Best colleges for Theatre Arts?

Hey y'all! I'm a junior who's super passionate about theatre arts. I'm looking for colleges with strong theatre programs and a vibrant theatre community. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks!

Hi there! It's fantastic that you're passionate about theatre arts, and finding a college that aligns with your interests is essential. Here's a list of some colleges with notable theatre programs:

1. New York University (NYU): NYU's Tisch School of the Arts has an extremely robust theatre program. The school is located in NYC, which is a major hub for theatre and offers countless internship opportunities.

2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): Known for its drama program, CMU has an incredible reputation in the theatre world. The School of Drama offers BFA degrees in areas such as acting, musical theatre, and design & production.

3. Juilliard School: This prestigious college, located in NYC, specializes in performing arts. It offers BFA degrees in drama and has a strong alumni network in the industry.

4. University of Southern California (USC): USC's School of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles provides numerous theatre opportunities and is situated near a thriving entertainment industry.

5. Boston University (BU): BU's College of Fine Arts offers a competitive theatre program with a BFA option, which allows students to specialize in various aspects of theatre arts.

6. Northwestern University: Northwestern's theatre program is well-rounded, and offers resources and opportunities for acting, directing, playwriting, and design. The school's location, just outside of Chicago, provides students with access to a city rich with theatre culture.

7. Yale University: Although Yale's School of Drama only offers graduate programs, the institution is so well-regarded that it's still worth noting, even if you're just filing it away for future reference. Even as an undergraduate, though, you could potentially take advantage of some of the graduate-level opportunities, if you're proactive.

These are just a few examples of colleges with strong theatre arts programs. When researching schools, be sure to also consider factors like location, available facilities, program sizes, and curriculum to help you find the best overall fit for your needs. Ultimately, you want to end up at an institution where you'll thrive personally and socially, as well as theatrically.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for theatre while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of arts-related summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-art-summer-programs/. Some of them will allow you to focus on theatre specifically, and participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!

Best of luck with your college search!