Claire Trevor School of the Arts
This is one of the California acting schools located close enough to LA (40 miles) for you to take full advantage of what the city has to offer.
The 3-year masters acting training consists of stage and film acting, movement, voice and speech, as well as a number of elective classes and drama theory courses.
Actors study musical theater, stage combat, mask and clown techniques, mime and many more skills from teachers who are all working professionals. Students can also take classes from the school’s dance department.
This California acting university also offers an undergraduate program in drama for those who want to study every aspect of the theater.
Performance opportunities: Acting students must perform in a minimum of six shows during the course of their studies and can audition for any of the 15 or more productions staged at the school. Actors can also perform in plays during the summer, through the school’s summer productions and Shakespeare festivals.
Career preparation: Third-year students learn how to manage their acting career through classes and a series of seminars with working actors, agents and casting directors. Graduating students participate in an industry showcase in New York and Los Angeles (most graduates sign with a representative following the showcase).
Degree: MFA in Acting.
Financial Aid: Loans, grants and fellowships are available, as well as teaching and research assistantships.
What you’ll need to apply: Transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, an interview and an audition (auditions are held at the acting school in Irvine, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and San Francisco).
Acceptance rate: 8-10 actors are accepted out of 600-700 who audition.
Audition policy: Actors may have the opportunity to audition for roles at theatres affiliated with the acting school in California during their studies, getting a chance to work professionally and accumulate Equity points.
Website: www.arts.uci.edu