Top 10 acting schools and workshops around the world
Published: 9/13/2024
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Unlock your acting potential — Explore the best acting schools and workshops worldwide
Choosing the right acting education is crucial to honing your craft and advancing in the competitive acting industry. This guide delves into the best acting schools, top acting programs, and renowned acting workshops that provide the skills and connections necessary for success.
Why acting education matters
Skill development
Comprehensive training
Acting schools offer in-depth training in areas such as voice modulation, movement, and improvisation. Top acting programs focus on specialized techniques, helping actors develop their own unique styles and improve performance quality.
Networking opportunities
Industry connections
Reputable acting institutions often have strong ties with industry professionals, allowing students to make valuable contacts that can lead to career opportunities. These connections can be formed through classmates, instructors, and alumni who are already established in the industry.
Professional exposure
Showcases and performances
Acting schools frequently hold showcases where students can perform in front of agents, casting directors, and industry professionals. Many institutions also offer internships or acting workshops to give students hands-on experience.
Choose the right acting school or workshop for you
Research and check reviews
Online reviews
Look at reviews from former students to gauge the quality of training and success of the school's alumni.
Faculty credentials
Research the qualifications and experience of the instructors to ensure you're learning from industry professionals.
Program offerings
Course variety
Find a school that offers courses aligned with your career goals, whether you're interested in theater, film, or improvisation.
Flexibility
Check if the program accommodates part-time or intensive courses that fit your schedule.
Location and facilities
Industry hub
Choosing a school in major entertainment hubs like New York, Los Angeles, or London provides better networking opportunities.
Facilities
Ensure the school has modern theaters, studios, and equipment for acting classes and showcases.
Photo source — Obie Fernandez, Unsplash
Top 10 acting schools and workshops around the world
USA & Canada
Juilliard School, New York
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- Known for its rigorous curriculum, Juilliard has produced some of the best actors in the world
- BFA and MFA in Drama
- Robin Williams, Jessica Chastain, Adam Driver
Actors Studio Drama School, New York
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- Famous for method acting, this school focuses on an intensive acting workshop approach
- MFA in Acting, Directing, and Playwriting
- Bradley Cooper, Sally Field, Harvey Keitel
Yale School of Drama, New Haven
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- Known for its world-class faculty and curriculum, Yale offers comprehensive acting education
- MFA in Acting, Directing, and Playwriting
- Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Paul Giamatti
Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York/Los Angeles
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- Specializing in method acting, this institution is steeped in a rich history of acting education
- Full-time, part-time, and summer intensive programs
- Al Pacino, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie
American Conservatory Theater (ACT), San Francisco
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- ACT offers classical theater training with a focus on contemporary techniques
- MFA in Acting, studio programs, and summer intensives
- Denzel Washington, Annette Bening, Elizabeth Banks
Second City, Chicago/USA, Toronto/Canada
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- Renowned for improvisation, Second City has helped launch careers of top comedians and actors
- Conservatory, specialized acting workshops, and intensives
- Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler
Photo credits — Gabriele Stravinskaite, Unsplash
UK
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- RADA is one of the oldest acting schools, offering prestigious classical training
- BA in Acting, along with short acting workshops
- Sir Anthony Hopkins, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Alan Rickman
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), London
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- With a long history of drama education, LAMDA prepares students for careers on stage and screen
- BA and MFA in Professional Acting, short courses
- Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Ruth Wilson
Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- Guildhall provides thorough training for versatile performers, making it a top choice for aspiring actors
- BA and MA in Acting, short courses
- Daniel Craig, Ewan McGregor, Michaela Coel
Photo credits — Voyage pro, Unsplash
Australia
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Sydney
Overview, programs, notable alumni
- NIDA is Australia’s premier performing arts institution, known for world-class training
- BFA, MFA, and short courses in acting
- Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Hugo Weaving
Verdict — Why reputable acting institutions are game-changing for your future acting career
Attending one of the best acting schools or participating in renowned acting workshops can significantly enhance your career. From top acting programs to the networking opportunities they provide, these institutions offer crucial training and exposure that can propel you to success. Whether you choose Juilliard, RADA, NIDA, or another leading school, the key is to align the program with your career goals.
