Can Actors Go to College: Investigating Higher Education in the Film Industry

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 02/02/24 •  14 min read

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Certainly, actors can go to college and in many cases, it brings numerous benefits for their acting career.

Higher education provides formal training through various acting schools and programs, including the pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting.

While talent and passion are crucial, a formal education often plays a significant role in shaping an actor’s skill set.

The challenge lies in balancing academic pursuits with an acting career but many actors successfully manage both.

Notable examples of celebrities who have achieved higher education provide valuable perspectives on this topic.

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can actors go to college

The Benefits of Higher Education for Actors

Can actors go to college? you may be asking. The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Many renowned actors have been known to use higher education as a means of supplementing their careers, or even as a safety net for alternative career paths in the future. By the way, let’s explore some of these benefits in greater detail.

Acting Schools and Programs

In addition to traditional degrees, there also exists specialized acting schools and programs designed exclusively for those with dreams of stardom on stage or screen. There are even performing arts colleges, offering comprehensive knowledge needed for an acting career through drama classes, film studies and more.

Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Acting

All things considered, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree from four-year universities can be immensely beneficial towards your aspirations as an actor. Fields like theatrical arts provide immersive training in acting techniques, theater history, stagecraft, performance- all crucial elements if you’re figuring out how to become an actor.

The Role of Formal Education in Becoming an Actor

In any case, keep this key point centered in mind: While degrees can prove advantageous and enriching for many actors, they certainly aren’t mandatory prerequisites – there are no minimum educational requirements within this industry! Many successful figures from Hollywood made it without formal education but by hard work and right connections.

Balancing Academic Pursuits and an Acting Career

Now that I think about it, it’s equally important to consider the challenges that come with balancing full-time academic studies alongside a budding acting career. Many individuals first complete their academic education before plunging headfirst into the unpredictable world of acting.

Celebrities and College Education: Examples and Perspectives

You see, there are numerous celebrities, for instance, Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher, who went to college but not specifically for acting. Big names like James Franco, Lupita Nyong’o highly value the importance of a college education despite being affluent.

Whether or not an aspiring actor needs higher education is subjective- it depends on individual goals. Some gain more from learning through professional experiences whereas others benefit from formal training offered by colleges or universities.

can actors go to college

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Certainly, actors can go to college and many do. This brings forth the question, do most actors go to acting school? While not all, a significant number of actors have attended acting schools or taken classes to improve their craft. For someone interested in taking up acting as a career, understanding the steps to get into acting can be invaluable.

Colleges for acting are found all around the world and cater to different styles and methods. Some budding actors might want to explore options like studying in renowned locations such as New York, London or Toronto. Information on where one might want to study can be found at where to study acting in New York, where to study acting in London or even where to study acting in Toronto.

Similarly the question of how long an actor should pursue their studies arises frequently among hopefuls. Learning about how long typical programs are at anacting school or what the ideal duration for an audition reel is could prove beneficial. With pages dedicated solely on these topics such as how long should an acting reel be, you can find easy answers.

But pursuing education in performing arts is just one’s first step on the journey. A successful actor also needs to find an agent, give auditions and continue honing their craft. The resources available at how to get a good acting agent can guide new actors through this process and help them navigate the acting industry efficiently. Hence, while actors can go to college whether they need to or not ultimately depends on their personal goals and how they want to approach their career.

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My Personal Take about Can Actors Go to College

Hello there! It’s your buddy Steve Dez chatting with you. I’ve been swamped in the world of Hollywood, mastering everything about acting and actor marketing, you see.

Today, I come to you with an intriguing topic that might have crossed your mind: “Can actors go to college?“. Now that I think about it, this question is pretty legit. Picture this: diving into higher education does not necessarily mean burying your dreams of becoming a star. On the contrary, it can be your springboard into the film industry!

The beauty of a college degree for an actor is threefold:

In any case, embarking on this journey doesn’t mean compromising on your dreams – far from it! All things considered, college might very well be the stepping stone that bridges you towards that shining Hollywood sign.

Trust me when I say this – being cast under the spotlights on a grand Hollywood stage isn’t just for those who were born super talented or lucky. It can be for anyone who dares to dream and work hard including someone like…you!


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Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Actors can pursue higher education to supplement their career or explore alternative paths

Yes, believe it or not, actors can actually go to college or university while pursuing their dreams in the acting world. Many famous actors have chosen to further their education as a way to enhance their careers or even pave the way for different opportunities down the road. It’s like having an extra feather in their cap, you know? There are specialized acting schools and programs that provide aspiring actors with all the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their acting endeavors. They offer comprehensive training in various aspects of acting, from techniques and performance to theater history and stagecraft. Some even offer performing arts degree programs, giving students a more in-depth understanding of the art form.

Takeaway 2: A formal degree is not a strict requirement for becoming an actor

But here’s the thing – having a fancy degree isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for making it big as an actor. In fact, many famous actors didn’t have any formal acting education at all! They relied on good old-fashioned hard work and making connections in the industry. Of course, that’s not to say that pursuing higher education doesn’t bring its own set of benefits. It really just depends on what works best for each individual actor. Some might find more value in learning through hands-on experiences and real-world opportunities rather than sitting in a classroom. So hey, if you’re dreaming of becoming an actor but don’t have plans for college right now, don’t sweat it! You can still make it happen with perseverance and determination. Take heart from those who came before you without any degrees but made it big!

Takeaway 3: Balancing full-time studies with an active acting career is no easy feat

Let’s be real here – juggling a full-time university load and a thriving acting career can be quite the challenge. It’s like trying to do a one-handed cartwheel while reciting lines from Shakespeare. Not impossible, but definitely not a piece of cake. Many actors choose to prioritize their academic pursuits first before diving headfirst into the world of acting. It’s like setting the stage for success, you know? By completing their studies, they can lay a solid foundation for their future while also honing their craft. But hey, let’s not forget about those celebrities who actually went to college but not specifically for acting. Take Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher, for example. They recognized the importance of higher education even though they were already rich and famous. So it just goes to show that learning never goes out of style, no matter how successful you become.

So in the end, whether or not an actor decides to pursue higher education really depends on their individual goals and circumstances. Some may find that formal training is exactly what they need to thrive in the industry, while others may prefer learning through real-world experiences. There’s no right or wrong answer here – it’s all about finding what works best for you and your unique journey as an aspiring actor!

If you’re an actor considering higher education, remember, it’s never a bad idea to improve your craft. Many actors find the training they need at traditional universities, but others might benefit from specific acting classes.



Attending college as an actor can provide valuable networking opportunities and the chance to work on your acting skills in a structured environment. But remember, there are many paths to success in the acting world and sometimes taking online acting classes can be just as effective.



Finding the right approach for your acting education will depend on your personal goals as an actor. Whether that means attending college, opting for specific acting classes, or choosing flexible online courses, it’s essential to keep honing your craft and pushing yourself forward.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actor® and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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