5 answers
CJ
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best school to apply to if you are interested in the performing arts?
Best school Options?
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5 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
This is coming from someone who has had a lot of time at one school and has seen other schools and institutions as well. It doesn't matter where you go for performing arts. At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to show for when you leave school is if you can do what is asked of you or not and what your skills are. There's the top top schools that are crazy expensive and extremely hard to get into. While TECHNICALLY those schools are the "best", that doesn't mean you're guaranteed success and that you're going to have the perfect career. The best performing arts school for YOU is the school YOU feel most comfortable at and the institution that has the professors that YOU like working with the most. Every single school has good programs for the right person, and every single school has its issues.
Take my school for instance. I get to work with award winning professors, professors who record for Hallmark Movies, Professors known on an International level and Professors who have worked with or have met some of the biggest names in their respective areas. However, my school is also known for pulling budgets, and firing important people in the name of saving "budget". HOWEVER- I still love getting to work with amazing musicians who do really cool things. Because of my education, I've had so many opportunities to work with people and groups, record really great musicians, and hone in on my craft. And yet my program is very small and is pretty much at the level where everyone knows everyone.
If you got to the school that you feel the most at home at and you get to work with the professor you want to work with the most- THAT is the best school. I don't care if a specific school is great at teaching a specific thing or if the top top school is where everyone is saying you should go. The choice should be based on YOUR own judgment on how you think your education will go and what exactly you need. I can say with great certainty that I would be in a completely different place and doing completely different things if I had gone to a different school but majored in the same thing. And yet- I know this is where I'm supposed to be and this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Go for that feeling.
Take my school for instance. I get to work with award winning professors, professors who record for Hallmark Movies, Professors known on an International level and Professors who have worked with or have met some of the biggest names in their respective areas. However, my school is also known for pulling budgets, and firing important people in the name of saving "budget". HOWEVER- I still love getting to work with amazing musicians who do really cool things. Because of my education, I've had so many opportunities to work with people and groups, record really great musicians, and hone in on my craft. And yet my program is very small and is pretty much at the level where everyone knows everyone.
If you got to the school that you feel the most at home at and you get to work with the professor you want to work with the most- THAT is the best school. I don't care if a specific school is great at teaching a specific thing or if the top top school is where everyone is saying you should go. The choice should be based on YOUR own judgment on how you think your education will go and what exactly you need. I can say with great certainty that I would be in a completely different place and doing completely different things if I had gone to a different school but majored in the same thing. And yet- I know this is where I'm supposed to be and this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Go for that feeling.
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
221
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hey CJ! I've found a fantastic resource for you on Niche.com. It's a list of the best schools for performing arts. You can check it out right here: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-theater/.
Make sure to explore it thoroughly and take action towards your dream school. Best of luck!
Make sure to explore it thoroughly and take action towards your dream school. Best of luck!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
334
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Great question, CJ, and you got terrific input from Thomas and Wayne. I have added a link to another interesting list.
As you investigate programs, think about where their connections are. Some may be oriented more toward film, others toward TV, and others toward theater. Apply to those aligned with your interests.
Also, you may want to pay particular attention to those who organize showcases for directors and recruiters to see performers on their campus.
Good luck!
Hollywood Reporter - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/25-best-drama-schools-ranked/
As you investigate programs, think about where their connections are. Some may be oriented more toward film, others toward TV, and others toward theater. Apply to those aligned with your interests.
Also, you may want to pay particular attention to those who organize showcases for directors and recruiters to see performers on their campus.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
When it comes to top-notch schools for performing arts, a few institutions shine brightly due to their remarkable programs, esteemed faculty, and excellent resources. These schools provide all-inclusive training in diverse areas like theater, dance, music, and film, equipping students for prosperous careers in the challenging realm of performing arts.
The Juilliard School, nestled in New York City, is globally recognized as one of the most esteemed institutions for performing arts. It is celebrated for its demanding programs in dance, drama, and music, and is home to top-tier faculty and cutting-edge facilities. Its prime location in the center of New York's vibrant cultural scene offers students unmatched opportunities for exposure and networking.
The Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) is another top contender. Tisch provides a broad array of programs such as acting, musical theater, film and television, and dance. The school's integration with NYU enables students to blend their artistic training with a wider liberal arts education, which can be priceless in shaping well-rounded performers.
For those drawn to musical theater, the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance garners high praise. Their Musical Theatre program consistently ranks among the nation's best, and is renowned for producing numerous Broadway stars. The school presents a comprehensive curriculum that harmonizes performance skills with academic intensity.
The Yale School of Drama is a superior choice, especially for those concentrating on theater arts. As part of Yale University, it provides graduate programs in acting, directing, playwriting, and design. The school is recognized for its small class sizes and robust links to professional theater.
On the West Coast, the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television offers exceptional programs in all facets of performing arts. Its closeness to Hollywood provides unique opportunities for students interested in film and television performance.
For students with a passion for dance, the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, SUNY is highly respected. Renowned for its ballet and modern dance programs, it has launched numerous professional dancers and choreographers.
The Berklee College of Music in Boston is a premier choice for those seeking careers in music performance, composition, or production. Berklee is recognized for its emphasis on contemporary and popular music styles, offering programs in jazz, rock, and electronic music among others.
It's crucial to remember that the "best" school can differ based on individual objectives, favored artistic disciplines, and personal compatibility. Aspiring students should conduct thorough research on each program, taking into account factors like curriculum, faculty proficiency, performance opportunities, alumni success, and accessible resources.
Moreover, many of these top-tier schools are extremely competitive, with demanding audition procedures. Applicants should be ready to display their talents and prove their dedication to their chosen art form. It's also advisable to consider a variety of options, including both conservatory-style programs and universities with robust performing arts departments, to find the best match for individual needs and ambitions.
The Juilliard School, nestled in New York City, is globally recognized as one of the most esteemed institutions for performing arts. It is celebrated for its demanding programs in dance, drama, and music, and is home to top-tier faculty and cutting-edge facilities. Its prime location in the center of New York's vibrant cultural scene offers students unmatched opportunities for exposure and networking.
The Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) is another top contender. Tisch provides a broad array of programs such as acting, musical theater, film and television, and dance. The school's integration with NYU enables students to blend their artistic training with a wider liberal arts education, which can be priceless in shaping well-rounded performers.
For those drawn to musical theater, the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance garners high praise. Their Musical Theatre program consistently ranks among the nation's best, and is renowned for producing numerous Broadway stars. The school presents a comprehensive curriculum that harmonizes performance skills with academic intensity.
The Yale School of Drama is a superior choice, especially for those concentrating on theater arts. As part of Yale University, it provides graduate programs in acting, directing, playwriting, and design. The school is recognized for its small class sizes and robust links to professional theater.
On the West Coast, the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television offers exceptional programs in all facets of performing arts. Its closeness to Hollywood provides unique opportunities for students interested in film and television performance.
For students with a passion for dance, the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, SUNY is highly respected. Renowned for its ballet and modern dance programs, it has launched numerous professional dancers and choreographers.
The Berklee College of Music in Boston is a premier choice for those seeking careers in music performance, composition, or production. Berklee is recognized for its emphasis on contemporary and popular music styles, offering programs in jazz, rock, and electronic music among others.
It's crucial to remember that the "best" school can differ based on individual objectives, favored artistic disciplines, and personal compatibility. Aspiring students should conduct thorough research on each program, taking into account factors like curriculum, faculty proficiency, performance opportunities, alumni success, and accessible resources.
Moreover, many of these top-tier schools are extremely competitive, with demanding audition procedures. Applicants should be ready to display their talents and prove their dedication to their chosen art form. It's also advisable to consider a variety of options, including both conservatory-style programs and universities with robust performing arts departments, to find the best match for individual needs and ambitions.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, CJ !
The best school for the performing arts would be discovered by exploring the different schools and choosing one that has a program for the specific performing art you want to pursue. A good school would be one that you enroll in fast without having to be accepted so that you can begin learning and training for the performance skill you want. There is nothing more dubious than having the desire to learn and not being able to start when you want. This is why considering all options would be a good idea.
