Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

I’m going to be a senior in high school in September. I have been acting my entire life. Theater and performing in general has always been my passion and I'm looking for exactly this in a college. I want a school that will provide superior training for me in all aspects of my craft. I want a school which provides prestige and something that might launch a career for me in this area. My grades aren't the worst ever. They aren't the best ever. My SAT scores are ok but not great. I’m taking them again though. I've been in honors classes/AP classes. My extra activities are good. Some include...

internships, leads in many plays/musicals, community college classes (acting, photography, more...), outstanding acting awards, student direction award, extremely involved in music (pep band, jazz choir, jazz band, musical theater, concert band), community service, creator of my own teen acting troop for community service, plan to go on a teen workcamp soon to work on betterment of a foreign community, involved in many clubs (president of the Drama Club and Reach Diversity Club), honor roll, voice lessons, instrumental lessons, Mock Trial (Attorney/Key Witness), speech and debate team, California Scholastic Federation, technical experience in theater, youth commission of my city, jobs in theater, advanced drama, boys state/american legion nominee, acting classes at the American Theater Conservatory in San Francisco...

and more I can't think of right now.

My acting resume is also good with many productions, good parts, and more. The only thing that I feel could really bring me down when it comes to colleges with great acting departments is grades and SATs. I know the essay shouldn't be too difficult. What are some good theater schools I should look into? Do I have any shot at Tisch of NYU if my grades and SAT scores aren't NYU good? I want to make a career of acting. This is what I want to do. I would look into conservatories and academies but I want to take general education courses as well. I want a liberal arts background for me own education’s sake. Should I even consider acting academies and conservatories as an option? Is there a list of the best theater colleges somewhere? If anyone could help that would be great.

By Ashley Pannell on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 02:04 pm: Edit

I was wondering was the school Shenandaoh a good school?

By John on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 07:28 pm: Edit

I'm no expert on the subject, I hardly know anything in the area of acting. However, from an outsider's point of view, I know Yale has a prestigous acting program

John

By Jeanne on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 01:15 pm: Edit

Check St. Edward's University in Austin TX. Excellent theater arts program along with the liberal arts curriculum.

By Amy Coleman on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 06:55 am: Edit

Hi, I go to the University of Washington, and they have an excelent theater program. I'm a drama kid myself so I knew what I was looking for in a school, and it just so happened a really good one was in my backyard. *grin* I can't rememeber the exact # rank but the UW is in the top ten for it's theater program. drop me an e-mail if you want anymore info.

By wespendarvis on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 12:40 am: Edit

ok, UW may be in the top ten B.A Theater programs, but there is no way that it ranks with any of the B.F.A Programs. I attend the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. We have one of the top 3 Musical Theater programs in the country, and one of the top 10 Dramatic performance departments in the country. The list of graduates from this institution goes on and on and on. However, if you are looking a great acting programs, take a look here, North Carolina School for the Arts, Carnegie Mellon, Fordham, NYU-Tisch (good grades are a MUST!), University of Michigan, and Florida State University. If anyone has questions about Colleges for any aspect of theater, Email me and I'd be more than happy to help you out!

By monique roane on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:27 am: Edit

blah blah blah
im a sophmore and have decided that i want to becoe a movie/video diector. As a matter of fct me and my friends are in progress of a movie right now. My grades are good A's and B's and maybe a c in Spanish which i feel behind in. I go to a small boarding school for vterans' children so there arent to many activities but i try to make the best of it. Mostly what i need is a college that can show me how to work with computer tech. and film work. Since mmy school doesnt have a film class and as a matter of fact my school just got drama so i am planning to go to a summer school fo theater arts. I just need some advice becuse i dont have a clue where to even start looking.

By BBB on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 08:49 pm: Edit

Looking for a summer program is a good start, monique - that should get you in touch with some people who can help you learn more about what's involved. You might look for any local hobbyist groups you could get involved in, or doing things like volunteering to help at a TV station or video production house.

By Sarah Lynne on Friday, October 25, 2002 - 01:54 am: Edit

Well, I have been acting my entire life, just not anything that I can put on a resume. I live in Alaska and there isn't much up here that has to do with acting, and everything else that does always costs a lot of money. My parents didn't have the money to put me through anything, and I am just now 18 and could support myself. I have gone to auditions at our local theater, but most of the plays going on are only musicals. I have tremendous personality and a great acting skills(anything:drama,comedy,serious) but when I sing I sound like a dying cat. Hence, not much for me. I was in some plays during high school,(monologues ,groupscenes,playwrighting)But that's not anything special. I now have the ability to travel, but I don't know where to go. There are so many places, but I want to find the most opportunity. HELP!?

