10 Best Performing Arts Colleges Worldwide

In Performing Arts, creativity meets discipline, and passion takes center stage. To launch your career in this dynamic field, choosing the right college for a performing arts degree is essential. 

Whether you aspire to be an actor, dancer, musician, or theater enthusiast, start by selecting the best institution to refine your craft. 

This guide covers Performing Arts colleges, the benefits of pursuing a degree in this discipline, available majors, crucial factors for choosing the right college, and a curated list of top institutions.

Benefits of Having a Degree in Performing Arts

A Performing Arts degree goes beyond applause, offering personal, artistic, and professional advantages.

It refines creativity, fosters personal growth, and provides a unique journey beyond the stage. 

Explore the comprehensive benefits below 

1. Cultivation of Creativity and Expression

A Performing Arts degree is a melting pot for creativity. Students explore and express their artistic visions through acting, dancing, or musical performances. 

The curriculum has improvisation exercises and collaborative projects, fostering innovative approaches to artistic expression. 

2. Development of Discipline and Work Ethic

Success in performing arts demands a strong work ethic and discipline. Rehearsals and performances require dedication and time management. 

Performing arts builds a rock-solid work ethic that you can carry with you for life. It helps students tackle any challenge, big or small, and achieve their dreams in any field they choose.

3. Enhanced Communication Skills

Performing arts education sharpens communication skills. Actors, dancers, and musicians convey emotions, stories, and messages effectively. 

This results in heightened verbal and non-verbal communication skills, proving valuable in professional and personal interactions. 

4. Confidence Building and Self-Discovery

Stepping onto the stage to perform requires courage and self-assurance. Performing arts programs offer a supportive environment to overcome stage fright, build confidence, and discover students’ authentic selves. 

Through self-reflection and exploration of diverse roles, students get to understand their identity and strengths, fostering a strong sense of self beyond the performance space.

5. Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration is vital to performing arts. Students learn collaboration and teamwork by being a part of a theater ensemble, dance troupe, or musical ensemble. 

Negotiating creative decisions and synchronizing performances instill a collaborative spirit valuable in any professional setting requiring teamwork.

6. Adaptability and Resilience

Live performances demand adaptability and resilience. Handling unexpected challenges and adapting to different roles and genres equips performing arts students with the capacity to navigate change. 

This adaptability extends to real-world situations, fostering resilience in dynamic professional landscapes.

7. Pathways to Diverse Career Opportunities

A Performing Arts degree opens doors to diverse career paths. Beyond the stage, graduates find opportunities in arts management, production, education, and entertainment. 

Creativity, communication, and collaboration skills make performing arts alumni well-suited for roles in marketing, public relations, business, and other innovative industries.

8. Cultural Enrichment and Global Perspective

Studying performing arts involves exploring diverse cultural expressions and traditions. Exposure to various forms of art enriches cultural awareness and fosters a global perspective. 

This cultural fluency becomes a valuable asset in an interconnected world, promoting understanding and collaboration across diverse communities.

9. Networking and Industry Exposure

Performing arts programs offer opportunities to connect with industry professionals, participate in internships, and showcase talents to a broader audience. 

Networking within the performing arts community helps find mentorships, collaborations, and potential career opportunities, benefitting students at the start of their professional arena.

10. Personal Fulfillment and Lifelong Passion

A Performing Arts degree is a journey of personal fulfillment and lifelong passion. Graduates carry not only a qualification but also a deep connection to their craft. 

The memories of performances, lessons learned, and enduring love for the arts become a source of inspiration and fulfillment throughout their lives.

As we wrap up our look at the benefits of a Performing Arts degree, let’s shift our focus to the different majors that interest aspiring artists.

Majors in Performing Arts

Performing Arts education offers a diverse range of majors, each providing a unique path for artistic exploration and expertise. Let’s take a look at the options students have on this path:

1. Drama and Theater Arts:

Drama and Theater Arts majors explore the world of dramatic expression. Beyond learning lines, students engage in deep script analysis, character development, and practical experiences like stage direction. 

Graduates get the opportunity to become actors, directors, set designers, and drama educators, contributing to live performances.

2. Dance:

Dance majors study various styles, learn choreography, and explore the historical and cultural dimensions of dance. 

Graduates become professional dancers, choreographers, dance instructors, or even dance therapists, using the art of movement for both artistic expression and well-being.

3. Music:

Music majors engage in various forms of musical expression, covering classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. Students dive deep into music theory, giving them a great understanding of composition and musical structure.

Graduates become versatile musicians, composers, music teachers, or conductors, shaping the auditory landscape with their artistic endeavors.