Community colleges and State Universities as well as private colleges usually offer a well-rounded academic experience for performing artists. They have good facilities, excellent professors that have experience in performing and a supportive yet disciplined style of teaching. Many opportunities to perform both on campus and off campus are also provided. You will need to read each colleges' website to see what exact programs they offer and decide if that would be a place you'd want to start out studying and training.
One way to discover which colleges, universities and conservatories are appropriate is to choose one that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. My alma mater, California State University, Sacramento has this accreditation. That means that the particular schools have set the highest standards in teaching for their students with professional quality facilities. I have left the NAST website link for you below because there is a directory that may be helpful for you. Keep in mind that you should train at a specific dance, music or focused performing art that you want to go into, but training as an actor will include singing and dancing, too.
If it is one performing art such as singing or dance you would want, explore specialized dance or music schools. Many of these are very expensive so decide on how much you want to pay for your training and explore the community schools of performing arts in your area in which you live. Some of the best training at community performing arts schools, private community based, are in New York City and Los Angeles. Two great ones would be Stella Adler Studio of Acting in Los Angeles and the HB Studio in New York City and The Actors Studio in New York City.
You have so many good options. If it is a famous name school that you would like to go to, you can consider Yale in Connecticut or Julliard in New York City. If you'd like to relocate and study overseas, you can consider The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art or the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Review all of these schools' websites and see if they fit what you are looking for.
The most important thing will be how much work you put into your skill and experiences. At an audition, for a fleeting moment, to see that you went to Julliard or the Royal Academy will impress, but it will come down to your audition performance and how you fit the role that the producer/director is looking for. So my advice is to choose a place that you can afford, has excellent facilities and lots of good networking possibilities. This can happen in cities other than Los Angeles, New York City or London. It's all up to you !
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best ! Keep at it and enjoy the road to becoming a successful performer !
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF THEATRE FOR ACREDITED SCHOOLS https://nast.arts-accredit.org/
The best school for the performing arts would be discovered by exploring the different schools and choosing one that has a program for the specific performing art you want to pursue. A good school would be one that you enroll in fast without having to be accepted so that you can begin learning and training for the performance skill you want. There is nothing more dubious than having the desire to learn and not being able to start when you want. This is why considering all options would be a good idea.
Community colleges and State Universities as well as private colleges usually offer a well-rounded academic experience for performing artists. They have good facilities, excellent professors that have experience in performing and a supportive yet disciplined style of teaching. Many opportunities to perform both on campus and off campus are also provided. You will need to read each colleges' website to see what exact programs they offer and decide if that would be a place you'd want to start out studying and training.
One way to discover which colleges, universities and conservatories are appropriate is to choose one that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. My alma mater, California State University, Sacramento has this accreditation. That means that the particular schools have set the highest standards in teaching for their students with professional quality facilities. I have left the NAST website link for you below because there is a directory that may be helpful for you. Keep in mind that you should train at a specific dance, music or focused performing art that you want to go into, but training as an actor will include singing and dancing, too.
If it is one performing art such as singing or dance you would want, explore specialized dance or music schools. Many of these are very expensive so decide on how much you want to pay for your training and explore the community schools of performing arts in your area in which you live. Some of the best training at community performing arts schools, private community based, are in New York City and Los Angeles. Two great ones would be Stella Adler Studio of Acting in Los Angeles and the HB Studio in New York City and The Actors Studio in New York City.
You have so many good options. If it is a famous name school that you would like to go to, you can consider Yale in Connecticut or Julliard in New York City. If you'd like to relocate and study overseas, you can consider The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art or the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Review all of these schools' websites and see if they fit what you are looking for.
The most important thing will be how much work you put into your skill and experiences. At an audition, for a fleeting moment, to see that you went to Julliard or the Royal Academy will impress, but it will come down to your audition performance and how you fit the role that the producer/director is looking for. So my advice is to choose a place that you can afford, has excellent facilities and lots of good networking possibilities. This can happen in cities other than Los Angeles, New York City or London. It's all up to you !
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best ! Keep at it and enjoy the road to becoming a successful performer !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: