Meryl Streep, a Yale alum, once said, ‘Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different.’ Drama institutions are not just schools; they are the place where one can showcase their talents! So, forget the boring day job and get ready to explore the 25 best acting schools in the world. Who knows, maybe your name will be next on the list of Hollywood legends!
25 Best Acting Schools in the World Lights, camera, action! Want to step into the world of Hollywood or Bollywood’s glitz and glamour? Then, getting into the top acting schools in the world has to be your first step. So, grab your popcorn as we take you through the hallowed halls of some of the best acting schools in the world, where many iconic talents have been nurtured.
1. Juilliard School Location: New York, US
Want to be the next Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting) or Jessica Chastain (Interstellar)? The Juilliard School , one of the best acting schools in the world, has over 800 students from all over the world who perform in hundreds of shows each year. Students are taught to bring vulnerability and empathy to the characters they play. The acting program offers training in movement , voice , the Alexander Technique , and other aspects of acting. There are many other film schools in New York that you can learn about.
2. The Old Globe and the University of San Diego Location: San Francisco, US
This program, led by famous actor Jesse Perez, is one of the best acting schools in the world! They focus on classical theatre , training you in acting , voice , and movement . Plus, you get to work on productions at the famous Old Globe Theatre! Their grads have gone on to win awards, write plays, and even star in shows like ‘The Big Bang Theory’! Just be prepared to work hard – the Old Globe has high standards!
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3. California Institute of the Arts Location: Santa Clarita, US
CalArts , one of the top acting schools in the world, is known for its creativity! Here, artists of all kinds, be they actors, filmmakers, or dancers, learn without limits. At California Institute of the Arts, you will gain an exceptional acting education with high-end practical learning and many good work opportunities. Remember Tim Burton's dark films like ‘Corpse Bride,’ and Alison Brie's hilarious characters like ‘Glow’? They are from this institution!
4. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama Location: Pittsburgh, US
Want to be the next big star but also love fiddling with cameras or designing sets? CMU School of Drama might be your dream school! Known as one of the best drama schools in the world, they don't just train actors but create artistic leaders of the future. Carnegie Mellon, one of the good acting schools in the world, combines different art forms with progressive theatre practice to explore the storytelling and entertainment possibilities. Plus, they've launched the careers of many famous faces, such as René Auberjonois from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Hale Appleman from The Gilded Age.
5. Central School of Speech and Drama Location: London, UK
Want to be the next stage or screen superstar? This prestigious school isn't just about acting – they offer training in directing , design , and more. Founded in 1906, it is one of the best acting universities in the world. The school offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees in acting , actor training , applied theatre , theatre crafts , drama therapy , producing , scenography , and musical theatre . Did we mention they gave out legends like Judi Dench from 'Philomena' and Andrew Garfield from 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'? If you're serious about acting, consider Central – one of the best acting schools in the world.
6. DePaul University School Of Theatre, Film, And Television Location: Chicago
DePaul University lets you focus on a specific area, like directing or editing and build a portfolio to impress casting agents. It was even ranked by industries like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety as one of the best acting schools in the world! You can work in a professional film facility used for major shows, so you'll be learning alongside real-life actors and directors. Some of the notable A-lister alumni include Narda E. Alcorn (The Lion King), and Scott Ellis (The Elephant Man).
7. Guildhall School of Music & Drama Location: London
Ranked amongst the best acting schools in the world by major publications—Complete University Guide 2024—Guildhall offers world-class training and education in drama and music. Join Guildhall and become part of a world-leading community of actors, performance makers, and production artists. The school features a Silk Street Theatre (a huge versatile space), Milton Court Theatre (a proscenium arch theatre), and Milton Court Studio Theatre. Gain insights on the fundamentals of acting like ensemble and autonomy , spontaneity and repetition , self-character , and play and presence .
8. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts Location: Victoria Way, UK
This world-renowned Italia Conti drama school offers top-notch training in acting, dance, and singing. Their goal? To transform students into well-rounded performers ready to take on the world. Students studying here will gain intensive practical training in acting , movement , voice , and singing . By combining technical classes, contextual practice, and project work, students can enhance their acting skills. Some of its famous alumni, like Russell Brand from Arthur and Naomi Campbell from American Horror Story, might just ring a bell! If you're looking for the best acting programs in the world, this could be your destination!
9. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) Location: London, UK
London Academy drama school has been around for ages (over 160 years!) and is known for being one of the best acting schools in the world, training top actors. Think of it as a Hollywood boot camp for famous faces! At the London Academy, you can choose from a range of courses, including professional acting , foundation in stage and screen , directing , and musical theatre . Benedict Cumberbatch, the guy from Sherlock and Doctor Strange, has honed his craft here.
10. Mountview Academy of Theater Arts Location: London, UK
One of the best acting colleges in the world, Mountview Academy of Theater Arts , can be your future of creativity! With a keen focus on innovative practice, the school offers an array of courses like performance-actor musicianship , top-up technical production , and stage and production management . Popular alumni include Kelly Adams from 'Death in Paradise,' and Lucy Anderson from ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’ There are other film schools in the UK that you can check out as per your budget and admission.
11. National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Location: Kensington, Australia
Want to become the next big Aussie star? Look no further than NIDA , one of the best acting schools in the world! NIDA has been around since 1958, giving out famous faces you know and love, like Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth). Students studying here receive a world-class education and the opportunity to international networks and industry leaders in theatre , dance , and opera . Their practical training programs help aspiring actors hone their craft and launch stellar careers. So, if you're dreaming of the silver screen or the stage, NIDA could be your ticket to fame.
