The Common Application is open.
For those of you who don't know what that is, the Common Application is the biggest place for students to submit their college applications for school. Some colleges don't do their applying process through the Common App, but a large majority do.
However, for theatre kids, the process gets more complicated. Not only do we have to submit applications, but then there are pre-screens and Unified auditions and flying across the country to go audition for schools -- it's a mess.
Regardless, the first step in figuring all this out is knowing where to apply to. Now, we're in Arizona, so a lot of us will just go to ASU, GCU, NAU, U of A, MCC, CGCC, etc. and be perfectly happy. But, as a high school student myself, I've noted that one of the largest populations of students looking to go out of state are performing arts students.
Additionally: I emailed most of these schools. I will be posting some of their responses on the website over the next month. If you want additional information about any one of these colleges, e-mail me at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com and I can share my info with you and refer you to a good person to talk to about theatre at that college.
In any case, today, I thought I would break down more than 30 of the best colleges for theatre. Not only will it include notes of the program, but academics and how easy it is to get it.
*Note: I am only including undergraduate programs. If you have a question on graduate schools, I can do a post of that later on, so let me know! Also, all schools are in the US. This information was accumulated via the internet, so for specific info, contact the schools. Also, in some cases, the alumni may not have been theatre alumni, but attended the school in which the theatre program is housed in another major area. Acceptance rates refer to the school, not specific programs.
The Juilliard School
I bet most of you reading this know something about Juilliard; it's prestigious. Mentioned in popular movies like High School Musical 3 and Fame, theatre kids grow up hearing about how amazing Juilliard is. Alumni note how intense the school is and really focuses on classical theatre training.
Location: New York, NY
Acceptance rate: 6.7%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Acting Certificate
Cost (not just tuition): $59,690
Solely focused on performing arts
No academic requirements
Alumni: Patti LuPone, Viola Davis, Kevin Spacey, Jessica Chastain, Alex Sharp
Info about application process
Carnegie Mellon
Like Juilliard, a lot of people know about Carnegie Mellon. And a lot of kids have their hearts set on going there. Just consider how competitive the program is before getting your hopes up.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance rate (for the school): 25.5%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Music Theatre BFA, Design BFA, Directing BFA, Dramaturgy BFA, Production Technology and Management BFA
Cost: $65,895
SAT or ACT required, most incoming freshman: 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Stephen Schwartz, Holly Hunter, Ted Danson, Zachary Quinto, Matthew Bomer, Christian Borle
Audition info here
New York University (NYU) / Tisch School of the Arts
They have a noted undergrad program, but it's more known for its graduate school.
Location: New York, NY
Acceptance rate: 32.4%
Degree programs: General BFA, General BA, BFA Dramatic Writing
Cost: $70,444
SAT or ACT required, most incoming freshman: 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michael C. Hall, Lisa Kron
Audition info here
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Really works hard to make sure students are equipped for the real world when they graduate. Many leave with agents upon graduation.
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Acceptance rate: 43%
Degree programs: General BFA
Cost: $37,701
SAT or ACT required, most incoming freshman: 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Mary-Louise Parker, Dane DeHaan
Application info here
Northwestern University
Chicago is definitely an incredible theatre town and Evanston is not far from the city. Also has a noted graduate school.
Location: Evanston, IL
Acceptance rate: 14.02%
Degree programs: General BS, Music Theatre Certificate
Cost: $68,060
SAT or ACT required, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Zach Braff, Stephen Colbert, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Anne Dudek, Kate Baldwin, Ana Gasteyer
Admissions info here
Brown University
It's an Ivy League school, so good education in both the arts and in general
Location: Providence, RI
Acceptance rate: 9.18%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $65,380
SAT (and Subject Tests) or ACT required, AP credit used for placement
Alumni: John Krasinski, Laura Linney, Emma Watson, Sarah Ruhl, David Yazbeck
Admissions info here
University of California: San Diego
The La Jolla Playhouse is literally on campus.