By Caitie Fergus on Sunday, November 03, 2002 - 01:00 am: Edit

I have been in theater since i could remember, and now i'm 17, and looking for colleges. i love acting, but i think i would have more of a future in set/scene design because I am better at painting and building things than anything else. i'm planning on majoring in theater and studio art, and i'm looking at fairfield university. any suggestions on where else i should look?

By username on Monday, November 04, 2002 - 03:16 am: Edit

if you want to act, and are exceptional, look to SUNY purchase. they beat out the :cough:overrated:cough: NYU and out of the 1600+ applicants, they accept about 20.

the design technology there is good too. check it out.

By Semone Reynolds on Wednesday, November 06, 2002 - 09:37 pm: Edit

Yeah SUNY colleges are good and a little less expensive too. Even for out of state students. So somebody says look to them if you want to act? Well which one are you talking about? Because I attended SUNY-Buffalo State College and to me that wasn't the best choice, but are you saying that I should have stuck with that school? As of right now, I attend Augusta State, and I was wondering what does anybody think about that school, as far as the acting goes? Would someone please help me or at least guide me to a good school where I can work on my communications and major in acting/drama/theater, which ever one it falls under? My goal is to be in movies and/or in soap operas. I wouldn't even mind t.v. shows. So please let me know something.

By pam on Wednesday, November 06, 2002 - 10:07 pm: Edit

Of the following list of schools, which one would you say is the best one for someone who has alot of technical theater (lighting design) experience? It should be a school that will have alot of serious and passionate theater students, one that allows freshman to be involved in productions,one that will give him fabulous contacts, and finally a school that has an excellent reputation in the professional world.

NYU - Tisch
Carengie Mellon
North Carolina School of the Arts
CCM (Cincinatti School of Music)
SUNY Purchase
Other Choice

By judy fontana on Friday, November 22, 2002 - 03:29 pm: Edit

I am not sure how I would do on the SAT and ACT I love to act. My area of interest is film and television. I have attended an acting workshop for several years and have done a few independent films. I do not have experience with stage acting. My preferance would be to not go to a liberal arts school. What colleges or conservatories would I consider to develop my skills in this area.

By randy ahmanson on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 04:55 pm: Edit

Please don't forget to check out the California Institute of the Arts (aka- CalArts) in Valencia, CA. (www.calarts.edu). CalArts and Yale are the top 2 theater programs in the nation. Yale is more commercial and CalArts is more avant guard. The advantage of CalArts is that it's close to L.A. and many of the top studio execs have children who attend the school or actually recruit students for bigger projects. The school includes very prestigious animation, music, film, art and dance depts. Disney built the school and some of the supporters are Pixer, SKG Dreamworks, Steven Spielberg, etc...It's worth checking out.

By randyahmanson on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 04:56 pm: Edit

P.S. Admission to CalArts is based on portfolio and interview- and/or by audition and interview for the acting dept. No SAT's are required.

By Dazjo80 on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 10:58 pm: Edit

The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory has the highest employment rate of any musical theater program in the country.
-It's in the "new york agent book." you can look there if you like.

By BeenThere on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 01:22 pm: Edit

Caitie & Pam,

There is a good demand for techies. Those from the top programs will work. For example, graduates from the technical theater programs at CCM have essentially 100 percent employment. Go for it.

By Handric Carino on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 09:54 pm: Edit

I just graduated from high school and I was wondering if anybody could send me some suggestions on the top theaters in colleges. I wasn't always into acting, I just started in the 12th grade to take drama, I know that it might be to late for me but I don't care, i'll give it my all.I'm shipping off to the Navy and I was wondering if anyone could send some info. on colleges (with good theater classes).Piease E-mail me to carinonavy@AOL.com

By annepan on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 12:05 am: Edit

I want to go to a school that has a very good theater design program. Covering all aspects. Light sound Design direction and management. I want a good film school too. However I can't afford to live in New York to go to Tisch. I was looking at Florida State but I want some other choices Does anyone have an idea? Please let me know.

Annepan88@aol.com

By Giovanna Silvestri on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 04:13 pm: Edit

I am a feshman at the University of San Francisco. I am taking business courses along with GEC classes. I have two A's and two B+'s for the semester. However, I have always had a talent for acting and feel I need to persue it. I has thinking about attending the New York Film Academy for this summer. Is this a good academy for me? I also want to sing. Can you suggest a summer program? I also would like to attend a school that has a perstigous acting and business college. Could you suggest something? Are my grades good enough for NYU?

By kim on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 10:51 pm: Edit

Hi, I'm a graduate from a top ten engineering institute and I would like to get a master's in technical theater. Is it worth it? Do people even care what degree you have in the end? I have a BS in electrical engineering if that matters.

By Sanju on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 11:26 am: Edit

hi,
i am a student of highschool.plannin to apply to a university.i am an international student.i want to pursue a career in acting and filmaking.can you please recommend the top ten or twenty places i should apply to?i have done a lot of theatre plays privately as well as in my school.

