You could be a good fit for the acting profession if you have ever been called dramatic, ambitious, or even a diva. But memorizing a few lines and acting out emotions isn't enough to become an actor. To become proficient at performing correctly, years of work and focus are needed, and we know just where to begin. To help you get started, the top ten acting schools worldwide are summarized below.
Top 10 Best Acting Schools in the World in 2023
10. Mountview Academy of Theater Arts, London
Image Source: Twitter
Being the home of one of the top acting schools globally, Mountview is an ideal choice for aspiring actors. Two theatres, twenty-three acting and dance studios, TV and radio suites, rehearsal spaces, conference rooms, and hip on-campus cafés and bars are just a few of the fantastic tools available to students at the school. The most sought-after program at the top acting institution is the BA Hons in Technical Production, Acting, and Stage Management.
- Fees: £14,000-£22,000
- Duration: 3 years
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- World Rank: NA
- Scholarship Provided: The Richard Wilson Scholarship
- Notable Alumni: Maria Aberg, Emily Aboud, and Kelly Adams
9. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, London
Image Source: Twitter
LAMDA, or the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, is regarded as one of the top acting schools in the world and was one of the original members of the Federation of Theatrical Schools. Several West End theatres, including Shakespeare's Globe, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Royal National Theatre, have employed former LAMDA students. LAMDA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses. It is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for acting, directing, producing, and technical arts.
- Fees: £18,000-£28,000
- Duration: 3 years
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- World Rank: 6
- Scholarship Provided: Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship
- Notable alumni: David Abeles, James Bundy, and Brian Cox
8. Juilliard School, New York
Image Source: Twitter
With good reason, Juilliard, Sharpay Evans' ideal school, is regularly ranked among the best acting programs worldwide. The most sought-after programs of the Juilliard School, one of the top acting schools, are the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Graduate Diploma.
- Fees: $30,000-$75,000
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: 7.4%
- World Rank: 1
- Best Acting Courses: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Graduate Diploma
- Scholarship Provided: The Kovner Fellowship
- Notable alumni: Viola Davis and Sara Ramirez
7. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Woking
Image Source: Twitter
Among the top acting schools in the world is the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. It makes sense that this esteemed university has produced great performers for more than a century. The Italia Conti Academy, which is situated in England, is renowned for its demanding curriculum and wide range of performance possibilities for students. The Diploma in Musical Theatre, BA Hons Dance program is the most popular degree offered by the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
- Fees: £20,000-£25,000
- Duration: 3 years
- Acceptance Rate: NA
- World Rank: NA
- Scholarship Provided: Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Scholarship
- Notable alumni: Zaraah Abrahams, Tony Adams, Brian Aherne, and Gabrielle Anwar
6. Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London
Image Source: Twitter
Many people consider the Guildhall School of Music & Drama to be among the top acting schools in the world. It is not among the top ten acting schools. It's situated right in the middle of London. Some of the biggest stars in entertainment have come from this esteemed university. Students can choose from a wide variety of performing possibilities and intensive instruction. The most popular subject at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama is the BA Hons acting program.
- Fees: £20,000-£25,000
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- World Rank: 7
- Scholarship Provided: Guildhall School Scholarships
- Notable alumni: Daniel Craig, Ewan McGregor, and Orlando Bloom
5. DePaul University's School of Theatre, Film, and Television, Chicago
Image Source: Twitter
The School of Theatre, Film, and Television at DePaul University is regarded as one of the top acting programs in the world. It has a long history of turning out talented actors and actresses who have found success in Hollywood and other industries. At DePaul University's School of Theatre, some of the most popular courses are in cinematography, directing, editing, and filmmaking. Filmmaking may be of interest to some of you, given the abundance of acting schools worldwide. View the top ten film schools in New York City!
- Fees: $35,000 - $40,000
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- World Rank: 11
- Scholarship Provided: Merle Reskin Scholarship
- Notable Alumni: Gillian Anderson, Judy Greer, and Joe Keery
4. Central School of Speech and Drama, London
Image Source: Twitter
The world is home to several performing arts schools. On the other hand, among the top acting programs worldwide is the Central School of Speech and Drama, generating incredible, gifted artists and entertainers. The school has created some of the most popular movies and TV series, such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. Its graduates have also provided jewels to the acting industry.
- Fees: £20,000 - £30,000
- Duration: 3 years
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- World Rank: 15
- Scholarship Provided: BA Acting Scholarship
- Notable alumni: Jason Isaacs, Kit Harrington, Martin Freeman, and Judi Dench
3. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Pittsburgh
Image Source: Twitter
One of the top acting programs in the world is provided by the CMU School of Drama. But fear not—those who are accepted find that their diligence pays off! The program is renowned for its hard workload and intense training. At the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Acting, Speech, Voice, and Movement is the most popular course.
- Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- World Rank: 5
- Scholarship Provided: Bernard Davis Scholarship
- Notable alumni: René Auberjonois, William Atherton, and Hale Appleman
2. California Institute of the Arts, Valencia
Image Source: Twitter
Walt Disney, the man who created the mouse, founded CalArts. Yes, it is correct—the main man himself is the creator of CalArts. Thus, it makes sense that the Institute offers excellent programs like a rigorous BFA for anybody interested in obtaining a degree in fine arts, in addition to housing one of the top acting schools in the world. At the California Institute of the Arts, BFA/MFA programs in drama, dance, music, and art are the most popular. To learn more about the job opportunities in drama, check out this blog.
- Fees: $35,000 - $75,000
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- World Rank: 17
- Scholarship Provided: Gary Katzenstein Scholarship
- Notable Alumni: Tim Burton, Alison Brie, and David Hasselhoff
1. The Old Globe and the University of San Diego, San Francisco
Image Source: Twitter
The Hollywood Reporter ranked The Hollywood Globe and the University of San Diego as two of the top acting schools in the world when they were founded in 1987. Renowned actor, director, and choreographer Jesse Perez is the head of the MFA acting program at The Old Globe, a historic theatre company that has collaborated with USD. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program is the most popular course offered by the University of San Diego and the Old Globe.
- Fees: $40,000 - $45,000
- Duration: 2 years
- Acceptance Rate: 2%
- World Rank: 8
- Scholarship Provided: The Craig Noel Scholarship
- Notable alumni: Jim Parsons
Also Read: Top Five Toughest Exams in India in 2023
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.