4. Film and Television:

Film and Television majors bridge the gap between performing arts and visual storytelling. Beyond acting, students learn scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing.

Graduates step into the limelight as actors in film or television, screenwriters, directors, or cinematographers, influencing visual storytelling.

5. Musical Theater:

This major blends acting, dance, and music seamlessly to tell compelling stories on stage. Vocal performance takes the lead, with students mastering the art of singing while conveying emotion. 

The major emphasizes collaboration, preparing graduates for careers as musical theater actors, singers, dancers, or choreographers, contributing to the world of musical storytelling.

6. Technical Theater and Design:

This major takes on the behind-the-scenes responsibilities ensuring a seamless and visually stunning live performance. Studies cover set design, lighting, and sound engineering

Graduates find themselves as set designers, lighting technicians, sound engineers, or even technical directors, shaping the visual and auditory aspects of live performances.

7. Arts Management:

Arts Management navigates the intersection of artistic vision and organizational proficiency. Beyond creative aspects, students delve into arts administration, event planning, fundraising, and marketing. 

Graduates become arts administrators, event coordinators, or marketing specialists, contributing to the success of performing arts organizations.

8. Comedy and Improvisation:

Comedy and Improvisation specialize students in making people laugh. Beyond humor, students learn comedic writing, timing, and delivery that brings laughter. 

Graduates become stand-up comedians, comedic actors, or comedy writers, bringing joy and laughter to audiences through their unique talents.

With our knowledge of the various majors in Performing Arts, let’s move forward to the key factors to consider when selecting the ideal Performing Arts college.

Things to Consider Before Selecting a Performing Arts College

Selecting the perfect Performing Arts college involves examining crucial factors that shape the overall educational experience.

Here’s a quick look at what to consider:

1. Program Specialization and Majors:

A good Performing Arts program should offer diverse majors, from traditional ones like drama and music to innovative options like musical theater. 

Look for flexibility within majors to customize your education based on your evolving artistic interests and career goals.

2. Faculty Expertise:

Check the faculty’s professional background. Beyond academic qualifications, consider their industry experience, such as performances, choreography, or musical compositions. 

Faculty with practical insights from the field and industry connections can enhance your learning experience.

3. Performance Opportunities:

Assess the frequency and variety of performance opportunities. A strong program should provide a regular schedule of productions, concerts, and dance recitals, offering a broad range of artistic expressions. 

Easily accessible opportunities at different academic levels ensure a well-rounded education.

4. Alumni Success:

Explore the achievements of program alumni in acting, dance, music, and production. Success stories indicate the college’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for successful careers. 

Look for alumni with notable contributions to the arts and entertainment world, providing evidence of the program’s impact.

5. Location and Cultural Scene:

Consider the college’s location. Proximity to vibrant arts hubs exposes students to cultural events, performances, and industry connections. 

A rich local cultural scene enhances the learning experience, providing inspiration and diverse perspectives beyond the campus.

6. Reputation and Accreditation:

Investigate the program’s reputation and accreditation from reputable organizations like the National Association of Schools of Theatre or the National Association of Schools of Dance. 

Recognition for excellence and adherence to industry standards enhance the credibility of your education.

With these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect college for yourself. Now, let’s transition to the next segment, where we highlight the top-performing arts colleges worldwide.

The Best Performing Arts Colleges Worldwide

From legendary theaters to state-of-the-art studios, these colleges offer a transformative environment for aspiring artists to refine their skills and embark on a creative journey.

1. The Juilliard School – New York, USA:

Juilliard is more than a performing arts school, it’s a launchpad for artistic innovators, global citizens, and future legends.

Its Center for Innovation in the Arts explores the intersection of art and technology, with initiatives like the Juilliard AR/VR Theater and the Future of Music Lab. 

It boasts a global network of partnerships, from summer programs in Florence to exchange programs with prestigious institutions like the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. 

Students gain international exposure, diverse perspectives, and a chance to hone their craft on a global stage. 

From violin virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma to actor Jessica Chastain, students learn from the best, gaining invaluable insights and mentorship from those who’ve redefined their respective fields.

Its rigorous academic program fosters critical thinking, leadership skills, and artistic entrepreneurship. Graduates leave equipped to navigate the complexities of the art world, both on and off stage.

2. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) – London, UK:

RADA is committed to providing top-notch training in dramatic arts. They offer specialized training for actors, stage managers, designers, and technical stagecraft specialists. 

With a history spanning over a century, the Academy is a global leader in acting and theatre production disciplines. 

RADA collaborates with both UK and international organizations, forming creative partnerships to deliver world-class training to a diverse and ever-expanding community. 

These partnerships facilitate the exchange of ideas, development of best practices, and collaboration with a wide range of theatre-makers, including Warner Bros. Entertainment and Women@RADA. 

Their buildings seamlessly blend heritage with modern facilities to meet the demands of contemporary theatre training.

3. Berklee College of Music – Boston, USA:

Berklee is a music lover’s paradise, where innovation grooves with tradition, global beats mingle, and the future of music is born. 

Berklee embraces a “music without borders” philosophy. From hip-hop to bluegrass, electronic to flamenco, students learn diverse genres, collaborating and cross-pollinating to craft unique sonic blends.

With campuses in Spain and Valencia, online programs, and international partnerships, students become global citizens, connecting with great artists and learning from the world’s richest musical traditions.

Berklee hosts a vibrant calendar of public events, from student showcases to masterclasses with music legends.

The college offers courses in music business, artist development, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with the skills to build sustainable careers.

4. Paris National Conservatory – Paris, France:

At CNSMDP, centuries of artistic lineage dance with the avant-garde. Renowned masters guide students through the classical canon, while cutting-edge programs like “Musique & Numérique” and “Théâtre & Nouvelles Technologies” push boundaries and explore the future of art. 

Students from around the globe come together, exchanging cultures, languages, and artistic perspectives.

This cross-pollination fuels creativity and fosters a unique global artistic identity in each graduate.

At CNSMDP, musicians collaborate with dancers, actors with filmmakers, and composers with technologists.

The college prepares well-rounded artists by embedding critical thinking, entrepreneurial skills, and cultural awareness. 

Students take their art to the Paris streets, performing in iconic venues like the Philharmonie de Paris and collaborating with Parisian arts organizations.

5. National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) – Sydney, Australia:

NIDA is where raw talent meets rigorous training, Aussie grit meets global connections, and storytelling with soul takes center stage. NIDA regularly hosts open rehearsals, workshops, and talks by renowned artists.

The curriculum pushes students beyond their comfort zones to hone their craft. 

From voice and movement to improvisation and script analysis, NIDA graduates are chameleons, ready to tackle any role, any accent, any stage.

International partnerships, alumni networks, and student exchanges ensure graduates are plugged into the global theatre scene, while the unique Australian perspective shines through in every performance

The institute recognizes the diverse talent pool across Australia, offering regional outreach programs and scholarships, ensuring that the spotlight shines on talent from every corner of the outback.

6. Shanghai Theatre Academy – Shanghai, China:

Shanghai Theatre Academy is a cultural kaleidoscope where East and West meet, and artists emerge ready to illuminate the global stage.

Students learn the Kunqu Opera and Shakespearean sonnets, mastering both traditional and modern storytelling.

The legendary “ironclad discipline” pushes students beyond their limits, honing their physical and mental agility. 

From hours of vocal training to grueling acrobatic exercises, STA graduates are ready to captivate audiences with their technical prowess and emotional depth.

STA’s reach extends beyond Shanghai’s skyline. International partnerships, student exchanges, and alumni networks ensure graduates are global citizens of theatre, while their profound understanding of Chinese culture adds a unique richness to their artistry.

The college provides programs in film, television, and digital media to help students thrive in the ever-evolving world of entertainment. 

7. Tisch School of the Arts, New York University – New York, USA:

Tisch is a creative ecosystem, aspiring actors don’t just learn Shakespeare, they rehearse on Broadway stages alongside seasoned professionals. 

Its Experimental Theatre Program is a playground for the avant-garde, where students push boundaries with immersive installations, digital narratives, and genre-bending performances. 

Study abroad programs in London, Shanghai, and Ghana immerse students in diverse artistic landscapes.

From actors and dancers co-creating new works to filmmakers and composers brainstorming in shared studios, this is a community where artistic synergy reigns.

From entrepreneurship courses to artist management programs, graduates leave equipped to navigate the industry, build careers, and become leaders in the creative realm.

From game design and animation to interactive media and sound design, Tisch offers a kaleidoscope of artistic avenues, ensuring there’s a creative playground for everyone.

8. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Glasgow, UK:

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a gateway to a life lived on stage, behind the scenes, and beyond the curtain. 

Its unique programs like Performance and technology, Theatre and film, and Songwriting and producing blend music, theatre, and technology in exciting new ways. 

RCS has five state-of-the-art performance venues, including the iconic Theatre Royal, which are open doors to the wider community.