By Greekgoddess (Greekgoddess) on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 09:34 pm: Edit

Plymouth State College. http://www.plymouth.edu/psc/music/theatre

By Jane on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 11:00 pm: Edit

Vassar College

By starless009 on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 06:32 pm: Edit

I was wondering what do you think of Skidmore, Ithaca or Catholic for theater?

By starless009 on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 06:37 pm: Edit

I have a 3.68 for my first semester of my freshmen year in SUNY Albany but I didn't do so good on the SAT. I was wondering if there is a chance i could get in.

By PeterPeter on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 10:10 am: Edit

I have taken a year at Cornish collage of the Arts, and then taken two years off. Cornish is an exelent school, but I am looking for something different. Now I am 22 and a little uneasy about joining a sophmore class. Any advice for an older student?

By Dori on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 10:30 am: Edit

are you a member of ITS? if you are, take a look at their magazine, "Dramatics." every year they publish lists of top theatre programs and info about the schools.

By Spiff on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 01:40 pm: Edit

Emerson College I am pretty sure has a very good acting B.F.A. and B.A. programs and is more of a Conservatory type training. If you want a more rounded theater education, some small liberal arts schools whith Theater Arts or Theater Studies Majors. I know Plymouth State has acting program, and is a good choice for a C student. Marietta College in ohio has Theater Arts and is really good for a C/B student. Guilford College has a Theater Studies program that is number 11 on the princeton review list of "Great College Theater." Another school that comes to mind is DePaul in chicago. Suny Purchase is another good Conservatory school, but I have heard that the campus is really ugly.

So, a list of some schools that I have not seen listed here.
Conservatory and Selective
Emerson College, DePaul Univ. (As other people said NYU, BU, Suny Purchase.)

More Rounded, not outstanding grades
Guilford College, Marietta College (There are A LOT of really good programs like these out there, these are just two I have looked into.

By allahra on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 01:16 am: Edit

Hi, I am a high school junior with a 4.43 GPA and incredible scores on the SAT and ACT..and I can sing, act, dance, and have lots of experience and lots of honors and awards. I was just wondering, taking into account that I can get in pretty much wherever I want, what is the best college to go to to get into acting for film. I was thinking either Yale or UCLA. Yes i know you wouldn't think UCLA, but it's right there in LA..talk about a great location..HOLLYWOOD and I know they have specialized film classes. Are the Ivy league schools like Yale all classical theater, or could I possibly get into film that way? Please help, it would be greatly appreciated.

By Thespian4vr on Saturday, February 22, 2003 - 02:01 am: Edit

try the USC film school. they're well known for it (at least here in Hollyood where I live). Also NYU. those are the two top film school IMHO.

By laura g on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 11:09 am: Edit

Does anyone know anything about Shenandoah Conservatory's musical theatre program?

By Lw2226 (Lw2226) on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 03:54 pm: Edit

Any info on the "Savannah College of Art and Design" I am looking into attending this college.
I would like to be a costume designer.
I have designed costumes for all the plays at my high school since my freshmen year. I have received awards at district and state level.
I do have acting experience as well and will graduate as an honor thespian. I liked SCAD due to the fact it offers fashion classes as well so I can take pattern making classes I am also in AP art classes I love art and love expressing myself through costume design. I love the Theater

By Creatorcat (Creatorcat) on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 05:05 pm: Edit

how 'bout Juilliard?

By Lw2226 (Lw2226) on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 06:55 am: Edit

I dont know if Juilliard would focus on this area or just acting? (costume Design technical theater)

By Surfinpenguin44 (Surfinpenguin44) on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:45 pm: Edit

Hey I am sure I want to major in musical theater. I have been involved in theater since I was seven years old. I have taken 2 years of piano and seven years of trumpet. I have taken four years of dance and voice.Ihave taken tap, choreography, Ballet, and jazz. I have also been involved in musical theater High school production since I was seven years old. My GPA is a 3.96(unweighted) and 4.35(weighted). I was thinking about which university or conservatory I should go to so I get the fullest eductaion possible for this major. I would love a school that will teach me CHALLENGING dance, singing and acting. I want to be BROADWAY BOUND. A scholarship would be nice to . I would just like a list of the musical theater schools that will give me the fullest education in this major, where I will be challenged in each and every way. That way I will be ready for professional theater....hopefully Broadway. Please email me your opinion @ Surfinpenguin@bellsouth.net. I have taken tap, choreography, Ballet, and jazz. I have also been involved in musical theater High school production since I was seven years old.

-John

By Creatorcat (Creatorcat) on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 10:36 am: Edit

how could you have been involved in musical theater HIGH school since the age of SEVEN?

