Theater schools have become increasingly popular over the years, with a growing number of students wanting to pursue a career in acting. However, choosing the best theater school can be overwhelming due to the number of options available.
This article aims to help you navigate the various theater schools out there and find the best one that suits your needs.
What To Look For In A Theater School
Before we dive into the list of the best theater schools, let’s look at what you should consider when selecting a school.
Faculty: The quality of the faculty can greatly impact your education. Look for schools with experienced and reputable instructors.
Curriculum: A well-rounded curriculum that covers all aspects of theater, including acting, voice and movement, and technical theater, is essential.
Facilities: The school’s facilities should be up-to-date and well-equipped to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.
Location: Consider the location of the school and its proximity to theaters and other performance spaces. This can provide opportunities for internships and networking.
Reputation: A school’s reputation can greatly impact your career prospects. Look for schools with a proven track record of producing successful graduates.
Best Theater Schools In The USA
Juilliard School
The Juilliard School is a prestigious performing arts school located in New York City. The school’s Drama Division offers a rigorous four-year program that focuses on classical and contemporary acting techniques.
The faculty is made up of industry professionals. And the curriculum includes classes in voice and speech, movement, and stage combat.
Graduates of the Juilliard School include actors such as Viola Davis, Robin Williams, and Adam Driver.
Yale School of Drama
The Yale School of Drama is a graduate school located in New Haven, Connecticut. The school offers a three-year Master of Fine Arts program in acting, directing, and playwriting.
The program is highly competitive, and the faculty includes renowned theater professionals. The school also has a strong emphasis on collaboration, with students frequently working with other departments at Yale, such as the School of Music and the School of Art.
Graduates of the Yale School of Drama include actors such as Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, and Paul Giamatti.
Tisch School of the Arts
The Tisch School of the Arts is part of New York University and is located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The school offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts program in drama that includes courses in acting, directing, design, and production.
The program is highly selective, and students have the opportunity to participate in productions both on and off campus.
The school also has a strong network of alumni, including actors such as Lady Gaga, Adam Sandler, and Alec Baldwin.
Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama
The Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate. And graduate programs in acting, directing, design, and production.
The school has a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, with students often working with other departments at the university.
The faculty includes award-winning professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to have successful careers in theater.
The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program
The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program is a collaboration between the Old Globe Theatre and the University of San Diego.
The program offers a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting, directing, and technical theater. The curriculum includes classes in Shakespeare, musical theater, and contemporary plays, and students have the opportunity to perform in productions at the Old Globe Theatre.
Graduates of the program have gone on to work in regional theaters and on Broadway.
American Conservatory Theater (ACT)
The American Conservatory Theater is located in San Francisco, California, and offers a Master of Fine Arts program in acting. The program is highly selective, and students work with professional theater artists to develop their craft.
The curriculum includes classes in voice, movement, and stage combat, and students have the opportunity to perform in productions both on and off campus. Graduates of the program have gone on to have successful careers in theater, film, and television.
Best Theater Schools in the UK
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is located in London, England, and is one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world.
The school offers a range of programs, including a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Acting, a one-year Master of Arts in Text and Performance, and a two-year Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Lab.
The faculty includes award-winning actors and directors, and graduates of the program include actors such as Tom Hiddleston, Alan Rickman, and Anthony Hopkins.
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is located in London, England, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acting, directing, and theater-making.
The school has a strong emphasis on practical experience, with students often working on productions both on and off campus. The faculty includes award-winning professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to work in theater, film, and television.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama is located in London, England, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acting, directing, and technical theater.
The school has a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, with students often working with musicians and composers.
The faculty includes industry professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to have successful careers in theater, film, and television.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is located in Bristol, England, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acting, directing, and technical theater. The school has a strong emphasis on practical experience, with students often working on productions both on and off campus.
The faculty includes industry professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to work in regional theaters and on television.
LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
LAMDA is located in London, England, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acting, directing, and technical theater.
The school has a strong focus on classical training, with students studying Shakespeare and other classical texts.
The faculty includes industry professionals and graduates of the program have gone on to have successful careers in theater, film, and television.
Best Theater Schools in Canada
National Theatre School of Canada
The National Theatre School of Canada is located in Montreal, Quebec, and offers programs in acting, directing playwriting, and technical theater.
The program is highly selective and offers both English and French language training. The faculty includes award-winning professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to work in regional theaters and on television.
Ryerson University School of Performance
The Ryerson University School of Performance is located in Toronto, Ontario, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acting, dance, and production.
The program has a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, with students often working with other departments at the university.
The faculty includes industry professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to work in theater, film, and television.
University of Alberta Department of Drama
The University of Alberta Department of Drama is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acting, directing, design, and production.
The program has a strong emphasis on practical experience, with students often working on productions both on and off campus.
The faculty includes industry professionals, and graduates of the program have gone on to have successful careers in theater, film, and television.
Vancouver Film School Acting Program
The Vancouver Film School Acting Program is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and offers a one-year intensive program in acting for film and television.
The program is highly selective, and students work with industry professionals to develop their craft. Classes in screen acting, auditioning, and on-camera techniques prepare graduates for successful film and TV careers.
Conclusion
Choosing the best theater school can be a difficult decision, but it is important to consider the program’s reputation, curriculum, faculty, and alumni network.
Each of the schools listed above offers a unique experience and has produced successful graduates in theater, film, and television.
By researching and visiting different programs, aspiring theater professionals can find the best fit for their individual needs and goals.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of attending a top theater school?
A: Attending a top theater school can provide aspiring theater professionals with the skills, experience, and connections necessary to succeed in the industry.
Q: Are theater schools worth the cost?
A: While theater school can be expensive, the benefits of attending a top program often outweigh the costs, especially for those who are serious about pursuing a career in theater.
Q: Can I attend a theater school without any prior experience?
A: Many theater schools welcome applicants with little to no prior experience, as long as they demonstrate a passion for the craft and a willingness to learn.
Q: What should I look for in a theater school curriculum?
A: A good theater school curriculum should provide a balance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, with opportunities for students to explore different aspects of the theater industry.
Q: How can I prepare for a theater school audition?
A: Preparing for a theater school audition involves practicing monologues, attending acting classes, and researching the program’s specific audition requirements.
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