Because twenty is a much larger number than five, the chances of getting into one of these drama schools are also greater. Let’s take a look at the Top 20 acting schools in the world. Who knows, maybe you’ll choose a top school from that list, focus on it, and get accepted. For any actor, getting into one of the world’s best acting schools would be a dream come true, so if you think you can do it, I say don’t waste your time reading this article and just do it!
However, I believe that some readers are here simply to see what schools I have chosen for my best acting schools in the world list and, more than likely, to criticize my choices. And now, without further ado, here is a list of the best acting schools in the world, arranged in no particular order.
The Top 20 Acting Schools in the World
1. Tisch School Of The Arts | New York City
The Tisch School of the Arts, or TSOA as it is also known, is a part of New York University. It was founded in 1965 and is now one of the foremost centers for the study of performing arts in the United States. Aside from well-known screen actors, Tisch has trained many of the most famous Broadway stars and is widely regarded as the country’s, if not the world’s, top “supplier” of musical actors. It’s a large university with over 3,000 undergraduates and about 1,000 postgraduates.
The school’s multiple artistic departments can explain a large number of students. Consider yourself an alumnus of one of the best acting schools in the world if you can graduate with a diploma from TSOA. Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ang Lee, Woody Allen, Joel Coen, Whoopi Goldberg, Marisa Tomei, Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Wright, Bridget Fonda, Anne Hathaway, Adam Sandler, Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ang Lee, Woody Allen, Joel Coen, Whoopi Goldberg, Marisa Tomei,
2. National Institute Of Dramatic Art | Kensington
Finally, an Australian school has made it onto our list of the best acting schools in the world. NIDA began in the suburbs of Sydney in 1958, with only 23 students and two teachers. It grew into Australia’s largest drama school and unquestionably one of the best acting schools in the world, sending a significant number of great actors to the United States and the United Kingdom. Only 4% of applicants pass their NIDA auditions; it’s not easy to get into, and it’s not easy to stay out, just like every other great drama school.
“I mean, I loved and hated NIDA,” Mel Gibson said. Having NIDA on your resume will undoubtedly put you on the map if you get the chance. Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett, Judy Davis, Baz Luhrmann, Hugo Weaving, and Sam Worthington are among the graduates.
3. Oxford School Of Drama | Woodstock
The drama school at Oxford is one of the country’s newest acting schools. Although it has only been around for about 26 years, it has already produced many talented and well-known performers. Because it’s a small school with only 18 students on a course, the competition for a spot at this school is fierce among elite wanna-be actors. This drama school is wholly independent and unaffiliated with any of the UK’s universities, and acceptance entails training at one of the world’s best acting schools.
Lee Boardman, Christina Cole, Catherine McCormack, Will Adamsdale, Claire Foy, and Anna Galvin are among the graduates.
4. Yale School Of Drama | New Haven
Yale, which first opened its doors in 1900, is undoubtedly one of the best acting schools in the world for training actors. It’s one of the most prestigious drama schools, and getting into it is a privilege, but staying and training there is even more difficult. If you choose it and get in, you won’t be able to audition for another four years because you won’t have the time or energy. This drama school is also well-known for rejecting talented actors solely based on their lack of talent; these are actors who have had successful careers.
Yes, keep in mind that getting into this drama school is more difficult than getting into a summer blockbuster film. Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver, Paul Newman, Angela Bassett, Courtney Vance, Henry Winkler, Charles Dutton, Dick Cavett, and John Turturro are some of the graduates.
5. American Conservatory Theater | San Francisco
As it’s also known, ACT was founded in Pittsburgh in 1965. It’s a resident company of top-tier professional actors who drew 7 million people to the Tony Award-winning shows at the theater. What’s more, students have the opportunity to audition for real ACT productions and are cast, giving them a massive amount of exposure and experience from a top-notch production in the acting industry. ACT is on this list of the best acting schools in the world because, like most of the top drama schools in America, it has trained actors whose names you may recognize and who may inspire you to apply for an audition.