12. Oxford School of Drama Location: Wootton, UK
Next on our list of the best acting schools in the world is Oxford School of Drama. Located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, the Oxford School of Drama boasts stunning natural materials and gardens, fostering a magical connection between actors and their craft. Alumni like Claire Foy (The Crown) and Freddy Carter (Shadow and Bone) honed their skills here, and their accredited programs are recognised by industry leaders worldwide. If you're looking for the best acting programs in the world, this one might just be the perfect fit!
13. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) Location: London, UK
One of the best drama schools in the world, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art offers exceptional vocational training for actors, stage managers, and stage managers. It offers courses like technical theatre and stage management , acting , and theatre lab . RADA , a powerhouse in drama training, has been shaping the careers of acting greats for years. Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Lain Glen (Game of Thrones) were a part of this institution! If these names ring a bell, then RADA might just be the favourite place for your epic acting journey. It's no wonder it's considered one of the top acting schools in the world!
14. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Location: Glasgow, Scotland
RCS is a unique school that lets you train in all performing arts on one campus, creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere. Hone your skills with over 600 performances a year, whether acting , designing sets , or filming . Plus, RCS boasts famous alumni like Tom Ellis (Lucifer), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), and David Tennant (Doctor Who)! It's no wonder RCS is considered one of the best acting schools in the world.
15. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) Location: Cardiff, UK
RWCMD is a top contender for the best drama schools in the world and is a great place for your acting career! They train actors , musicians , and all sorts of creative folks from over 40 countries. Even famous actors like Eve Myles (Torchwood) and Tom Cullen (Weekend) were once at this university! So Welsh might just turn you into the next big thing!
16. Pace University: The Actors Studio Location: New York City, US
One of the top acting schools in the world, Pace University has acting programs to delve deep into the 'actor's toolbox.' You'll master the craft, find your voice, and learn alongside talented students. By 3rd year, you'll be putting your skills to the test in full production. Who knows, you might be the next Bradley Cooper from 'A Star is Born' or Eisa Davis from ‘House of Cards’!
17. NYU: Tisch School of the Arts Location: New York City
Attending one of the best acting schools in the world isn't just about the classes—it's more than that! At Tisch, students get exceptional cultural resources from New York City and a rich schedule of productions led by internationally recognised faculty and theatre artists. Students will learn different approaches to acting , music theatre , design , and directing . Tisch has over 45,000 alumni who are making their mark on the world, from famous actors like Deborah Aquila (casting director for ‘Twilight’) to Broadway veterans like Hilary Austin.
18. UCLA: School of Theatre, Film and Television Location: Los Angeles, US
Want to be the next James Dean from 'Rebel Without a Cause,' or David Koepp from 'Jurassic Park'? UCLA isn't just another acting class. They combine live performance , film , and digital arts to create amazing programs that are more than just education – they're experiences. As one of the best acting schools in the world, they'll help you become an exceptional storyteller!
19. USC School of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles Location: Los Angeles
USC isn't your average acting school - it believes in nurturing unique talents, the kind who dream of reshaping entertainment. One of the best acting schools in the world, the USC School of Dramatic Arts helps students discover their artistic voices through a mix of different disciplines and hands-on learning. Hollywood superstars like Grant Heslov from 'Good Night, and Good Luck' and Devin Kelley from 'Frequency' are notable alumni.
20. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale Location: New Haven, US
Yale Drama School is not only one of the best drama schools in the world, but thanks to a huge donation, full-time students get a free ride. This means that the tuition fee is completely FREE! The acting program offered at Yale combines in-depth classroom training with interdisciplinary production opportunities . Plus, there are several notable alumni present at Yale , like Derek McLane (Production Designer) and Andrew Burnap (Snow White) walked these halls before hitting the big time.
21. University of North Carolina School of The Arts (UNCSA) Location: Winston-Salem, US
For over 50 years, UNCSA has been an institute for brilliant artists like Anthony Mackie (Captain America's Falcon) and Brett Gelman (Stranger Things). UNCSA, one of the top acting schools in the world, offers rigorous conservatory training combined with technical skills to shape the actors of the future. At UNCSA, students will work in small workshops and major productions in a variety of styles under the guidance of top faculty and acclaimed guest artists. It's no wonder why it consistently ranks among the best drama schools in the world!
22. University of California Location: San Diego, US
Want to join the ranks of Hollywood stars like Benicio del Toro (Traffic) and Milana Vayntrub (This Is Us)? The University of California isn't just one of the best acting schools in the world; it's also a place for future stars. You might be a rising star winning a Grammy (and maybe even an Oscar, who knows?). It is, after all, one of the good acting schools in the world!
23. Brown University: Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS) Location: Providence
TAPS provides one of the best acting programs in the world. It's a vibrant hub for anyone passionate about performance! The university features an Ashamu Dance Studio , Leeds Theatre , Stuart Theatre , and John Street Studio . Students can choose from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including acting and directing , playwriting , and technical theatre and production . And guess who honed their craft at TAPS? Yep, Jada Pinkett Smith from 'The Matrix Reloaded,' and Brett Gelman from 'Stranger Things'!
24. Case Western Reserve University Location: Cleveland
Known as one of the best acting schools in the world, Case throws you headfirst into the world of acting! They offer everything from acting itself to costume design , letting you explore all aspects of putting on a show. Who knows, you might even become the next big star – just like their alumni Elizabeth Davis, who scored Tony nominations!
25. Columbia University School of the Arts Location: New York
Columbia University is a top contender for one of the best acting schools in the world. It offers a buffet of options, from film to writing , with both Master's and Bachelor's degrees. Not only that, but its alumni include stars like James Franco (127 Hours) and Hari Nef (You).
Wrap Up That was our list of the 25 best acting schools in the world. So what are you waiting for? Pick your favourite and start your application today! We hope you’ve found this blog helpful, and we wish you all the best!