Recommended colleges for lighting design?

Lighting design has become a fascinating field for me, and I'm exploring colleges where I can study it seriously. Does anyone know any specific programs or schools that focus on lighting design? This niche seems intriguing!

Sure! Several universities offer robust programs in lighting design, often located within their theater or stage departments. Here are some you might consider:

1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts: Offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in design and production, with an emphasis on lighting design. The design and production department is well-regarded for preparing students for professional careers in the entertainment industry.

2. Carnegie Mellon University: Their School of Drama offers an undergraduate program that lets students specialize in lighting design. CMU is known for its rigorous curriculum and high placement rates in the industry.

3. Yale University: Though its lighting design program is part of its graduate school (MFA program), Yale's School of Drama is still renowned. The program boasts numerous alumni with successful careers in theater, film, and television.

4. New York University Tisch School of the Arts: The undergraduate Design Program for Stage & Film allows students to specialize in lighting design. The location of the school offers plenty of opportunities for exposure to the New York theater scene.

5. University of Wisconsin, Madison: Their Theatre Production program allows undergraduates to explore light design in a hands-on setting very early on.

Additionally, you might consider joining student-run theater groups or attending lighting design workshops and camps so you can gain practical experience. It's important, too, to look into schools' connections to internships or job placements post-graduation.

Remember to assess each school not just on its lighting design program, but also on other factors important to you, such as location, cost, student life, and general academic reputation.