or regional partnerships — give you a head start. You shouldn’t have to figure out everything on your own the day you graduate.
6. Can I explore beyond acting?
Many aspiring performers discover new passions for directing, design, playwriting, or teaching. Programs that encourage cross-training — and collaboration with film, dance, or music students — better prepare you for today’s multidisciplinary industry. If you want to write a play or direct a short film, will your school give you the resources? Or will you be locked into a single track? The more doors you can open now, the more options you’ll have later.
7. How flexible is the curriculum?
Some conservatory-style programs make double majors or minors impossible. Others welcome students who want to pair theatre with psychology, business, or education. Flexibility can be crucial for your future. Not every theatre graduate ends up on Broadway — some go into arts management, education, or even medicine. A program that allows you to broaden your studies means you don’t have to choose between training as an artist and preparing for a sustainable long-term career.
8. What are the financial realities?
Theatre is rewarding but unpredictable. Be honest: Can you afford the debt load if your career path isn’t linear? Look at scholarships, work-study, and whether you’ll have time for part-time work given rehearsal demands. A program’s price tag doesn’t reflect its value if you’ll graduate with loans that limit your freedom to audition or take low-paying artistic gigs. Your future self will thank you if you balance passion with practicality right now.
9. What’s the program culture?
Is it nurturing, cutthroat, experimental, or traditional? Do students get chances to produce their own work, or only perform in faculty-directed productions? The vibe of your cohort will define your day-to-day experience. A school can look amazing on paper, but if the culture doesn’t fit your personality, you’ll struggle. Talk to current students and sit in on a rehearsal if you can. You’re not just choosing a program — you’re choosing a community.
10. Will I graduate ready for the business?
Training in voice and movement is vital, but so is knowing how to self-tape, network, submit to agents, and manage the emotional toll of the industry. Ask whether the program teaches you how to sustain a career — not just how to land your first role. The students who thrive after graduation are the ones who understand that acting is both an art and a business, and they leave school prepared for both sides.
Choosing a theatre program isn’t just about prestige or location. It’s about where you’ll grow as an artist, build your professional network, and develop habits that can sustain a life in the arts. Ask the tough questions now — your future self will thank you.