Top Drama Schools in the U.S

Mar 17

If you’re a high schooler, then you’re likely no stranger to career counseling meetings, college tours or any conversation surrounding the continuation of your education. It’s bound to happen (whether you like it or not).

Some of us have no idea what it is we want to study or even do with our lives (I mean, how many 18-year-olds really do?)

If you happen to fall in line with that small percentage of people who seemingly know what their vocational aspirations are, then congrats. You’re one step ahead of the game!

This blog post is dedicated to young actors and actresses who are looking to further their education in the performing arts. We’ll focus on the top drama schools in the United States and their current theater arts programs.

Understanding BA and BFA Degrees

As you begin to navigate the world of college applications and tours, it’s important to understand the different types of undergraduate programs. For starters, undergraduate curriculums refer to a Bachelor’s Degree. There are two types. Let’s talk about them.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a traditional four-year college program that culminates in a general arts degree, oftentimes maintaining a relatively broad arts curriculum. BA’s are a great option for students who enjoy a specific art form, but want to keep an open mind and take other classes relating to that generalized niche. For example (and depending on the program), a BA in Theater, might include a curriculum with all types of theater classes (like lighting, sound, design, technical theater, acting, dance, musical theater, criticism and more). This allows students to have a broader understanding of theater (as a whole) while being open minded to other types of work and specialties that exists in this particular field.

On the other hand, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a specialized undergraduate degree (typically a four-year program as well), offering a more rigorous arts curriculum, in connection to a concentration of your choice. For example, instead of a BA in Theater, you might consider a BFA in Acting. Or a BFA in Production Management. You’re still doing Theater, and you’re still taking the same classes you would under a BA degree, you’re just likely taking more classes relating to the art form of your choice.

Which one’s right for you?

BFA’s are a great option for theater artists who know specifically what type of path they want to peruse in the performing arts. For example, if you’re a musical theater actor who is not even remotely interested in the technical avenue of the performing arts, then yes, you’ll likely want to select a BFA. On the other hand, if you’re an actor who’s also interested in arts administration or education (for example), you might benefit from a BA and a broader theater program altogether.

BA and BFA theater programs exist in acting, musical theater and a variety of other theatrical art forms and niches. They are most commonly offered in:

Colleges
Universities
Select conservatories

Acting Conservatory: What is It?

We’ve covered the traditional college and university route: BA and BFA programs… but what are acting conservatories?

Acting conservatories offer specialized instruction, rigorous training and a highly demanding educative atmosphere. These programs are highly competitive, and are commonly described as being merciless and “cut-throat.” Think of it as an introduction to the acting industry. Sure, the industry is full of wonderful people, like-minded individuals and deeply passionate artists… but it’s those same people who are after the same things YOU want. It’s like being in a candy store and racing to purchase the last Snickers bar on the shelf. It’s competitive… and it can get ugly… really fast.

Acting conservatories can be a great option but they’re not for everybody. I’m personally a big proponent of a traditional college experience, one that nurtures bonds, all types of human experiences and connections outside of your craft.

Acting conservatory programs don’t typically offer college degrees like BA’s or BFA’s but in some cases, there are a few that do.

Continuing your Education: MA and MFA

In today’s job market, an undergraduate degree is considered to be one of the most basic and fundamental tools you can have, as you begin to market yourself as a working professional (in theater, or in whatever industry you end up in).

While it’s not necessary for actors to HAVE a degree in the first place, I highly recommend getting one. Earning an undergraduate degree gives you the opportunity to apply for different types of jobs, especially for jobs that don’t require your degree to be in a specific field of study.

Those who are looking to take their education to the next level might consider a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). This is a secondary college degree that traditionally comes after an undergraduate education.