Acting colleges and BFA programs help to prepare you for a successful career in acting.
Most of these schools offer intensive programs for actors who want to break into the acting industry quickly.
Check out our list of the top 12 best BFA programs for actors below.
1. Yale School of Drama
| Website | https://www.drama.yale.edu/ |
| Location | 222 York St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 203-432-1234 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% |
This is known to be one of the best acting schools in the world.
Founded in 1990.
At the Yale School of Drama, you’ll get the chance to work in some of the world’s most prestigious and highly acclaimed productions.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work on new plays by student playwrights, and you’ll be able to participate in Shakespeare Repertory Projects.
The Acting department admits talented and committed individuals who possess an active intelligence, a strong imagination, and physical agility that is vital for performance.
The Yale School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre are renowned for their excellence in training leaders to raise the standard of global professional practice in every theatrical discipline.
Along with the other outstanding programs at the School, these programs are consistently ranked as some of the best in the nation.
2. California Institute of the Arts
| Website | https://calarts.edu/ |
| Location | 24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 661-255-1050 |
| Acceptance rate | 23% |
CalArts is the top art school in America and is ranked as one of the most prestigious art schools in the world.
With an unparalleled faculty, CalArts offers a range of opportunities for students to explore their dreams.
With a focus on the arts, CalArts is a magical environment where students can make art and work with professionals in the field.
The California Institute of the Arts offers a wide range of degree programs in the arts and humanities.
Their students are trained to be working professionals, and many go on to become award-winning artists, writers, directors, and more.
The school has a diverse group of amazing teachers, guest speakers, visiting faculty, and much more.
CalArts Courses :
- Acting
- Applied Arts
- Art
- Character Animation
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Digital Arts
- Directing
- Film and Video
- Producing
- Stage Management
- And much more
3. SUNY Purchase College – Purchase, NY
| Website | https://www.purchase.edu/ |
| Location | 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY 10577, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 914-251-6000 |
| Acceptance rate | 51.5% |
SUNY Purchase College combines a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with world-class conservatory programs in the visual and performing arts.
Purchase NY offers a wide range of programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and conservatory arts.
They offer an innovative curriculum that is designed to help students develop their intellectual and creative potential through programs like study abroad opportunities, internships, and faculty-led research projects.
In order for you to get into SUNY Purchase, you need a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Here you can choose from BA, BS, BFA, and MusB degrees in more than 40 areas in the traditional liberal arts and sciences and the visual and performing arts.
You can also craft your own self-determined majors.
SUNY Purchase College Courses :
- Acting
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Arts Management
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Cinema Studies
- Classical Composition
- Communication
- Creative Writing
- Film
- Liberal Arts
- Literature
- Psychology
- Playwriting
- Theatre and Performance
- Art History/Visual Arts Dual Degree
- Voice and Opera Studies
- And more
4. Boston University School of Theatre
| Website | https://www.bu.edu/cfa/theatre/ |
| Location | 855 Commonwealth Avenue # 470, Boston, MA 02215, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 617-353-3390 |
| Acceptance rate | 22.1% |
Boston University School of the Arts is a unique institution that offers a high-quality, focused, and rigorous approach to actor training.
The school is committed to developing actors who are passionate about their craft and are able to use acting as a means of approaching, comprehending, and illuminating the complexities of the human spirit.
They have unique programs that are designed to develop deep self-awareness, heightened intellect, rich emotional life, expanded imagination, and generosity as a foundation for the development of a transformational actor.
In order for you to get into Boston University School of Theatre, you need a minimum GPA of 3.71.
Boston University courses :
- Acting
- Artisan Certificates
- Dance Minor
- Design
- Directing
- Los Angeles Internship
- Music Theatre
- Playwriting
- Production
- Production Management
- Scene painting
- Stage Management
- Summer Theatre Institute
- Theatre Arts
- Theatre Education
- Theatre Minor
5. The Juilliard School
| Website | https://www.juilliard.edu/ |
| Location | 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States |
| Cost | Click here to get all available information |
| Phone | +1 212-799-5000 |
| Acceptance rate | 6.9% |
The Juilliard School has been known for its excellence in the performing arts since 1905, with a mission to educate and prepare students for careers in the performing arts.
It is one of the best acting schools in the world.
The Juilliard School is a unique place where students can explore their creative passions and learn in an environment that fosters professional development and growth.
The school offers a range of educational opportunities including performance training, master classes, and academic courses.
Juilliard takes in about 800 students per year.
Students are taught by world-class faculty and have access to a state-of-the-art facility with the latest in technology, including an advanced recording studio, dance studios, and theater.
