Best colleges with theater programs?

I'm super passionate about acting and theater, and I'm trying to figure out what colleges have the best theater programs. What should I prioritize in my search, and any specific schools known for theater?

When searching for colleges with strong theater programs, you'll want to consider a few different factors. First, look at the faculty: what is their background, and do they have direct experience in the areas of theater you're interested in? Next, consider what performance opportunities the program offers, both in number and variety. Is there a mainstage season? What types of plays or musicals do they put on? You may also want to explore whether a school has a good track record of alumni working in the industry. This could give you a sense of the actual results the program produces.

As for specific schools with renowned theater programs, I'd recommend starting with these:

- Juilliard School in New York - known for producing Broadway, film, and television actors.

- Tisch School of the Arts at New York University - offers intensive training and a wide array of performance opportunities.

- University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts - emphasizes contemporary thought in performance, voice, and movement.

- Carnegie Mellon University - their School of Drama is one of the oldest drama schools in the country.

- Yale University's School of Drama - notable for its playwriting program and repertory theater.

- London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in the U.K - these schools are often considered the 'gold standard' in theater education.

Keep in mind that college theater programs can be highly competitive, so don't limit yourself to just the top-tier programs. There are many fantastic programs out there that may not have the same level of name recognition but offer strong training and numerous opportunities!