Attending a performing arts college is a big decision—you’re committing to focusing exclusively on your art for four years. I’ve compiled a list of the best performing arts colleges in the US. This list includes schools that exclusively offer drama and dance degrees. These schools have specialized performing arts schools or programs within larger universities. While rankings should not be taken as absolute fact, they can be a starting point for research. Criteria for this list include ranking, on-campus and off-campus extracurricular opportunities, and notable alumni. Tier 1 schools, such as The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and Carnegie Mellon University, offer the most extracurricular opportunities and have extensive lists of notable alumni.
What are Some Performing Arts Colleges You Can Check Out
- Attending a performing arts college allows students to focus exclusively on their art for four years.
- The best performing arts colleges in the US offer specialized drama and dance programs.
- Rankings can help narrow down options, but thorough research is essential to finding the right fit.
- Tier 1 schools like The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and Carnegie Mellon University offer extensive extracurricular opportunities.
- Notable alumni can be an indicator of a performing arts college’s reputation and success.
Best Performing Arts Colleges: Tier 1
In this section, I will introduce you to the top performing arts colleges in the country. These Tier 1 schools have earned their reputation for excellence in performing arts education and provide students with extensive opportunities to develop their talents.
First on the list is The Juilliard School, renowned for its rigorous training programs in drama, dance, and music. With a faculty composed of industry professionals and an impressive roster of alumni, including Viola Davis and Robin Williams, Juilliard consistently produces talented performers who go on to successful careers.
Next, we have NYU Tisch School of the Arts, located in the heart of New York City. Tisch offers a wide range of performing arts degree programs, including theater, dance, film, and television. Notable alumni from Tisch include Lady Gaga, Spike Lee, and Alec Baldwin.
Carnegie Mellon University is another top-tier performing arts college, known for its strong programs in drama, music, and dance. With state-of-the-art facilities and a faculty of industry professionals, Carnegie Mellon provides students with an immersive learning experience. Alumni from Carnegie Mellon include Ted Danson, Holly Hunter, and Zachary Quinto.
Boston Conservatory is renowned for its world-class training in music, dance, and theater. The conservatory offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with a comprehensive performing arts education. Notable alumni from Boston Conservatory include Laura Benanti and Rachel Tucker.
Yale School of Drama (MFA) is highly regarded for its Master of Fine Arts program in acting, playwriting, design, and more. As a Yale Drama student, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented classmates and work with esteemed faculty members. Graduates from Yale School of Drama include Meryl Streep, Angela Bassett, and Paul Giamatti.
Finally, we have Northwestern University, which offers a top-notch performing arts program within its School of Communication. Students at Northwestern benefit from the school’s strong connections to the industry and have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty members. Notable alumni from Northwestern include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Zach Braff, and David Schwimmer.
These Tier 1 performing arts colleges provide aspiring artists with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry. Whether your passion lies in theater, dance, or music, attending one of these prestigious institutions will undoubtedly pave the way for a successful career in the performing arts.
Best Performing Arts Colleges: Tier 2
In this section, I will introduce you to some outstanding performing arts colleges that may not have made it to the Tier 1 list but still offer excellent programs. These Tier 2 schools provide students with a high-quality performing arts education and a range of opportunities to develop their skills.
Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts, located in Seattle, Washington, is known for its strong programs in theater, dance, music, and visual arts. With its focus on interdisciplinary arts, Cornish offers a collaborative and innovative environment for students to explore their creativity and express themselves.
University of the Arts
The University of the Arts, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant institution dedicated to nurturing artists and creative thinkers. With programs in theater, dance, music, and visual arts, the university provides a supportive community and state-of-the-art facilities for students to develop their artistic talents.
Boston Conservatory (merged with Berklee College of Music)
The Boston Conservatory, now merged with Berklee College of Music, is a renowned institution for performing arts education. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the conservatory offers intensive programs in music, dance, and theater, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers in the performing arts.