Location: La Jolla, CA
Acceptance rate: 36.84%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $54,020
SAT or ACT required, majority of incoming students 3.75+ GPA, AP credit for 3s and higher
Alumni: James Avery, Danny Burstein, Mike Judge, Jefferson Mays
Audition info here
California Institute of the Arts
Founded by Walt Disney
Location: Valencia, CA
Acceptance rate: 25%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Design BFA, Costume Design BFA, Lighting Design BFA, Sound Design BFA, Technical Direction BFA, Management BFA, Stage Management BFA, Critical Studies BFA
Cost: $60,392
No ACT or SAT required, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Alison Brie, Don Cheadle, David Hasselhoff, Paul Reubens, Julie Taymor
Application info here
Syracuse University
In New York, albeit it's about a four hour drive to good ol' Broadway. And it's a party school!
Location: Syracuse, NY
Acceptance rate: 49.49%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Stage Management BFA, Theatre Design and Technology BFA, Drama BS
Cost: $61,242
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Lynn Ahrens, Dick Clark, Taye Diggs, Vera Farmiga, Lisa Lampanelli, Riki Lindhome
Undergraduate info here
Pace University
Located right in New York City. Students are allowed to audition for shows in the city while in college.
Location: New York City, NY
Acceptance rate: 81.24%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Production and Design BFA, Acting BA, Directing BA, Stage Management BA
Cost: $62,163
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Bradley Cooper, Paul Dano, Glenn Taranto
Audition info here
University of California: Los Angeles
Beautiful campus, particularly known for screenwriting program (which could translate into playwriting as well)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate: 20.43%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $58,747
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Beth Behrs, Carol Burnett, Nicolas Cage, Francis Ford Coppola, Rob Reiner
Audition info here
University of Southern California
Close to Hollywood, lots of connections to movie studios and theatres in the area
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate: 19.84%
Degree programs: General BA (two different types -- interdisciplinary degrees), Acting BFA, Design BFA, Sound Design BFA, Stage Management BFA, Technical Direction BFA
Cost: $67,212
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Forest Whitaker, Troian Bellisario, Kyra Sedgwick, Sophia Bush, Leigh Allyn-Baker
Application info here
State University of New York - Purchase
In New York state, a great program for less money than some of the larger schools
Location: Purchase, NY
Acceptance rate: 33.19%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Playwriting and Screenwriting BA, Theatre Design/Technology BFA, General BA
Cost: $34,250
SAT or ACT required (SAT preferred), Most incoming freshman 3.00+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Parker Posey, Edie Falco, Josh Hartnett, Zoe Kravitz, Melissa Leo, Stanley Tucci
Audition info here
Elon University
Highly revered college for theatre, especially musical theatre
Location: Elon, NC
Acceptance rate: 53.98%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Music Theatre BFA, General BA, Theatrical Design and Production BA
Cost: $46,670
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Grant Gustin, Barrett Wilbert Weed
Audition info here
Oklahoma City University
Mentioned on a couple lists as having good theatre programs. Good alternative to some of the really competitive programs.
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Acceptance rate: 70.39%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Design and Production BFA, Theatre for Young Audiences BFA, General BA
Cost: $44,608
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Audition info here
Boston Conservatory
Probably one of the most famous conservatories for music and theatre in the country. Boston is a great place for theatre.
Location: Boston, MA
Acceptance rate: 40%
Degree programs: Contemporary Theatre BFA, Stage Management BFA, Musical Theatre BFA
Cost: $64,220
SAT or ACT required, accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Carlos Pena Jr., Kimiko Glenn, Chad Kimball
Audition info here
Ithaca College
Known as a great school for theatre. Also located in New York state.
Location: Ithaca, NY
Acceptance rate: 66.6%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Theatre Arts Management BS, Theatre Studies BA, Theatrical Production Arts BFA
Cost: $58,798
SAT or ACT NOT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: David Boreanaz, Kerry Butler, Jeremy Jordan, Ricki Lake
Audition info here
Pennsylvania State University
Regarded as a great school for theatre
Location: University Park, PA
Acceptance rate: 55.45%
Degree programs: Theatre BA, Musical Theatre BFA, Design and Technology BFA, Stage Management BFA
Cost: $48.814
SAT or ACT required, majority of incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Keegan Michael Key, Ty Burrell
Application info here
Boston University
Located in a great town for theatre. Offers dual degree option.
