The answer is that attending a performing arts college is an important life choice since it means dedicating four years to honing your craft. Finding a college or university that will help you achieve your professional goals is the next step after making this Decision. Let us see some best performing arts colleges in US.
Best Performing Arts Colleges in US
For your benefit, here is a compiled list of the most popular performing arts colleges in the United States. School of the Arts Drama And Dance UNC-Chapel Hill, University Of California, Los Angeles—Drama And Dance, Performing Arts Programs at Rutgers University, Dancing at Fordham University, Drama at Syracuse University, USC Dramatic Arts Department, Dance at Oklahoma City University. Let’s discuss them in detail. See for yourself by reading on!
The List of Best Colleges For Performing Arts In the US
Many of the best colleges for the performing arts are in the second tier of our ranking system. These universities may not have the same prestige as Tier 1 institutions, but they are strong options
1. School of the Arts Drama And Dance UNC-Chapel Hill
2. University Of California, Los Angeles—Drama And Dance
3. Performing Arts Programs at Rutgers University
4. Dancing at Fordham University
5. Drama at Syracuse University
6. USC Dramatic Arts Department
7. Dance at Oklahoma City University
What Does Mean by a “Performing Arts College?”
The answer is there are just a few schools on our list that focus only on the study of theatre and dance. Since music schools are distinct from theatre and dance schools, These exclude them from this post; if you want to learn more about the most exceptional music schools in America, you can find that information here.
In addition, this article concentrated on schools that highly emphasize theatre and dance. Performing arts degrees are solely provided at these institutions, or the more prominent university has specific performing arts schools.
There may be several advantages for students who choose a profession in the performing arts. Many like-minded artists will aid you with your artistic endeavors and may even become your colleagues after you graduate. In addition, you will attend a school where your art isn’t just an after-school hobby.
Details of Some Best Performing Arts Colleges
This list of the best performing arts colleges is for students who are sure that they want to study acting or dancing and are looking for an atmosphere that completely supports them in their goals. Still, other universities may provide a performing arts degree.
1. School of the Arts Drama And Dance UNC-Chapel Hill
UNCSA’s theater and dance departments are among the best in the country. These students have performed in prestigious companies such as New York’s City Ballet, Seattle’s Joffrey, and Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater, as well as in the Martha Graham Ensemble and the Martha Graham School of the Arts. Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé, among others, have had dancers join them on stage. Mary-Louise Parker, Lucas Hedges, Anthony Mackie, and Dane DeHaan are just a few noteworthy graduates of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA).
A senior showcase in New York City for industry professionals is one opportunity available to UNCSA drama and dance majors. Additionally, Los Angeles-based drama students put on a presentation there.
The School of the Arts Drama And Dance UNC-Chapel Hill costs $25,569 yearly.
2. University Of California, Los Angeles—Drama And Dance
CalArts is widely regarded as one of the most incredible dance and acting schools in the United States. School of Dance instructors and guest performers provide students with an insider’s view of the dance business Benjamin Millepied, the ex-principal dancer of the New York City Ballet and husband of Natalie Portman’s, and Gerard & Kelly, a duo specializing in mixed media, have both visited recently
The students also participate in American College Dance Festivals and the London Contemporary Dance Center’s Foreign Exchange Program, providing international dance exposure.
CalArts has one of the most outstanding drama departments in the nation. Students serious about a career in film or television acting may take advantage of the Acting Studio for the Camera offered in the last year of the theatre school program. Students in this program learn all they need to know about acting and preparing for film and television auditions. As a bonus, students are allowed to perform in a Los Angeles showcase after the final semester. Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, and Alison Brie are former theatre department students.
The cost of the University Of California, Los Angeles—Drama And Dance every year is $33,901.
3. Performing Arts Programs at Rutgers University
Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts has world-class theatre and dance programs. International master courses and workshops in global dance styles are available for students due to their program’s proximity to New York City. DanceJerusalem in Israel and Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London are affiliated with this institution.
The drama department at Rutgers is one of a kind and comprehensive. There are classes ranging from Shakespeare to current television shows students perform on Shakespeare’s Globe stage in their third year at the Rutgers Conservatory in London. As a culmination of the program, the final semester includes seminars in On-Camera Technique, Auditioning, and Introduction to the Working Actor’s Life. Alumni of the drama department include Kristen Davis and Calista Flockhart, both of whom have gone on to have successful careers.
The cost of Performing Arts Programs at Rutgers University is $31,577.
4. Dancing at Fordham University
Because Fordham is situated in the Bronx, students are immediately immersed in the city’s vibrant dance scene. Its affiliation with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater makes Fordham a sought-after choice for those seeking a liberal arts education and the opportunity to work with an internationally recognized dance group. As if that wasn’t enough, Lincoln Center is where the program and the firm are based!
After graduating, many Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater students continue their careers with the company, while others work for famous groups or on Broadway. Ephraim Sykes, Anne Souder, and Victoria Guajardo, all former Fordham dance majors who appeared on Broadway in Hamilton, are just a few of the school’s most notable alums (Momix).