Delroy Lindo, Anna Deavere Smith, Denzel Washington, Elizabeth Banks, Annette Bening, Winona Ryder, Nicolas Cage, Danny Glover, Teri Hatcher, Benjamin Bratt, and Darren Criss are among those who have graduated.
6. Guildhall School Of Music & Drama | London
It’s wonderful to be able to include GSMD once more, and there’s no doubt that it’s right up there with the best acting schools in the world. This drama school is one of the most prestigious in the UK, with alumni including Jacqueline du Pre and James Galway and actors who have made a name for themselves in both the UK and US markets. “Guildhall gives a broad training — it’s not prescriptive,” Dominic West says of GSMD. We can be adaptable.” “Getting in was like winning the lottery,” Michelle Dockery said.
Ewan McGregor, Joseph Fiennes, Daniel Craig, Rhys Ifans, Orlando Bloom, and Eileen Atkins are among the graduates.
7. University Of Southern California | Los Angeles
USC was established in 1880 as a research university in Los Angeles. While the University’s research department is well-known in and of itself, and USC is not solely dedicated to drama, its drama department is thought to be strong enough to compete with the best acting schools in the world. It is ranked among the best theater programs in the country for a reason: it has produced several successful actors over the years. Because that’s what it takes to make it here, students at USC are already trained in acting and business.
Los Angeles residents are the best people to ask about this. Forest Whitaker, Kelly Preston, Lisa Ling, John Wayne, Michael Landon, John Ritter, LeVar Burton, Rob Estes, Kyra Sedgwick, Tom Selleck, Ally Sheedy, Cybill Shepherd, Sophia Bush, Robert Stack, Robert Zemeckis are among those who have graduated.
8. University Of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles
Next on the list of best-acting schools in the world is another Los Angeles-based research university with a long list of successful actors on its resume. It was founded in 1882 and has since grown to become a significant part of California’s economy. Furthermore, UCLA has produced some of the greatest names in the industry, some of whom are likely to have inspired you to pursue a career as an actor. UCLA’s actor training, like USC’s, emphasizes screen work and business knowledge; there’s no way around it for an actor who wants to make it in Hollywood.
One of the best study opportunities an actor can get is at their world-class drama department. James Dean, Tom Skerritt, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Englund, Elizabeth Berkley, Lloyd Bridges, James Coburn, Jayne Mansfield, Rob Reiner, Tim Robbins, Ben Stiller, Jaleel White, Mayim Bialik, Jack Black, James Dean, Tom Skerritt, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Englund, Elizabeth Berkley, Lloyd Bridges, James Coburn, Jayne Mansfield, Rob Reiner, Tim Robbins,
9. Juilliard School | New York City
It had to be on the list of best-acting schools in the world, and I’m sure you were expecting it. Juilliard, widely regarded as the best drama school in the world, tops our list of the best acting schools in the world, in no particular order. Juilliard began as the Institute of Musical Art in 1905. They currently train about 800 students per year and have produced some of the world’s most illustrious graduates. Getting into Juilliard is actually more difficult than getting into Harvard. As I previously stated, it doesn’t get any more prestigious than that.
Kevin Spacey, Robin Williams, Val Kilmer, Christopher Reeve, Ving Rhames, Kelsey Grammer, Eriq La Salle, Kevin Kline, and William Hurt are among the graduates.
10. Italia Conti Academy Of Theatre Arts | London
Italia Conti was founded in 1911 and is named after the company’s founder, Italia Conti, a well-known female actor at the time. This drama school has always taken a modern approach to actor training that is based on the core of traditional skills, with a strong emphasis on on-screen acting. Many professionals at this school work in the industry, which means you’ll have a lot of opportunities after you graduate. Noel Coward, Russell Brand, and Leslie Phillips are among the graduates.
11. Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art | London
And now, in no particular order, comes the UK’s royalty for a list of the best acting schools in the world. RADA was founded in 1904 and is widely regarded as one of the best acting schools in the world and one of the most difficult to gain admission to in the United Kingdom. It is given this name for a reason: it exudes a royal aura. There are classes where only one teacher and up to three students are present. The Beatles are said to have become famous as a result of their RADA-trained manager teaching them how to be dramatic.
