The best high schools for acting & theatre
Want to pursue a career in the spotlight? These schools can help you get there.
Interlochen Arts Academy students perform a scene from Susan Pak's play The Great MC.
For aspiring actors, the high school years are a critical period when talent is nurtured, skills are honed, and artistic foundations are established. Specialized high school theatre programs offer more than just extracurricular activities: They provide comprehensive training that can shape a student's entire career trajectory. These programs deliver professional-level instruction, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and performance opportunities that simulate real-world theatre experience.
The benefits of attending a high school with an exceptional theatre program extend far beyond the stage. Students gain college preparation through specialized coursework and portfolio development, build invaluable industry connections through guest artist visits and alumni networks, and develop transferable skills like collaboration, time management, and creative problem-solving. Whether you plan to pursue theatre as a lifelong profession or simply want to be part of a supportive artistic community during your formative years, choosing the right program can make all the difference.
What makes a great high school for acting and theatre?
The best high school theatre programs share several distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from typical educational offerings. When evaluating potential schools, consider these key factors:
Faculty expertise
Elite programs are led by faculty with professional credits, advanced degrees, and teaching experience that spans multiple theatrical disciplines. Look for instructors who maintain active careers in the industry, bringing current practices and standards directly into the classroom. The strongest programs feature faculty specializing in various areas—acting, directing, theatrical design, voice, movement, and production—creating a comprehensive learning environment.
Many top schools regularly invite guest artists and industry professionals to lead master classes, direct productions, and provide students with diverse perspectives. These connections often lead to meaningful mentorship relationships that extend beyond graduation.
Facilities and resources
A program's physical infrastructure significantly impacts the quality of education delivered. Premier schools typically feature:
- Professional-quality performance venues with advanced lighting, sound, and set capabilities
- Multiple rehearsal spaces designed for different types of theatrical work
- Scene and costume shops equipped with industry-standard tools and materials
- Design labs with current technology for set, lighting, and projection design
- Resource libraries containing scripts, scores, and reference materials
Schools investing in these resources demonstrate a commitment to providing students with professional-level training environments.
Performance and competition opportunities
Exceptional programs offer frequent, diverse performance opportunities throughout the academic year. Students should have access to:
- A season of mainstage productions spanning different genres and periods
- Shows featuring student-directed and student-written works
- Scene showcases and studio productions
- Opportunities to participate in prestigious competitions and festivals like the National Shakespeare Competition, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, National High School Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards), and regional auditions and/or showcases
These experiences allow students to apply classroom learning while building confidence and professional resilience.
Alumni success and college placement
The achievements of program graduates speak volumes about a school's effectiveness. Top schools proudly track alumni accomplishments in collegiate programs, professional theatre, film, television, and related industries. Strong programs also demonstrate excellent college placement rates at prestigious theatre institutions like Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, NYU Tisch, Yale School of Drama, and similar conservatories.
Top high schools for acting and theatre
Interlochen Arts Academy (Interlochen, Michigan)
Set amidst 1,200 acres of forest in northern Michigan, Interlochen Arts Academy is one of the nation's most prestigious boarding schools for young artists. The theatre program emphasizes a conservatory approach while maintaining strong academic standards, creating well-rounded performers prepared for collegiate and professional success.
Interlochen's Theatre Division offers intensive training in three focus areas: acting, musical theatre, and theatre design and production. Students receive approximately three to four hours of theatre instruction daily alongside their academic coursework. The program produces a wide variety of productions annually in their state-of-the-art facilities, including the 952-seat Corson Auditorium and the intimate Harvey Theatre. Notable alumni include actors Jennifer Ehle, Elizabeth Marvel, and Benjamin Walker; actor and director Michael Arden; and scenic designer Dane Laffrey. The school's connections to professional theatre companies and university programs prove invaluable during the college application process, with graduates regularly earning admission to top conservatories worldwide.
Other top high school theatre programs include:
- Baltimore School of the Arts (Baltimore, Maryland)
- Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (Dallas, Texas)
- Denver School of the Arts (Denver, Colorado)
- Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (New York, New York)
- Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (Los Angeles, California)
- Orange County School of the Arts (Santa Ana, California)
How to choose the right school
Finding the ideal high school theatre program requires careful consideration of multiple factors:
Program focus and compatibility
Research each school's philosophical approach to theatre education. Some programs emphasize classical training and text-based work, while others focus more on contemporary techniques or musical theatre. Review curriculum details to ensure alignment with your specific interests and goals.
Location and lifestyle considerations
Consider whether a boarding school, urban arts magnet, or local program best suits your needs. Each environment offers distinct advantages: Boarding schools provide immersive communities, urban programs offer professional connections, and local options allow maintaining existing support networks.
Student experience
Whenever possible, visit prospective schools to observe classes, meet current students, and experience the culture firsthand. Student testimonials often reveal important insights about workload balance, community dynamics, and overall satisfaction that marketing materials might not address.
Conclusion
The journey toward a career in theatre often begins with foundational training received during the high school years. The institutions highlighted in this article represent some of America's finest theatre education programs, each offering unique approaches to developing young talent. Whether through public arts magnets or specialized conservatory programs, today’s aspiring theatre artists have unprecedented access to professional-level training.
As you explore these options, remember that the "best" program ultimately depends on individual goals, learning styles, and personal circumstances. Consider organizing visits to schools that interest you, speaking with current students and faculty, and assessing how each program's strengths align with your theatrical aspirations.
The skills developed through intensive theatre training—creativity, collaboration, empathy, critical thinking, and communication—serve students well regardless of their eventual career paths. By investing in specialized theatre education during these formative years, students gain not only artistic technique but also the confidence and versatility to succeed in any future endeavor.
Take the next step in your theatrical journey by reaching out to admissions departments, attending open houses, and scheduling auditions at programs that interest you. The stage awaits!
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