The cost of Dancing at Fordham University is $72,239.
5. Drama at Syracuse University
Separate acting and musical theatre degrees are available at Syracuse, allowing students to focus on their interests. Additionally, students can study “abroad” in some of the world’s most renowned theatre capitals, such as New York, Los Angeles, or London. Taye Diggs, Jerry Stiller, and Vera Farmiga are just a few of the stars that have come out of the school.
The Syracuse Stage is a great Equity theater company, and they have a program where students can perform while still in school and earn Equity points. Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) is a union for working actors in the theater industry. In other words, graduating from Syracuse with a degree in drama provides an advantage in the theatre industry.
The cost of Drama at Syracuse University is $65,480.
6. USC Dramatic Arts Department
The cinema program at the University of Southern California is well-known, but the university also offers a strong drama program. It shouldn’t be a huge shock, given the school’s prime location in the centre of Hollywood. Many artists come to work with the students at the school. Stars such as Bryan Cranston and Tony Shalhoub have all been to the city.
The program considers the wants and needs of every one of its participants. Stand-Up Comedy and Medical Clowning are just two examples of specialized classes in which all students can participate. Consequently, students can customize their education to their desired career route. Forest Whitaker, Troian Bellisario, Deborah Ann Woll, and Beck Bennett are all USC School of Dramatic Arts alumni.
The cost of the USC Dramatic Arts Department is $72,209.
7. Oklahoma City University of Dance
As a renowned art school, Oklahoma City University’s dance program stands out because of its emphasis on American dance styles. At this school, students learn tap, jazz, and musical theatre dance at the highest levels. It’s also possible for students to pursue an advanced degree in arts management, which teaches students how to work as professional managers for performers. Sara Edwards (dance captain in Foilles) and Marie Danvers, two of the school’s most notable alumni, are currently performing on Broadway (Christine in Phantom of the Opera). Oklahoma City University is a fantastic place to pursue a degree in American dance.
The cost of Dance at Oklahoma City University is $45,408.
The Top Performing Arts Schools: How Did you Make a Decision?
Examine how top-performing arts schools were ranked.You may start with these article.
In the following paragraphs, we explain how we generated this list. As a starting point, we only looked at institutions that provided performing arts degrees or had a dance or acting department.
Considered three things:
Both on- and off-campus activities are acceptable for students. Putting on a show in front of a live audience is crucial for every artist. Is there anything the university can do? Do you think you could substitute an internship in a local dance or theater company for your on-campus experience? Is it possible to get a degree from a good school in another country? You may perform a trade show one day.
Were your students succeed in their jobs? Many renowned persons graduated from a program that gave them improved skills or resources.
Rankings are useless. Instead of ordering this list, we grouped it. Tier 1 contains the most prominent, active, and famous performing arts schools. Tier 2 institutions are great but have fewer possibilities and alumni than Tier 1 universities.
Conclusion:
There’s more than just acting, singing, and dancing to learn at schools dedicated to the performing arts. Furthermore, an arts education prepares you for a long and rewarding career in a wide range of professions like architecture and engineering, as well as in the arts.
Attending a performing arts college can teach you the necessary skills to work in theatre, film, television, radio, and opera. In addition, you’ll get the business knowledge you need to succeed as a performer, producer, director, and composer in today’s competitive entertainment industry.
Find a performing arts university that fits your aspirations. Some students prefer a school with well-known alumni, while others prefer a more intimate setting to pursue their higher education. When they graduate, some students aim to pursue professions in the entertainment sector, while others plan to pursue a career in education.
FAQs
Question 1: How to Know Which Top Performing Arts Schools Are Best for You?
Answer: Youth is encouraged to explore their artistic interests and develop their language and communication abilities via engagement in the performing arts. Children who develop these skills have an easier time communicating with others, and they do it more confidently. The underlying themes of the performing arts include self-expression, the exploration of other possibilities, and embracing one’s individuality.
Question 2: What Do You Want To Specialize In?
Answer: Look into the programs and discover what courses are available. If you want to learn contemporary dance, don’t enrol in a dance school specializing in ballet. You should also avoid enrolling in a musical theatre school if you pursue a career in acting on television (and vice versa).
Question 3: What Opportunities Are There Outside the Classroom?
Answer: When choosing a school, look for one that provides a wide range of performing arts programs that match your interests Cal Arts and Northwestern may not be the best options for those interested in studying Shakespeare. Still, Rutgers provides a chance to spend a year working at the Globe Theatre in London while studying Shakespeare.
Question 4: What are the performing arts?
Answer: The term “performance arts” is used to describe any type of artistic expression that is delivered to an audience in a real-world setting. They are mostly concerned with the performing arts of music and dance. This means that those working in both the media and the film industry interact with one another.
Question 5: Which acting school is the most difficult to get into?
Answer: School of Music at Juilliard (New York, NY)
The admissions process at Juilliard, which includes an in-person audition for all applicants, is very rigorous and offers degree programs in theatre, music, and dance.