If you’re accepted, you’ll be on the radar of agents and casting directors after graduation. The graduates are Peter O’Toole, Mike Leigh, Joan Collins, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes, and Vivien Leigh.
12. London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Arts | London
LAMDA is one of the world’s oldest drama schools. It has produced some truly exceptional talent since its founding in 1861. 19 BAFTAs, 4 Academy Awards, 16 Golden Globes, 36 Olivier Awards, and 12 Tony Awards have already been won by graduates of this drama school. Apart from the fact that this school appears to be a strong contender, anyone who can add LAMDA to their resume will gain significant ground in the areas of excellent training and showbiz connections.
The graduates are Donald Sutherland, John Lithgow, Jim Broadbent, Swoosie Kurtz, and Brian Cox.
13. Mountview Academy Of Theater Arts | London
As it is known, Mountview is now one of the most prestigious drama schools in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1945, and our favorite ‘M,’ Dame Judi Dench, is the current president. Professional stage training is emphasized at the school, but there is also an introduction to related industries. There are claims that Mountview continues to support its graduates months, if not years after they graduate. So, if that’s something you’re interested in (long-term connections, why not?), you should strongly consider applying to Mountview. But make sure you have what it takes to get into one of the world’s best acting schools. Brendan Coyle, Denise Welch, and Eddie Marsan are among the graduates.
14. Depaul University | Chicago
Another research university on our list of the best acting schools in the world, with a theatrical department that can compete with any other drama school in the world. DePaul University, which was founded in 1898, is now the top acting school in America’s second-best theater city, Chicago. Like the majority of the other universities and drama schools on this list, DePaul University has produced several well-known and talented actors and deserves to remain on the list.
“There’s something in the Chicago water.” “It’s a great place for actors, and DePaul is a great place for actors,” producer Laurence Mark said. Elizabeth Perkins, John C. Reilly, Gillian Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Judy Greer, Karl Malden, and Joe Mantegna were among the graduates.
15. The Actors Studio | New York City
I’ve left The Actors Studio off of every other list I’ve made, but I’m glad to finally have the chance to include it among the best acting schools in the world. This drama school has undergone significant transformations, most recently joining Pace University in 2006. Many actors refer to Actors Studio as a “holy place,” and it’s easy to see why after looking at the list of graduates that I couldn’t finish.
The Actors Studio had some of the best teachers, including Lee Strasberg, Harold Clurman, Elia Kazan, Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, and Robert Lewis, and had the most powerful history of all drama schools in the world, built on the foundation of world-famous Group Theater. Ellen Burstyn, Harvey Keitel, and Al Pacino are the current co-presidents. Mark Rydell and Martin Landau are co-artistic directors.
Marlon Brando, Julia Roberts, Montgomery Clift, Robert DeNiro, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Walken, Sidney Poitier, Jack Nicholson, Eric Stoltz, Jane Fonda, Shelley Winters, Gene Wilder, Mickey Rourke, Carroll Baker, Steven Hill, Paul Newman, Eli Wallach, Dustin Hoffman, Sissy Spacek, Ellen Burstyn, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Chazz Palm
16. Royal Conservatoire Of Scotland | Glasgow
A drama school for actors in Scotland is another option on the list of best-acting schools in the world. The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) is a prestigious drama school that was founded in 1847. Prince Charles is currently a patron of the Academy, assisting in the school’s continued existence as a thriving conservatoire. Aside from excellent undergraduate and graduate programs, RCS also offers a Junior Academy of Drama for young people under the age of 18 who want to get a head start in their acting careers.
It is undoubtedly one of the world-famous locations where you will not be disappointed by your training. Robert Carlyle, John Hannah, Billy Boyd, and Angela Lonsdale are among the graduates.
17. Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh
The institution, which Andrew Carnegie founded, has been in existence since 1900. CMU has done enough to earn a spot on the list of the best acting schools in the world in the time since it established its drama department. What have they accomplished? They honed the skills of some of America’s best actors, who have gone on to win six Oscars and 96 Emmys. “It was a four-year playground,” Zachary Quinto was quoted as saying about his time at CMU.
