Best Acting Schools in USA
Learn about the admission requirements, costs and other factors that can affect the acting school in USA, like The Juilliard School, USC School of Dramatic Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and many more.
Today is the best time for you to be an international actor in the USA. As the world comfortably adapts to global streaming platforms, US directors are now looking for authentic, diverse, international talent, instead of restricting themselves to American actors doing accents. However, the key to this industry lies in choosing the right university and programme that moulds you into the personality best suited for Hollywood.
The path to success in acting is broad. A practical step ahead by attending a prestigious acting school in USA is just one of them. You can learn a lot about the history of acting and theatre at these schools and gain knowledge about movies and the influential actors who have shaped them.
The US is a global leader in the performing arts, attracting performers from around the globe to its popular schools and top-ranking universities. The American theatre scene has several prospects for budding performers in Broadway theatres and Hollywood movies. Listed below are some of the top 10 acting schools in USA you could find worthy of your time.
Top Acting Schools in USA
Choosing the school is ideally the most important step you take on your road to a successful performing career. If you are attracted to the intensity of method acting, classic technique a la Stanislavski or the improvisational flair of comedy, then it is very important that you find a programme with goals that are for you.
We have highlighted some of the top acting schools in the United States. From distinct training programmes to stronger industry connections, each has its own unique advantages.
| Acting School Name | Programme on Offer | Why Study |
|---|---|---|
| The Juilliard School, New York | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting Master of Fine Arts in Acting | Tuition-free MFA for all four years of study. The first year of study is considered a “Discover Year” to help students reflect on why they wish to enter the profession. |
| David Geffen School of Drama, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut | MFA in Acting Certificate in Drama | Aspirants do not need an undergraduate degree. They can receive a certificate from the institution and pursue an MFA. |
| USC School of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles, California | BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen MFA in Acting | Features a dedicated professional development centre to support students and recent graduates in setting up their careers and networking. |
| NYU Tisch School of the Arts, New York | BFA in Drama MFA in Acting | The school follows a broad and highly customisable training model instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. This is done to achieve an individualised manner of working, allowing students to gain insight into different creative techniques. |
| Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | BFA in Acting | Among the first to grant a degree in drama in the USA, CMU students follow a core curriculum that offers them extensive training in acting, voice, and movement classes. |
| California Institute of the Arts, Santa Clarity, California | BFA in Acting MFA in Acting | CalArts provides a singular ecosystem where actors collaborate with directors, animators, dancers and visual artists on the campus. |
| University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, North Carolina | BFA in Acting | The university offers students the opportunity to display their ‘artistic entrepreneurship’ through independent and main-stage productions through a unique year-long project named “Keys to the Kingdom”. |
| Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey | BFA in Acting MFA in Acting | With a highly focused acting cohort, the institute focuses explicitly on the “practices of sustainability, in a bid to equip students to possess the stamina to handle the rigorous training and have the ability to maintain a lifelong career. |
| DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois | BFA in Acting MFA in Acting | The institute creates an ensemble-type environment where all aspiring actors work together and get access to more than 30 productions in a year to get ample on-stage experience. |
| Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts | BFA in Acting | Through its “onSET” mentorship programme, BU brings in visiting artists, poets and professionals into the classroom for intimate seminars and mentorship. |
Looking to study at top acting school in the USA? Connect with our expert team of counsellors at AECC and get personalised guidance to select the right university to achieve your acting aspirations.
Admission Requirements to Study Acting in USA
As an international student and prospective acting/theatre student, it is important to ensure you possess the necessary academic skills and understanding for enrolment. Here are the general admission requirements for studying at the best acting schools in USA.
Eligibility Criteria to Study Acting in USA
- Academic Requirements: All applicants must possess the appropriate academic transcripts or documents to confirm their academic standing.
- For Bachelor's: Applicants must have cleared their high school with good academic performance and should possess the appropriate academic transcripts for the same.
- For Master's: Applicants must possess a Bachelor's in any field of study. They do not need to have studied acting, theatre or drama at the undergraduate level.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Since the classes will be conducted in English, candidates will need to possess the appropriate language proficiency in English. The popular English proficiency tests include IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. On average, students must have secured the following scores:
- IELTS Academic Score: 6.5 to 7.5
- TOEFL iBT Score: 89 to 102
- Age Requirement: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no upper age limit for applications to the top acting schools in the USA.
Documents Required to Study Acting in USA
- Official Transcripts: Documents like High School passing certificates for Bachelor's and undergraduate degree certificates for Master's must be submitted.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Scores from accepted English Language proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, Duolingo, and PTE Academic.
- An Artistic Resume: A one-page document highlighting the applicant's theatrical experience, on-camera roles, professional training and education, and any special skills for stage or screen appearances.
- An 8x10 Headshot: Applicants must submit an 8x10 headshot of their face of high quality. Candidates must look the way they usually do on a normal day, without looking overly glamorous or highly edited.
- Pre-Screen Audition Videos: For programmes that require it, students must submit video files of themselves acting or performing. As per standard requirements, applicants must submit two contrasting monologues. For example, one Shakespeare and one contemporary piece written after 1950. Both videos should be under 2 minutes.
- Statement of Purpose: Depending on the university/institute, applicants must submit a 500 to 1,000-word statement of purpose (SOP) that highlights their motivation to be an actor, the contributions they wish to make to the acting community and how the training or education method of the specific institute/university works for their aspirations.
How to Apply for Acting Schools in USA
Regardless of the institute or university offering the acting programme, the steps to enrol in your desired programme in the USA will be common. Here are the steps to follow to get into the most prominent acting schools in USA:
Research Acting Programmes
Find acting schools in the United States that match who you are and what you want to become professionally. Take into account the name of the school, location, what is taught, methodology (Meisner or Stanislavski), and how well alumni are doing in their field.
Do not hesitate to talk to students or teachers currently studying or running the institute to obtain first-hand information.
Gather the Supplies You'll Need to Apply
Then, collect everything that you will need to apply. Most acting companies will need you to have the following:
- Collect headshots and performance clips, as well as any other material that shows your talents in a big way.
- Include any acting experience you've had in theatre, film, or commercials and classes or lessons taken.
- Gather tapes of film monologues or scenes that demonstrate your talent and versatility. Be sure to adhere to the school's guidelines regarding length and content.
Find out the Admission Requirements
Many acting conservatories have specific entrance requirements that are needed in addition to grades. You may need to provide:
- Auditions: May be completed by either performing live or submitting a recording. Typically, schools will ask that you write two separate speeches: one from the past and one from the present.
- Interviews: Some institutions will want to talk to you further to see how excited you are about the programme and make sure you are a good fit.
- Essays: You might also have to provide a personal statement or an essay explaining why you want to be an actor, your dreams and why you have selected that institution.
Apply
When all your documents are ready, send in your application before the deadline. Ensure you meet all the requirements and that your application is complete.
Interviews (Auditions)
If called back for an interview or audition, this is your time to shine. Work on your performance and monologues so that the words and actions are fully natural to you when you go in. Also, standing out means being confident in yourself and prepared, so brush up on common interview questions.
Keep Things Organised and Follow up
After you have applied, keep track of important dates for auditions, interviews, and any other materials you need to submit. Keep everything in order and stay in touch with schools for updates.
Applying to acting schools in the USA can feel like a big leap, but each step gets you closer to your dream. By doing your research, preparing thoroughly, and staying organised, you can set yourself up for success. So, keep honing your craft, stay positive, and take that next step in pursuing a future in the performing arts with the help of AECC expert counsellors.