Students gain experience by performing for real audiences and honing their craft under professional productions.

Renowned actors, musicians, and directors like David Tennant, James MacMillan, and Janice Dunn train and inspire students at the college, sharing their wisdom and industry secrets. 

Students collaborate with local organizations, perform in iconic venues across the city, and leave their mark on the vibrant cultural scene.

Programs in arts management, music business, and creative entrepreneurship set the graduates up for success

9. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts – Hong Kong:

HKAPA offers students the graceful movements of Chinese Opera alongside the electrifying energy of contemporary dance.

The curriculum delves into the philosophy and history of each art form, creating an understanding of the cultural context and emotional depth in every gesture.

Partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide, student exchange programs, and alumni networks ensure graduates are ready for the world. 

The deep understanding of Asian traditions adds a unique richness to their performances, capturing a global audience. 

The college offers programs in arts management, cultural entrepreneurship, and production. 

HKAPA also hosts a year-round calendar of public events, from student showcases and masterclasses with renowned artists to traditional Chinese opera performances and cutting-edge digital art installations.

10. National School of Theatre Arts and Contemporary Dance – Stockholm, Sweden:

NSTAD infuses that Nordic spirit with global influences. Students study Scandinavian storytelling, from Strindberg’s stark realism to Bergman’s introspective dramas, while simultaneously exploring contemporary dance forms from across the globe. 

The curriculum includes Scandinavian minimalism, honing the art of emotional expression through subtle gestures and carefully crafted silences. 

Actors, dancers, musicians, and designers come together in a spirit of creative alchemy, co-creating performances that are beyond individual disciplines. 

The school actively engages with social issues, exploring themes of sustainability, cultural diversity, and global citizenship through its performances and outreach programs. 

International partnerships, exchange programs, and a robust alumni network ensure graduates are updated with the international theatre and dance scene, ready to capture a global audience. 

From the iconic stages of New York and London to the cultural hubs of Paris and Shanghai, these colleges embody excellence in preparing students for successful careers in the performing arts.

The next segment will shine a spotlight on the exceptional teachers who play a pivotal role in shaping the artistic journeys of aspiring performers.

Outstanding Teachers

The heart of any exceptional performing arts college lies in its faculty the mentors who inspire, guide, and cultivate the talents of aspiring artists. 

Let’s explore how the commitment and expertise of these educators contribute to the world’s top-performing arts colleges.

1. Rob Westerberg, choral director at York High School in Wells, Maine

Passionate about music education since 1988, he was instrumental in establishing a music graduation requirement at York High School in 2004, the only one in the Northeast. 

Westerberg holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Choral Conducting. 

Recognized with awards, including the 2020 York County Teacher of the Year, he’s known for his exemplary service to arts education.

2. Camille Pagano, Vocal Coach, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU:

More than just a Broadway veteran, Pagano’s passion for music education burns bright. Since 1996, her “Mindful Singing” technique has revolutionized vocal training, helping stars like Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel find their true voices. 

Beyond technique, Pagano fosters emotional authenticity and artistic resilience, earning her the prestigious 2015 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music Director. 

Her classroom is a haven for aspiring artists, where vocal prowess meets deep emotional connection.

3. Akiko Miyake, Dance Faculty, Juilliard School:

With over 40 years of experience, Miyake is a living legend of ballet. Her dedication goes beyond flawless pirouettes, instilling in her Juilliard students a profound understanding of ballet’s history and cultural significance. 

Since 1989, she has nurtured countless ballerinas, her rigorous training earning her the 2018 Capezio Dance Award for Outstanding Teacher. 

Miyake’s legacy extends beyond the classroom, as she champions the preservation of ballet’s artistic integrity while guiding students to become its future ambassadors.

4. Simon McBurney, Director, Theatre Royal, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland:

Forget dusty scripts and traditional stages. McBurney’s vision for theatre is a kaleidoscope of possibilities. Since the 1970s, he has pushed boundaries, co-founding the trailblazing Complicite theatre company. 

In 2016, he took the helm at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, igniting students’ creativity with immersive installations, digital storytelling, and unconventional narratives. 

His 2019 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre is a testament to his enduring impact, empowering students to become not just performers, but artistic pioneers.

5. Sally Beamish, Composition Faculty, Berklee College of Music:

A Grammy-nominated force of nature, Beamish’s classroom is a sonic playground.

Since 2003, she has challenged Berklee students to embrace the unexpected, from genre-bending collaborations to cutting-edge technologies. 

Her infectious enthusiasm for pushing boundaries and her 2017 BBC Proms commission, “Seafarer’s Hymn,” showcases her boldness as a composer, qualities she instills in her students. 

