California Colleges with Top Theatre Programs

Hi everyone, looking for some advice here. I'm a high-school junior hoping to study theatre in college in California. I've looked at a bunch of lists but they are all kind of confusing. Does anyone have insights on the best colleges for theatre programs in California?

Absolutely, California has some phenomenal programs to offer in theatre studies. I'll try to provide an overview of some standout programs within the state.

1. UCLA: The School of Theater, Film, and Television at UCLA is one of the most prestigious programs in the country. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Theater that's quite comprehensive, covering aspects like acting, directing, playwriting, and design.

2. USC: The School of Dramatic Arts at USC offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media. USC's program has a strong emphasis on performance and also encourages students to take liberal arts courses.

3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): Known for its commitment to contemporary and experimental works, CalArts offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in a wide array of theater disciplines, including acting, directing, playwriting, puppetry, and design and production.

4. UC Berkeley: The Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies department at UC Berkeley offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies. The program intersects with other disciplines and strikes a fine balance between theory and practice.

Remember, choosing the right school for your goals and interests is crucial. Evaluate each program based on factors like curriculum, faculty, performance opportunities, alumni success, as well as your personal preferences and career goals. It's a good idea to visit the schools if you can, talk to current students, and try to sit in a class or see a performance. You want to make sure the program and the school as a whole is the right fit for you. Good luck with your college search process!