Career Prospects After Studying Acting in USA
As an international student choosing to study at the best acting schools in USA, it is pertinent to understand the career prospects after graduation, to ensure the best return on your investment. Outlined in the table below are some of the popular pathways and career choices that international students have chosen after studying acting in USA.
| Career | Pathway | Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Actor for Film and Television | Actively look for roles, secure an agent, and join the Screen Actors Guild, during your one-year of OPT. | Working on major studio films, independent cinema and streaming platforms. |
| Stage Actor | Audition for Actors' Equity Association (AEA) union productions and secure a peer consultation letter from a labour union like AEA for the O-1B visa. | Performing live theatre on broadway, off-broadway or at prestigious regional theatre across the USA. |
| Voice-Over Actor and Performance Capture Artist | International students are popularly chosen for such roles for their diverse accents nd bilingual abilities. | Voice acting or performing physical motion-capture acting for animation, audiobooks, and the multi-billion dollar gaming industry. |
| Playwright / Screenwriter | If creating your own material is your strength, then lean into it and write and produce your own independent film or play during your OPT. | Write original scripts for stage or screen, or work as a literary advisor who researches and develops plays for a theatre company, i.e. a Dramaturg. |
How to Select the Best Acting Schools in USA?
If you are researching and shortlisting the top acting schools in USA, then here are some methods you can employ to simplify the process of narrowing down the best ones.
The Reverse Engineering Strategy
Instead of simply searching for the "best acting schools in USA", it is advisable to look up actors whose professional milestones are similar to yours. You can then reverse-engineer their academic and professional journey to understand the steps you can take to achieve your aspirations as well.
For the best results, shortlist 5-6 actors whose career you wish to emulate or match your aspirations. Follow their life stories and journey to understand the steps and opportunities that allowed to them to achieve their dreams and aspirations. This research will allow you to see patterns like the university/institute they studied at, the programme they pursued, the opportunities they partook in, and more.
The Senior Showcase Parameter
Most universities and institutes training future actors and performers offer a showcasing opportunity to recent graduates. These are often highly attended by casting directors, agents and managers. To maximise your ROI on your acting classes abroad, look out for best US universities and institutes that offer a highly attended, formalised industry showcase.
The Training Method Evaluation
To shortlist the US universities and institutes based on their pedagogical approaches, it is important to understand your best learning methods. Once you have an idea, research the course curriculum of the various institutes where you wish to pursue your studies. Look out for classes or courses on the Meisner Technique (listening and reacting), and/or the Stanislavski viewpoints (psychological realism) or Suzuki (heavily physical and movement-based).
For those looking to pursue a career on the screen, it is important to look out for courses specifically targeting "Acting for the Camera". Many traditional institutes and learning methodologies avoid the on-camera training until the very end.
The Faculty Check
A key element to a successful acting career is your teacher. When shortlisting universities, take a look at the faculty employed to complete the course. Look out for faculty members who have auditioned or have recent work experience in the industry. This can be done by researching their names on IMDb or the Internet Broadway Database (IBDB).
A common trend seen among the top acting schools in USA is the consistent use of directors or professionals currently staging plays or casting directors actively casting for TV shows or movies. In fact, these faculty members become the first link of industry networks that would be crucial for your growth.
The University Resident Theatre Association (URTA Check)
For those with an undergraduate degree seeking a Master of Fine Arts degree to study acting in USA, researching the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA). The URTA brings recruiters from over 40 top MFA acting programmes in the USA to evaluate prospective candidates under one roof, instead of candidates consistently travelling from one university to another.
Here, aspiring MFA students can submit one application and audition in front of the recruiters from these top acting schools in USA for MFA and take a chance at enrolment. It is known to be the most cost-effective and efficient way to find programmes that are actively designed for specific types of candidates.
As a deeply personal and highly vulnerable craft, choosing the best acting schools in the USA according to websites and organisations may not be the best choice for you. Choosing a university based entirely on its brand and tuition fees is a highly risky step to take. However, our expert team of counsellors at AECC is dedicated to helping you find the best acting schools to study in the USA that align with your aspirations and needs.