Acting Schools in Connecticut

Looking for acting schools in Connecticut?

Browse these listings of performing arts colleges in Connecticut and acting classes in CT, including the prestigious Yale School of Drama, one of the top acting colleges in the US.

Yale School of Drama

Among all the acting schools in Connecticut and throughout the country, Yale School of Drama is considered one of the top acting colleges, as well as one of the most rigorous training.

The school is known for its 3-year MFA program for actors, which combines in-depth actor training with rehearsals and performances, including the opportunity to work with the professional Yale Repertory Theater. You can get a feel for the MFA program below…

Classes are taught by working professionals (including members of Yale Rep) and include acting techniques, clown training, commedia del’arte, voice and speech, singing, voiceover, movement and body work, Alexander technique, dance, yoga, stage combat and script analysis, directing, theater and collaborative classes, as well as an exploration of new plays.

Yale University also offers an undergraduate theater studies major.

Performance opportunities:

MFA acting students appear in several school productions and cabaret acts every year. The school houses several performance spaces, including a 654-seat theater and cabaret space.

MFA actors work as understudies for the Yale Repertory Theater’s season, and many perform in a professional production there.

Career preparation:

Because this acting school in CT offers degrees in every aspect of the theater, students get to work with future playwrights, directors, producers, etc.

Acting students who work at the Yale Repertory Theater gain significant credits, exposure and points toward an Equity card if they are non-union.

MFA students also take audition workshops and professional preparedness classes.

All graduating students perform in an industry showcase in Los Angeles and New York.

Degree: MFA in Acting; Certificate in Drama (for MFA students who don’t have a Bachelor’s Degree).

Financial Aid: $ 6 million is provided in student aid each year.

What you’ll need to apply: Online application and fee, transcripts and test scores (TOEFL for foreign students), picture and resume, mission statement, 3 letters of recommendation (including one from a director the applicant has worked with), an audition (Chicago, New Haven or San Francisco) consisting of a Shakespeare and contemporary monologue. You do not need a Bachelor’s Degree to apply, but you do need professional experience.

Audition policy: MFA students are usually not allowed to perform outside of the school during their studies.

Website: www.drama.yale.edu

Next Stop NY!

This is one of the acting schools in Connecticut that focuses on teaching a simple and direct approach to working as an actor in television, film and theater.

Classes all include work on acting technique, scene study and monologues, as well as audition skills.

The school also offers acting classes for kids starting at 8 years old, a commercial acting workshop and private coaching.

Career preparation:

This Connecticut acting school prepares students for auditions, cold readings, acting for the camera and commercial acting.

Special ECO-CAST coaching sessions are available where actor auditions get coached, filmed and submission-ready for casting directors to view.

What you’ll need to apply: An interview and audition.

Website: www.nextstopny.net

Wesleyan Theater Department

Among colleges in Connecticut, Wesleyan has an open theater department that invites students to learn about performance and theater arts before declaring their major.

Classes include acting, Shakespeare, musical theater history, contemporary theater studies, script analysis, production labs, scene, costume and lighting design, playwriting, directing, and lots of performance workshops.

Performance opportunities:

Wesleyan has two theater facilities, including a 400-seat space. Theater students perform in productions directed by advanced students, faculty and guest artists.

Degree: BA in Theater.

Financial Aid: This is one of the colleges in Connecticut that admits students regardless of their capacity to pay tuition. The school also favors grants over loans to minimize student debt.

What you’ll need to apply: Apply to the university. No audition is required for the theater major.

Website: www.wesleyan.edu/theater

Other acting classes and acting schools in Connecticut

Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education – www.warnertheatre.org
Acting, dance and theater classes for kids, adults and seniors. – Click here to add more information about this school.

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