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Study theatre studies in USA - 59 institutions

Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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Theatrical education in the United States will allow you to plunge into the creative environment with your head, gain valuable practical experience, master the necessary skills and learn the secrets of art from real professionals in their field. Graduates of the drama faculties of the United States shine on the world stage and further glorify the famous alma mater.

                You can study theatrical craft in America both in multidisciplinary universities and liberal arts colleges, as well as specialized universities - the latter are considered the most prestigious and  highly valued on the world stage. The learning process involves painstaking work and the study of a large area from costume design to analysis of the latest trends in modern theater. At the university level, bachelor's, master's and short university courses are  in demand. In addition, for schoolchildren, it is worth considering specialized art schools and academic camps held in the summer.

US Higher Education in the Arts for foreign students

Scientific degrees in the field of performing arts are mainly divided into 2 categories: practice-oriented (with a predominant number of practical classes) or theory (combining practical experience with an analytical understanding of the studied field). Most programs involve studying of a wide list of subjects and only after getting acquainted with the main areas of choice of specialization. Theater schools in America are known for their practical approach and great opportunities for realizing creative potential.

In the first half of the day, students focus on the study of theoretical aspects, but in the second half of the day and the whole evening they spend on practical exercises, rehearsals, and the implementation of their own projects and ideas. Rehearsals are usually held at local theaters. At least once a week, students attend fellow students' performances and attend major theaters.

Many US universities offer three choices: music, dance, or drama. Of course, each direction has many branches and additional features. Popular specializations in drama art:

  • Acting skills and technologies - studying the technical equipment of the theater, working on the stage of the theater, building up light, sound effects and much more
  • Scenario art - this area will tell about scriptwriting techniques, students will immerse themselves in the creative process of creating characters and stories
  • Improvisation - a study of stand-up comedy
  • Performing skills - tells about the nuances of working in front of the camera and the audience in the theater.

In some higher education institutions, students study a related field, such as English literature and drama. Bachelor's programs usually last 3-4 years: the result of study will be the award of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) degree. Often, students are invited to participate in these projects, so that students can acquire practical skills in a professional context.

Ranking of the best US universities for studying theater and drama

Typically, applicants are interviewed, prepare excerpts of works in order to demonstrate their performing skills. Educational institutions prefer applicants who already have experience in the designated area. Important skills for drama departments will be: self-confidence, self-presentation skills, teamwork skills, organizational skills and time management, sensitive perception, self-discipline, ingenuity, communication skills, critical thinking.

The best specialized drama schools in the USA

  • Juilliard
  • Yale school of drama
  • Tisch School of the Arts, NYU
  • Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
  • The Old Globe & University of San Diego
  • ART at Harvard
  • CalArts
  • Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
  • American conservatory theater
  • National Institute of Dramatic Art.

Studying at US universities costs a lot of financial investment. So, a year of study can cost $ 30,000, while at the same time, accommodation, meals and study materials will cost at least another $ 20,000. Many universities offer the most successful students high scholarships and financial assistance: for example, a scholarship at Yale School of Drama can reach $ 35,500. Numerous charitable funds work with higher education institutions: for example, the Kevin Spacey Foundation cooperates with many universities and supports students of theater departments.

TOP US Universities: Programs and Prices for Foreign Students

The name of the institution

Program

Students age

Description

Tuition fees

Yale school of drama

(Yale University)

bachelor,

master

18+

Yale School of Drama is a branch of Yale University , which is located in Connecticut and offers the option of training in the following theater areas: acting, directing, drama, criticism, screenwriting, theater management, stage design.

from $ 20,000 / semester

USA

New York

New York Film Academy (NYFA)

one-year

biennial programs

bachelor

17+

The famous university has a wide list of programs of various durations and intensities.

from 38000 $ / year

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

bachelor,

master

17+

The university is known for its graduates, including John Cusack and Kerry Coon.

 

Studying Theater and Drama Art at American High Schools

US high schools — both specialized and general — place a strong emphasis on developing creativity through art support as part of educational policies. A huge number of schools operate in the United States: some take theater and drama studies to additional classes, others devote most of their time to art education.

The best private boarding schools with in-depth study of theater and drama:

The name of the institution

Program

Students age

Description

Tuition fees

USA, Los Angeles

Idyllwild Arts Academy

High school program

14-18

Idyllwild Arts Academy is one of the best schools specializing in creative fields. Students go through a long list of disciplines related to art: cinema, theater, performing arts, music and much more. Graduates of the school successfully realize themselves in a professional context, working in theaters, on television, doing animation and graphic design.

From $ 30,000 / semester

North Broward Preparatory School

Diploma + Advanced Placement

16-18

In one of America’s best schools, students are diversified and, as part of their high school curriculum, focus on several subjects for in-depth study. The program includes a wide range of electives related to creativity.

From $ 58,000 / year

US Student Camps

Leading schools, colleges and universities prepare exciting academic programs for children and adults in the summer. Such courses are perfect for students with a high level of English - in addition, the course will be useful:

  • To improve language skills
  • Those students who plan to enter TOP universities in the United States
  • Young professionals in search of continuing education opportunities
  • Creative people who dream to realize their potential.

So, at Harvard University, a summer school opens its doors every year, where a wide selection of academic courses has been prepared for foreign students. The course “Dramatic Arts” includes the following areas: introduction to performing skills, improvisation, directing, oratory and much more.

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