By Surfinpenguin44 (Surfinpenguin44) on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 05:41 pm: Edit

I was in chorus numbers and such the director needed a little boys for in the chorus so it looked more realistic. The aren't just adults in the theater world and the director wanted me becuase he said i had talent.

-john

By Actingstudent (Actingstudent) on Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 07:40 pm: Edit

I am looking into BFA programs for acting and I am having a difficult time finding information about CalArts. Is the school really one of the best? How does it compare with North Carolina School of the Arts? Is it really film oriented? How avant guard is it? And is it hard to get into? I have been getting a lot of different opinions about CalArts, and I would really like to know what you people generally think.

By Coact1234 (Coact1234) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 06:14 pm: Edit

I was wondering, does anybody know anything about the acting program at the University of Miami?

By Mtmom (Mtmom) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 09:47 am: Edit

I am trying to compare Boston Conservatory that focuses on performance and Shenandoah Conservatory which provides a real strong vocal and music training (both MT BFA degrees)

By Mtmom (Mtmom) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 07:16 pm: Edit

If anyone has info on either school from above message it would be appreciated

By Rosie (Rosie) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 01:25 am: Edit

I'm going into my senior year of High school. I have been really involved in theater since my freshman year but I'm done it off and on since I was in about 3rd grade...I eiter want to write, act, direct, stage manage, or do costume design (I have experience in all) My grades are ok but not impressive, on the other hand My SAT's and ACT's were quite good... I don't have a lot of money to spend...I'm lookin at Weeber, CSULB, and CalArts, to name a few... but the only way to do name schools like CalArts is with major finacal aid...will my grades really affect it, are there other good acting schools for less money, and would going to school in montana at MSU be bad for my future in theater?

By Acting_Student (Acting_Student) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 07:58 pm: Edit

CalArts doesn't look at grades or SATs.

By Artaudmystic (Artaudmystic) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 06:33 pm: Edit

ATTENTION ALL POTENTIAL COLLEGE THEATER MAJORS AND PARENTS!
If you have any questions about national undergraduate training programs, the audition process, and what "they" are looking for, I am more than willing to help walk you through it. I hold a BFA from Rutgers University and have auditioned at (almost!) all the major training programs. I was a student guide at the school for theater admissions for four years. I am now a working theater professional and know the college audition process can be daunting. Email me your questions at artaudmystic@yahoo.com. It seems hard, but you can do it!

By Surfinpenguin44 (Surfinpenguin44) on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 04:59 pm: Edit

blah

By Darkeyedjew (Darkeyedjew) on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 05:50 pm: Edit

Anyone know about Indian U.? I've been told it has a massive theater program, and for not so hot of a student, might it be a good place to look for a three year Forman of my Highschools Technical Theater Program?

By Hippielissa (Hippielissa) on Friday, February 06, 2004 - 02:50 pm: Edit

I am an international student from the BAHAMAS, and is looking for a college that deals with acting i was wondering if anyone can help me with finding them.

My sat scores are not the best but my acting realing is.

i have looked at all of the schools you guys have talked about but some are kind of difficult to get in... or is it? because it is talking about SAT scores. i have never took AP nor ACT before. Is AMDA (amercan musical and dramatic academy) and Ohio state university a good school? plz i need help in finding the right college... that prnceton review is not helping me.

By Skyx912 (Skyx912) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 09:44 am: Edit

what about american conservetory theatre in san Francisco...? Does anyone know how many people applay every year for a MFA programe? And is it good? What school In Cali would be best for MA or MFA ?

By Peto60 (Peto60) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 05:06 pm: Edit

I'M senior in High school In cal. I Just got into NYU Tisch for acting and into the best studio at NYU and the world Stella Adler Conversatory. I have been taking Method Acting classes since I was 16 at Jean Shealton Studio IN SF one of best and best living acting teacher. She use to teach at Stella in the 45'50'60's and help teach actors such as Marlon Brando, Robert Deniro, and Danny Glover in SF. I'm in the Master class at the school this sesmester. In School I had a 3.45 Gpa and a 1180 on my Sat's. This is really low for NYU but I got IN. Why? Well NYU Tisch cares more about bringing in the most talented students than ok talent with great grades. So audition no matter what anyone said about the grades because if you have the talent you have a great shoot of getting. That why I didn't listen to peers and counsler when they said I couldn't get in to NYU and Now I got to school all dressed in NYU gear.

By Peto60 (Peto60) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 05:10 pm: Edit

ACT is the worst training! If you want the best Method teacher still alive and the best training to make it in the industry go to Jean Shelton studio IN SF. I got a agent right a way when Jean told me I should find one and On my first real audition , I booked a Commerical for Dell computers and made $25,000. Now my agent is going to requirement me to a agent and Manager in NYC and LA