4 answers
Raine
Student
Arlington, Texas
1
Question
Asked
1182 views
What colleges would be best for a theater & dance major?
Hey everyone! I'm planning on getting a dance and theater major when I grow up, but having a hard time finding a college or university in the U.S. that I like. Is there any recommendations from graduates in these majors?
4 answers
Lexie Brayley-Speer
Resource Planning Analyst
3
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Lexie’s Answer
Hello Raine,
While exploring options for theater colleges, I did have the opportunity to audition for AMDA in NYC. Although the process was a bit intensive, especially at 15/16 years old, but it was incredible given AMDA's distinguished alumni.
Since the campus is located in NYC, the college has great relationships with the Off-Broadway theaters, as well as Broadway in general. I have two former classmates that did end up attending the school (I ultimately decided to attend a more local school at the time). One of the girls is now a well-known reality TV star, and the other is a frequent actress in Indie Films.
Link: https://www.amda.edu/
If you enjoy dancing, surprisingly the University at Buffalo, located in Buffalo, NY has great statistics regarding their dance program. UB is where I studied for short time, prior to transferring to another college for a different path. However, two of the girls I had both theater and dance classes with went on to be incredibly successful in the dance industry. One works for a cruise-line and is often travelling the world, while performing on the ships! She's gotten to visit Greece, Italy, Alaska, and numerous islands in the Carribean. The second one works at Harry Potter World in Universal Studios. She also has been granted numerous opportunities to dance in music videos and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
While exploring options for theater colleges, I did have the opportunity to audition for AMDA in NYC. Although the process was a bit intensive, especially at 15/16 years old, but it was incredible given AMDA's distinguished alumni.
Since the campus is located in NYC, the college has great relationships with the Off-Broadway theaters, as well as Broadway in general. I have two former classmates that did end up attending the school (I ultimately decided to attend a more local school at the time). One of the girls is now a well-known reality TV star, and the other is a frequent actress in Indie Films.
Link: https://www.amda.edu/
If you enjoy dancing, surprisingly the University at Buffalo, located in Buffalo, NY has great statistics regarding their dance program. UB is where I studied for short time, prior to transferring to another college for a different path. However, two of the girls I had both theater and dance classes with went on to be incredibly successful in the dance industry. One works for a cruise-line and is often travelling the world, while performing on the ships! She's gotten to visit Greece, Italy, Alaska, and numerous islands in the Carribean. The second one works at Harry Potter World in Universal Studios. She also has been granted numerous opportunities to dance in music videos and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Lesly Beltran
EMT and Medical Assistant
102
Answers
West Palm Beach, Florida
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
I'm so excited to share with you some truly exceptional colleges that excel in theater and dance majors! These institutions are renowned for their outstanding programs and dedication to the performing arts.
1. The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX - This vibrant university offers a top-notch education in a buzzing city atmosphere, providing you with endless opportunities to shine on stage and grow as an artist. You'll be in good hands at UT Austin!
2. University of Dayton, Dayton, OH - This welcoming and supportive community offers a fantastic program in the arts, emphasizing personal growth and development in theater and dance majors. Get ready to make your dreams a reality at the University of Dayton!
3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL - With its strong emphasis on both academics and artist talent, SIUE truly stands out as a place to hone your theater and dance skills. You'll be surrounded by passionate students and faculty who share your dedication to the arts.
4. University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY - Embrace wide-open spaces and the opportunity to let your talent soar at the University of Wyoming! This close-knit community offers exceptional programs for those who are passionate about theater and dance, setting you up for a bright and successful future.
I hope this sparks your excitement and motivates you to explore these incredible opportunities! Remember, you've got the talent, and these colleges are eager to help you reach your full potential! Break a leg!
1. The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX - This vibrant university offers a top-notch education in a buzzing city atmosphere, providing you with endless opportunities to shine on stage and grow as an artist. You'll be in good hands at UT Austin!
2. University of Dayton, Dayton, OH - This welcoming and supportive community offers a fantastic program in the arts, emphasizing personal growth and development in theater and dance majors. Get ready to make your dreams a reality at the University of Dayton!
3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL - With its strong emphasis on both academics and artist talent, SIUE truly stands out as a place to hone your theater and dance skills. You'll be surrounded by passionate students and faculty who share your dedication to the arts.
4. University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY - Embrace wide-open spaces and the opportunity to let your talent soar at the University of Wyoming! This close-knit community offers exceptional programs for those who are passionate about theater and dance, setting you up for a bright and successful future.
I hope this sparks your excitement and motivates you to explore these incredible opportunities! Remember, you've got the talent, and these colleges are eager to help you reach your full potential! Break a leg!
Hermione Carsten
Program Manager
9
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Hermione’s Answer
Hi Raine,
I'm a Theater major from the University of Washington who now works at a Tech company, I considered studying in California or New York to be closer to more paid acting opportunities. However, there are always more actors than paid jobs wherever you go and living expenses in New York and LA can often take two jobs to afford.
When I auditioned, people rarely focused on which school I went to. Instead, they cared about my appearance and audition performance. Wherever you train, (whether it's a university or private program) it's important to choose a place that gives quality training for your time and costs.
You can find another list of schools with a good reputation for their theater programs here: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/669630/what-school-should-i-go-to-if-i-wanna-become-an-actor
To gain more insight, try auditioning for unpaid shows locally, talk to other actors, and ask about good programs. Local actors can also tell you which professional theaters have paid roles and what it takes to work there. Participating in community theater is also a great way to build your resume and learn what the daily experience of the work is like.
I'm a Theater major from the University of Washington who now works at a Tech company, I considered studying in California or New York to be closer to more paid acting opportunities. However, there are always more actors than paid jobs wherever you go and living expenses in New York and LA can often take two jobs to afford.
When I auditioned, people rarely focused on which school I went to. Instead, they cared about my appearance and audition performance. Wherever you train, (whether it's a university or private program) it's important to choose a place that gives quality training for your time and costs.
You can find another list of schools with a good reputation for their theater programs here: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/669630/what-school-should-i-go-to-if-i-wanna-become-an-actor
To gain more insight, try auditioning for unpaid shows locally, talk to other actors, and ask about good programs. Local actors can also tell you which professional theaters have paid roles and what it takes to work there. Participating in community theater is also a great way to build your resume and learn what the daily experience of the work is like.
Jessica Pugliese
Career Advisor
35
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Raine,
I'm not a graduate of theater and/or dance but depending on if you want to tie your major to your career and the things you see yourself doing in the future, I would recommend really focusing on location. Location can give you access to the right people and places to make the connections needed in this creative space. You can focus on outcomes - see where alums of those colleges are now and what they are doing for careers - does this align with what you want to do?
I hope this helps!
Jessica
I'm not a graduate of theater and/or dance but depending on if you want to tie your major to your career and the things you see yourself doing in the future, I would recommend really focusing on location. Location can give you access to the right people and places to make the connections needed in this creative space. You can focus on outcomes - see where alums of those colleges are now and what they are doing for careers - does this align with what you want to do?
I hope this helps!
Jessica
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