Best theatrical colleges?

Hey everyone! I'm really passionate about theater and performing arts, and I'm starting to think about college. What are some of the best theatrical colleges out there? Are there any hidden gems I might not have heard of?

Looking for schools with strong theater programs, both in terms of academics and extracurricular opportunities!

Hello! It's fantastic that you're passionate about theater and performing arts. There are quite a few well-known colleges and universities in the United States with strong theater programs, as well as some lesser-known institutions that still have fantastic offerings.

Some of the best-known theater programs are at the following institutions:

1. Juilliard School (New York, NY)

2. Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)

3. New York University, Tisch School of the Arts (New York, NY)

4. Yale University, School of Drama (New Haven, CT)

5. University of Southern California, School of Dramatic Arts (Los Angeles, CA)

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Theater, Film, and Television (Los Angeles, CA)

7. University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem, NC)

As for hidden gems, these schools are lesser-known but still have strong theater programs:

1. Emerson College (Boston, MA)

2. Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)

3. DePaul University, The Theatre School (Chicago, IL)

4. University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance (Ann Arbor, MI)

5. Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY) - Conservatory of Theatre Arts (Purchase, NY)

When researching theater programs, consider the following factors:

- Focus: Consider whether you would prefer a conservatory-style program, which focuses solely on your craft, or a liberal arts-style program, which provides a well-rounded education with a strong focus on theater.

- Location: The location of the college can play a role in the types of theatrical opportunities available to you, such as internships and professional connections, especially when located in major cities with a vibrant theater scene (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago).

- Extracurricular Opportunities: Look for schools with plenty of on- and off-campus theater and performance opportunities, as well as those that offer study abroad programs or connections with regional or professional theaters.

Good luck with your search, and I hope this list helps you find a school that's the perfect fit for your passion for theater and performing arts!