Location: Boston, MA
Acceptance rate: 36.85%
Degree programs: Stage Management BFA, Acting BFA, Theatre Arts BFA, Production BFA, Design BFA
Cost: $65,906
SAT or ACT required, majority of incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Jason Alexander, Michael Chiklis, Julianne Moore, Emily Deschanel, Ginnifer Goodwin
Audition info here
University of Minnesota
Regarded as a great school for theatre.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Acceptance rate: 44.42%
Degree programs: General BA, Acting BFA
Cost: $34,724
SAT or ACT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Maria Bamford, Santino Fontana, Kate Mulgrew, Ron Perlman
Admission info here
University of Washington
Located in an awesome city for theatre. Big program. Beautiful campus.
Location: Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate: 55.18%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $49,338
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Joel McHale, Jean Smart, Rainn Wilson
FAQ here
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
One of the best college towns in the nation. Very diverse degree programs.
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Acceptance rate: 33.26%
Degree programs: Performance (Directing or Acting) BFA, Design and Production BFA, Interarts Performance BFA, Musical Theatre BFA
Cost: $57.432
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Selma Blair, Bruno Campos, Gavin Creel, Darren Criss, Hunter Foster, Andrew and Celia Keenan-Bolger, Starkid Productions
Audition info here
Wagner College
Princeton Review frequently places Wagner atop its best colleges for theatre list. Located on Staten Island.
Location: Staten Island, NY
Acceptance rate: 69.88%
Degree programs: General BA, Arts Administration BS, Theatre and Education Dual Major
Cost: $58,495
SAT or ACT NOT always required (some programs want it), Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credit
Notable alumni: Renee Marino
Information here
Bennington College
On Princeton Review's list of best colleges for theatre.
Location: Bennington, VT
Acceptance rate: 64.87%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $66,770
SAT or ACT NOT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Alan Arkin, Carol Channing, Peter Dinklage, Justin Theroux
Their website here
Emerson College
Great liberal arts college in the heart of Boston. Just revamped their programs. Structured to reflect the professional theatre world.
Location: Boston, MA
Acceptance rate: 47.98%
Degree programs: General BFA, Theatre & Performance BFA, Theatre Education BFA, Theatre Education & Performance BFA, Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Stage & Production Management BFA, Theatre Design/Technology BFA, Stage & Screen Design/Technology BFA
Cost: $60,230
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Emily Skeggs, Matt McGorry, Jay Leno, Andrea Martin
Application info here
Drew University
#9 on Princeton Review's best college theatre list. An hour drive to Broadway.
Location: Madison, NJ
Acceptance rate: 77.43%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $62,306
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Information here
Fordham University
Intense, busy program. Comparable to UCLA and Emerson's programs. Located in NYC.
Location: New York, NY
Acceptance rate: 47.13%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $67,072
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Alan Alda, Robert Sean Leonard, Denzel Washington, Taylor Schilling, Amanda Seyfried
Admission info here
Vassar College
Located in New York state. #13 on Princeton Review's college theatre list.
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Acceptance rate: 24.11%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $66,070
SAT (& Subject Tests) or ACT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Meryl Streep, Lisa Kudrow, Stacy London
Information here
Muhlenberg College
#6 on Princeton Review's college theatre list
Location: Allentown, PA
Acceptance rate: 46.16%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $66,010
SAT or ACT NOT always required (some programs want it), Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Audition info here
Kenyon College
Great liberal arts college! #10 on Princeton Review's list. Looks like Hogwarts.
Location: Gambier, OH
Acceptance rate: 38.39%
Degree programs: Theatre, Film and Dance BA
Cost: $64,390
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Alison Janney, Paul Newman, Josh Radnor
Information here
Wabash College
#7 on Princeton Review's college theatre list
Location: Crawfordsville, IN
Acceptance rate: 69.62%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $52,040
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Their website here
What other questions do you have about college? Was this helpful? Did I miss any out-of-state schools? Comment below and I will take that into consideration. I plan to do a few more college posts.
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