Best colleges for acting?

I'm passionate about acting and considering pursuing it in college. What are some of the best colleges for acting in the U.S.? Would love to hear about hidden gems besides the big names.

Absolutely, I'd love to share some recommendations for strong acting programs.

Firstly, you can't go wrong with the classics - Juilliard School in New York City and Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. But it's important to remember that top-tier programs also come with tough competition, both for admission and once you're in the program.

However, there are plenty of other colleges with strong acting programs worth considering. Here are a few examples:

1. University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts: USC offers a BFA in Acting that balances intensive conservatory-style training with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum.

2. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama: This school is renowned for its intense program and excellent faculty. They have a BFA in Drama that could be perfect for a passionate actor.

3. Emerson College: Over at Emerson, they focus on holistic actor education with programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre and Performance, and Theatre Design/Technology.

4. Northwestern University's School of Communications: Northwestern students can study theatre alongside film and other arts, promoting a well-rounded understanding of performance.

5. DePaul University's Theatre School: DePaul offers a hands-on, conservatory-style BFA program in Acting that has produced numerous successful actors.

6. The Boston Conservatory at Berklee: If you're interested in musical theater as well as acting, this could be a great choice. Their programs emphasize both craft and the business of performing.

Remember, successful application to these programs often entails auditions, interviews, or both. Each program has its unique approach to teaching and theater, so do your due diligence and research each program to see which one aligns best with your goals and aspirations as an actor.