USC Thornton School of Music and School of Dramatic Arts
The USC Thornton School of Music and School of Dramatic Arts, located in Los Angeles, California, offer an unparalleled performing arts education. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, these schools provide students with diverse opportunities to explore their artistic passions and develop their skills.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts (other performing arts programs)
While NYU Tisch School of the Arts is well-known for its Tier 1 drama and dance programs, it also offers exceptional programs in other performing arts disciplines. From music to film and television to interactive media, NYU Tisch provides students with a comprehensive education in the performing arts.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, boasts a strong performing arts program with a wide range of disciplines. From theater to dance to music, Northwestern offers rigorous training and a supportive community for students to pursue their artistic endeavors.
These Tier 2 performing arts colleges provide students with excellent educational programs and opportunities to refine their craft. While they may not have the same level of recognition as Tier 1 schools, they are still highly respected institutions that have produced successful alumni in the performing arts industry.
Other notable performing arts colleges
In addition to the top-performing arts colleges mentioned earlier, there are several other institutions that offer notable programs and opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts. These colleges provide a comprehensive education in various art forms, including theater, dance, music, and more. Here are some performing arts colleges worth considering:
1. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers a range of performing arts programs through its School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. Students can choose from majors such as Acting, Dance, Design and Production, and Theater Education. The school provides a vibrant creative environment and a wealth of performance opportunities.
2. Indiana University
Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance offer exceptional programs for aspiring musicians and theater artists. The Jacobs School of Music is one of the leading music schools in the country, renowned for its faculty and performance opportunities, while the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance offers a comprehensive theater education.
3. CalArts
CalArts, short for California Institute of the Arts, is a prestigious institution known for its innovative approach to arts education. The school offers degree programs in theater, dance, music, and more, allowing students to explore interdisciplinary collaborations and push the boundaries of their artistry.
4. University of Florida
The University of Florida’s College of the Arts boasts a range of performing arts programs, including theater, dance, and music. With its state-of-the-art facilities and distinguished faculty, the college provides students with a supportive and stimulating environment to develop their skills and creative talents.
5. Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Emory College of Arts and Sciences, located in Atlanta, Georgia, offers numerous performing arts programs, including theater studies, music, and dance. The college emphasizes both theory and practice, providing students with a well-rounded education to excel in their chosen field.
These performing arts colleges are just a few examples of the many institutions across the country that offer exceptional programs and opportunities for aspiring artists. It’s important to research and visit schools to find the one that aligns with your artistic goals and aspirations. Pursuing a performing arts education can be a transformative experience, and these colleges provide the platform for students to develop their craft and launch successful careers in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Deciding to pursue a performing arts education is a significant step for aspiring artists. Throughout this article, we have explored some of the top performing arts colleges in the United States, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 schools. Students looking to embark on this educational journey should take the time to thoroughly research each college to ensure it aligns with their specific goals and aspirations.
Whether your passion lies in theater, dance, music, or drama, these accredited performing arts colleges offer exceptional degree programs and opportunities for students to cultivate their talents and thrive in the performing arts industry.
By attending one of these top-performing arts colleges, students gain access to renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant artistic community. They can develop their skills through rigorous training, performances, and collaborations, preparing them for successful careers in their chosen field.
Remember, each performing arts college on the list has its own unique strengths and attributes, so take the time to carefully consider which one will best support your artistic development and future aspirations. Good luck on your journey to becoming a performing arts professional!
FAQ
What are some top performing arts colleges in the US?
Some top performing arts colleges in the US include The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston Conservatory, Yale School of Drama (MFA), and Northwestern University.
What criteria were considered when selecting these colleges?
The criteria for this selection included ranking, on-campus and off-campus extracurricular opportunities, and notable alumni.
Are there any other performing arts colleges with excellent programs?
Yes, there are other performing arts colleges that offer excellent programs. Some Tier 2 schools include Cornish College of the Arts, University of the Arts, Boston Conservatory (merged with Berklee College of Music), USC Thornton School of Music and School of Dramatic Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts (other performing arts programs), and Northwestern University.
Are there any additional performing arts colleges with notable programs and alumni?
Yes, some additional performing arts colleges with notable programs and alumni are University of Maryland, Indiana University, CalArts, University of Florida, and Emory College of Arts and Sciences.
What should I consider when choosing a performing arts college?
When choosing a performing arts college, it is important to consider factors such as the reputation of the school, the opportunities for extracurricular activities, the availability of performing arts majors, and the unique opportunities the school provides for students to pursue their artistic passions.