Beamish’s classroom is a breeding ground for innovation, where musical traditions collide and new sonic landscapes emerge.

6. Daisuke Kim, Acting Faculty, National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Australia:

Kim’s global perspective is woven into his acting lessons. Since 2018, he has brought his extensive experience across continents to NIDA, guiding students to craft characters that resonate with diverse audiences. 

His commitment to inclusivity earned him the 2022 Green Room Award for Outstanding Male Actor, a recognition that extends beyond his performances. 

Kim’s classroom is a space for open dialogue and cultural exchange, where aspiring actors become agents of positive change, championing diversity on and off the stage.

7. Guo Wenjing, Composition Faculty, Shanghai Theatre Academy:

Guo Wenjing’s influence transcends composition. Since 1995, he has shaped generations of Chinese composers at the prestigious Shanghai Theatre Academy. 

His compositions, bridges between Eastern and Western traditions, earned him the 2013 Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition.

Beyond the classroom, Guo Wenjing actively fosters cultural exchange, ensuring the dialogue between East and West continues to enrich the musical landscape. 

His students graduate not just as composers, but as cultural ambassadors, carrying the richness of Chinese music to the world.

8. Indrani Chakraborty, Odissi Dance Faculty, National School of Theatre Arts and Contemporary Dance (NSTAD), Sweden:

Chakraborty’s artistry transcends the stage. Since 2012, she has captivated audiences at NSTAD with her grace and dedication to preserving and evolving Odissi dance. 

Her passion extends beyond the classroom, as she actively engages in community outreach programs, ensuring this ancient Indian tradition continues to inspire future generations. 

Her 2019 Kriti Samman Award recognizes her commitment to both preserving tradition and creating innovative interpretations, ensuring Odissi dance thrives in the contemporary world.

These are just a glimpse into the many outstanding teachers shaping the future of the performing arts. 

Their dedication, passion, and expertise continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of artistic stars, ensuring a vibrant and diverse future for the arts.

Possible Career Opportunities After Earning a Degree in Performing Arts

Earning a degree in performing arts unlocks a world of diverse career opportunities, seamlessly blending artistic passion with professional excellence.

Let’s learn about the career paths that unfold for those who embark on the enriching journey of performing arts education.

1. Stage and Screen Acting:

Some graduates thrive on the vibrancy of live performances, gracing stages with their presence.

Others captivate audiences through the lens of film and television, navigating the nuances of various roles and genres.

2. Directing and Production:

For those inclined towards creative orchestration, directing becomes a fulfilling path.

Directors shape the vision of production, guiding actors and crew to create cohesive and impactful experiences.

Production careers involve managing logistical aspects from conception to realization

3. Choreography and Dance Performance:

Graduates with a love for movement and expression may find themselves in the realm of choreography.

Crafting captivating routines that enhance narratives or stand as artistic expressions, mesmerize audiences with physical prowess, emotional depth, and artistic interpretation.

4. Music Composition and Performance:

Those focused on music may explore careers in composition, creating original scores that enhance the emotional impact of visual narratives.

Performers, whether instrumentalists or vocalists contribute to the auditory landscape on global stages or in recording studios.

5. Arts Administration:

Intrigued by behind-the-scenes aspects, some graduates find fulfillment in arts administration.

Playing crucial roles in managing, organizing, and promoting artistic events, they contribute to the seamless functioning of theaters, cultural institutions, and arts organizations.

6. Teaching and Education:

Passion for performing arts can be channeled into education. Graduates become teachers or professors, shaping the next generation of performers by imparting technical skills, artistic sensibilities, and a love for the arts.

7. Technical Production and Design:

The world of technical production and design offers careers in set design, lighting, sound engineering, and costume design.

These professionals collaborate to bring the artistic vision to life visually and aurally. 

8. Multimedia and Digital Arts:

Integration of technology and the arts has given rise to careers in multimedia and digital arts.

Graduates may explore roles in virtual reality experiences, digital storytelling, and interactive installations, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

These diverse career paths showcase the versatility of a performing arts degree, where graduates contribute to the global cultural landscape and find personal fulfillment.

Conclusion

In summary, performing arts education opens diverse career paths, from stage and screen acting to choreography and arts administration.

Top institutions worldwide, like Juilliard and RADA, shape artists through selective admissions and outstanding mentors. 

Graduates become torchbearers, leaving a lasting impact on the global cultural stage. The journey from education to career is a dynamic symphony, echoing the enduring legacy of human expression.

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