Where to Study Acting in USA: Top Schools and Programs for Aspiring Actors

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 10/16/23 •  12 min read

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Whether you’re a novice dipping your feet into the world of performing arts, or already deeply immersed and looking to further hone your skills, the USA offers a diverse array of renowned institutions for studying acting. The Juilliard School set in New York City, not only carries an air of prestige but is renowned for its comprehensive drama program.

On par with Juilliard is Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU), offering a uniquely tailored program that nurtures aspiring actors. Stepping beyond the buzz of NY, we have Yale School of Drama, known globally as a training ground for theatre artists.

There’s no shortage of other significant institutions across the USA offering top-notch acting programs. For young enthusiasts, many options exist such as specialized programs and opportunities designed to immerse them in this dynamic field. If you’re an Indian student desiring to study Performing Arts in

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where to study acting in usa

The Juilliard School: A Prestigious Drama School in New York City

When thinking about where to study acting in the USA, The Juilliard School undoubtedly comes to mind. Revered as one of the top 10 best acting schools in the world, its stature is undeniable. You see, it’s more than just an institution – it’s a sanctuary for creatives who dream of mastering their craft. Interestingly, Juilliard isn’t just famous within the states or even among the top 20 best acting schools in the world—it’s renowned globally.

Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU): A Leading Program for Aspiring Actors

All things considered, if there’s another institution that rivals Juilliard’s fame, it has to be NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Offering comprehensive training designed to mold students into well-rounded artists, Tisch boasts an impressive alumni list and ranks consistently among best colleges for acting in film.

Yale School of Drama: Renowned Training Ground for Theatre Artists

In any case, if you’re more inclined towards theater arts rather than film or TV, Yale School of Drama should definitely be on your radar. Listed as one of the top 25 drama schools in the world 2023, Yale provides unparalleled education which many of its graduates attribute to their success on both stage and screen.

Other Significant Institutions Offering Acting Programs in the USA

Beyond these three giants—we have other noteworthy institutions like American Film Institute, USC School of Cinematic Arts, Chapman University and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute providing excellent training. Also worth mentioning are universities including Arizona State University (partnered with Kaplan International), California State University Long Beach, Brown University in Providence RI, Boston University in Boston MA and Bennington College in Bennington VT—each offering distinctive acting programs.

These colleges may not be as buzz-worthy as best acting schools 2023, but they offer incredible facilities much like the best acting schools in Europe.

Specialized Programs and Opportunities for Young Aspiring Actors

If you’re a young aspiring actor aged 12-16 eager to get started early on your acting journey—you’d be delighted to hear about The American Academy of Dramatic Arts’ four-week summer intensive at their Los Angeles campus. And if you’re thinking about graduate studies—the Academy of Art University or Columbia University’s MFA Theatre Program could be an excellent choice.

Options for Indian Students Wanting to Study Performing Arts in the USA

The country isn’t just catering to local or native students—it also attracts a large number of international students every year. Specifically pulling from India’s demographic—a number are attracted towards Juilliard School (New York), Yale School of Drama (Connecticut), Tisch school of arts (NYU-New York) as their top choices to study performing arts.

where to study acting in usa

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Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, deciding where to study acting can be a daunting task. While the US boasts successful acting training programs, you might also consider broadening your horizons by studying abroad. For instance, if you are considering studying in the UK, then checking out our guide on where to study acting in the UK will provide valuable insights.

Perhaps you already have some experience under your belt and are ready to take on the bustling New York theatre scene. In that case, learn about opportunities available at various institutions with our New York acting study guide.

Do you wonder whether going to an acting school is necessary for a successful career? We explored this question in our post do most actors go to acting school, which could help inform your decision.

Career stepping stones like auditions are inevitable parts of an actor’s journey. To assist aspiring actors, we’ve put together insights on how auditions work and tips for success in our steps to an acting audition post.

Building a strong foundation is essential for any career choice. Find out about starting strategies from industry professionals in our guide steps to get into acting.

The world of acting offers endless possibilities and paths – from pursuing traditional roles to exploring voice-over work. For those interested in the latter, our guide on how to get started in voice acting is an excellent place to kickstart your career exploration.

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My Personal Take about Where to study acting in USA

Hey friend! As Steve Dez, an expert in all things acting and actor marketing, I’d love to share with you a little story of mine.

By the way, have you ever wondered “where to study acting in USA?” You see, I remember being at that very same crossroad years ago – wide-eyed and full of dreams but unsure where to take my first step. Now that I think about it, much of my success can be attributed to the top schools and programs I attended. These institutions not only honed my craft but also taught me how to turn it into a thriving business.

In any case, • The Juilliard School, New York City, • Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, • The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Los Angeles/New York City, and so many others across the country provided me with a solid foundation upon which I built my Hollywood career. All things considered, it’s essential that you find a school or program that aligns with your acting goals and aspirations.

So yes, while these acting schools provide exceptional training platforms for aspiring actors like yourself, never forget that success begins with believing in your ability! As long as you hold on to your passion and work hard towards achieving your goals – who knows? Your name could soon light up Hollywood just like mine! Always remember: Keep dreaming big because every star in Hollywood started off as an aspiring actor just like you.

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Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Prestigious institutions for studying acting in the USA

The USA is home to some of the most renowned drama schools in the world, offering aspiring actors a chance to learn from the best. Institutions like The Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, and Yale School of Drama are top-ranked and highly respected. These schools provide a solid foundation and exceptional training for those looking to pursue a career in acting. Other notable institutions include American Film Institute, USC School of Cinematic Arts, Chapman University, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.

Takeaway 2: Various options for acting programs

Whether you’re a high school student interested in summer intensives or a graduate seeking advanced studies, there are plenty of options available in the USA. For younger aspiring actors aged 12-16, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts offers a four-week summer intensive for stage and screen training. Universities like Arizona State University, California State University Long Beach, Brown University, Boston University, and Bennington College also have substantial acting programs. Additionally, Academy of Art University and Columbia University offer graduate degrees for further education.

Takeaway 3: Opportunities for Indian students

If you’re an Indian student looking to study performing arts in the USA, there are excellent choices available. The Juilliard School (New York), Yale School of Drama (Connecticut), and Tisch School of Arts at NYU (New York) are popular options that offer comprehensive programs tailored to meet your needs. These institutions provide a platform for Indian students to hone their skills and showcase their talent on an international stage.

Remember that each school has its own unique features and specializations that cater to different learning styles. It’s important for prospective students to thoroughly research each program before making a decision on where to apply.

If you want to pursue acting in the USA, you’ll find useful advice for choosing the right courses on our best acting classes page.



Understanding different methods and techniques can help you choose your best path, so make sure to delve into the resources found on our compilation of top acting classes.



No matter where in the USA you are situated, online learning offers flexibility that physical schools often can’t. Consider exploring our guide to the best online acting classes for a variety of comprehensive courses suitable for any schedule or location.

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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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