6. UNC School of the Arts – Winston-Salem, NC
| Website | https://www.uncsa.edu/ |
| Location | 1533 South Main St.Winston-Salem, NC 27127-2738 |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | 336-770-3290 |
| Acceptance rate | 38.2% |
UNC School of the Arts is the nation’s leading and most comprehensive university-based arts education program.
UNCSA’s mission is to provide students with a transformative education, a renowned faculty, and a supportive community that will prepare them for success in their chosen fields.
Their faculty members are accomplished artists, scholars, and educators who are committed to providing students with an exceptional education and a network of peers with whom they can share their work.
Founded in 1963.
In order for you to get into UNC School of the Arts – Winston-Salem, NC Theatre, you need a minimum GPA of 3.71.
7. SMU – Dallas, TX
| Website | https://www.smu.edu/ |
| Location | 6425 Boaz LaneDallas TX 75205 |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | 214-768-2000 |
| Acceptance rate | 47.3% |
SMU is the perfect school for students who want to explore the humanities, sciences, and professional degree programs.
Their school offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences, undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through seven schools.
SMU is also known for being a dynamic university with a strong commitment to community engagement and cultural services.
SMU is committed to academic freedom and the pursuit of truth by providing students with the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas, new perspectives, and new ways of thinking.
8. New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
| Website | https://tisch.nyu.edu/ |
| Location | 721 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 212-998-1900 |
| Acceptance rate | 17% |
NYU is a catalyst for the artistic and intellectual growth of students, faculty, and staff.
Founded in 1965.
They provide support for existing programs, experimentation with new ideas, and the exploration of the arts, humanities, sciences,, civil engagement and public discourse topics.
In order for you to get into New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, you need a minimum GPA of 3.0.
9. Drew University – Madison, NJ
| Website | http://www.drew.edu/1/ |
| Location | 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 973-408-3000 |
| Acceptance rate | 69.2% |
Drew University “ a Phi Kappa Liberal arts University” includes three different schools:
- College of Liberal Arts,
- Drew Theological School, &
- The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies.
Founded in 1867.
Drew University is dedicated to providing their diverse community of learners with a challenging and individualized education.
The students are encouraged to think critically and engage with the world beyond the campus.
In order for you to get into Drew University – Madison, NJ, you need a minimum GPA of 3.32.
Drew University courses :
- Art
- Art History
- Creative Writing
- Writing & Communication Studies
- Theatre Arts
- Writing
- And more
10.Syracuse University School of Drama
| Website | https://vpa.syr.edu/academics/drama/ |
| Location | 900 South Crouse Ave.Syracuse, NY 13244 |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 315-443-1870 |
| Acceptance rate | 49.9% |
The Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts is an academic program that offers the best in visual and performing arts education.
The school is a leader in providing professional opportunities to students with a focus on excellence in teaching and scholarship.
They have trained some of the best artists and scholars from across the United States and throughout the world.
Here students engage in discussions about ideas, opinions, and thoughts that matter.
The platform is built with the intent to create a safe space for students to explore topics and opinions in an open-minded environment.
In order for you to get into Syracuse University School of Drama, you need a minimum GPA of 3.67.
11. University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL
| Website | https://welcome.miami.edu/ |
| Location | 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 305-284-2211 |
| Acceptance rate | 74.6% |
Founded in 1925 by a group of Miami citizens.
The University of Miami, believe in the power of ideas.
They’re committed to FREEDOM OF INQUIRY-the freedom to think, to question and to criticize.
The University of Miami believes in the pursuit of knowledge-to being curious and ask questions.
And they’re also committed to make a difference in this world, through world renound education, research, innovation and service.
In order for you to get into the University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL, you need a minimum GPA of 3.6.
12.Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama
| Website | https://www.drama.cmu.edu/ |
| Location | 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States |
| Cost | Click here for all available information |
| Phone | +1 412-268-2082 |
| Acceptance rate | 3% |
Carnegie Mellon University has long been a leader in the arts and humanities, combining established practice with progressive pedagogical and technological advancement across all disciplines.
The school is committed to enriching a myriad of arts practices, championing interdisciplinary collaborations, and exploring new forms of expression.
CMU’s commitment to diversity is reflected in their faculty, staff, and students.
They offer a variety of programs and services to support the needs of their diverse community.
Students can pursue their passion for learning in this environment where creativity is encouraged, computer science and engineering are taught, and the arts are practiced.
In order for you to get into Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, you need a minimum GPA of 3.84.
Carnegie Mellon University courses :
- Acting/Music Theatre
- Costume Design
- Drama Minor
- Dramaturgy
- Production Technology
- Dramatic Writing
- And more
Conclusion
The best acting schools are those that offer the most diverse programs and have a good reputation.
Let us know which school your planning on joining and why in the comments below…