“I loved being able to take a script apart in purely technical terms to learn about a character using this very pragmatic tool,” Holly Hunter added. It was there that I learned it.” Definitely worthy of inclusion on our list of the best acting schools in the world. The graduates are Steven Bochco, Paula Wagner, Ted Danson, Rob Marshall, Patrick Wilson, John Wells, Zachary Quinto, and Holly Hunter.
18. Central School Of Speech And Drama | London
CSSD has resurfaced on the list of the best acting schools in the world, and it is well deserved. CSSD is a prestigious theater and drama school that was established in 1906. To say that you were able to fill a space in Central, as it’s also known, is a noteworthy accomplishment. This drama school has produced some extremely talented actors who have found success on stage and in film/TV over the years.
This is one of London’s most unique centers for aspiring actors, always ready to offer a new form of theater and film acting training. The graduates are Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Judi Dench, Peggy Ashcroft, Harold Pinter, and Vanessa Redgrave.
19. Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama | Cardiff
RWCMD has moved from the top of the UK’s list to our list of the best acting schools in the world. RWCMD — the National Conservatoire of Wales — was founded in Cardiff Castle in 1949 and is on par with all other great drama schools in the United Kingdom, if not the world. According to what I’ve read about this school, they take excellent care of their students both during and after their studies to help them get started in the industry.
The school has strong ties to local television stations, invites casting directors regularly, and puts on over 300 public performances each year. If you live in or near Cardiff, Wales, consider applying to this drama school; you will not be disappointed. Sir Anthony Hopkins, Rob Brydon, and Ruth Jones are among the graduates.
20. California Institute Of The Arts | Valencia
CalArts is another well-known drama school on the best acting schools in the world list that is close to Hollywood. CalArts, which was founded in 1961 in Valencia, Los Angeles County, is responsible for bringing a large number of talented actors to the American market. CalArts is now referred to as “the hub of a vast network of artistic and professional relationships that spans the globe,” thanks to Travis Preston’s quote. CalArts students are said to have worked with the Wooster Group, Andre Gregory, Magnetic Fields composer Stephin Merritt, and avant-garde dramatist Richard Foreman, among others.
Katey Sagal, Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, Condola Rashad, Eliza Coupe, and Alison Brie are among the graduates.
How to Get into the Best Acting Schools in the World?
First and foremost, a disclaimer: for this small list of the best acting schools in the world, we have only included drama schools from English-speaking countries. We are well aware of the great actors’ training in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as the philosophical and physical approaches of French, Italian, Spanish, and other acting schools. However, we’re trying to provide as much information as possible to our UK and US-based aspiring actors who want to attend one of the best acting schools in the world while still being able to communicate in their native language.
Because we believe the vast majority of them will want to train in their native tongue. We sincerely hope that our international friends will pardon us. The best-acting schools in the world, as expected, are mostly from the United States and the United Kingdom. Obviously, the scene is dominated by London and New York City, the two best theater cities with the longest and most in-depth theatrical histories. However, the best screen acting training is provided by California drama schools, all four of them, whies as no surprise to me.
And, as I previously stated, American actor training differs significantly from that of the United Kingdom, as many current actors forego diplomas in favor of private acting schools. I’d like to emphasize that the list is not in any particular order. I also tried to mix up all of the schools in comparison to other lists so that one drama school could be at the top of one list but at the bottom of another. It’s also critical that you realize that hard work triumphs over all else and that if you can get into ANY of these schools, you could be as successful as any of the graduates.
It’s all about you and very little, if anything, about where you’re studying. Take a look at my lists of Best Acting Schools in the UK, Best Drama Schools in London, Best Drama Schools in the UK, and Drama Clubs in London for more specific options than just the best acting schools in the world. An actor from the United Kingdom might find this to be extremely useful information.
Conclusion
The top 20 best acting colleges in the world have been discussed previously. Many people aspire to study at institutes, but only the most gifted individuals are eligible. You can get a clear idea about the best institute by reading the above-mentioned information.
Lastly, the Moden News team will appreciate you more if you check out our Reviews category. And also drop your comments, so we can know how to serve you better and equally bring you more information.