Carnegie Mellon School of Drama

Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama holds the historic distinction of being the first degree-granting drama program in the United States, established in 1914 when the Carnegie Institute of Technology created its Department of Dramatic Arts under the leadership of Thomas Wood Stevens. This pioneering program predated virtually every other university drama program in the country and set the template for conservatory-style training within an academic institution. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the School of Drama is part of Carnegie Mellon's College of Fine Arts and has grown from a single department into one of the most comprehensive and rigorous drama schools in the world. Over its more than century-long history, the program has produced an extraordinary number of working professionals across acting, musical theater, directing, design, and production. Carnegie Mellon's approach has always emphasized versatility — training actors who can sing, move, and work across multiple media — and this philosophy has kept the program consistently relevant as the entertainment industry has evolved. The school regularly appears in top rankings of drama programs, including being named the #2 best undergraduate drama school by The Hollywood Reporter.

In 2025, Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama offers BFA programs in Acting and Musical Theater, as well as MFA programs in several disciplines. The program is known for its extraordinarily demanding workload and its emphasis on producing technically proficient actors who are ready to work professionally from the moment they graduate. What distinguishes Carnegie Mellon from many peer programs is the integration of acting and musical theater training — actors take singing and dance classes alongside their core acting curriculum, producing graduates who are unusually versatile. The program admits approximately 25-30 students per year for the acting BFA, with an acceptance rate of roughly 4%, making it one of the most selective drama programs in the country. The school's location in Pittsburgh provides a focused training environment away from the distractions of New York or Los Angeles, though the program's annual showcases in both cities bring the industry to Carnegie Mellon graduates. The school's alumni network is one of the most active and supportive in the industry, with graduates regularly hiring and mentoring fellow Carnegie Mellon alumni.

Admission to Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama requires a rigorous audition process that evaluates acting ability, vocal quality, physical expressiveness, and potential for growth. BFA applicants submit video auditions and may be invited to in-person callbacks, where they perform monologues, participate in exercises, and interview with faculty. The program looks for students who demonstrate not only raw talent but also discipline, work ethic, and the capacity to thrive in a highly structured and intensely demanding environment. Applicants typically prepare two contrasting monologues — one classical and one contemporary — and may be asked to sing or perform additional material. Academic credentials matter at Carnegie Mellon more than at some pure conservatories, as the university's reputation for academic excellence extends to all its programs. The application deadline typically falls in December, with audition results communicated by April.

The BFA curriculum at Carnegie Mellon is built on a four-phase model that progresses through increasingly complex challenges over four years, beginning with fundamental technique and building toward professional-level performance. First-year students focus on voice and speech, movement, acting fundamentals, and physical training, with classes running from morning through evening six days a week during peak periods. The Kristin Linklater voice technique and Lecoq-based movement training with extensive mask work are hallmarks of the curriculum. Students perform in multiple productions each year, with roles assigned by faculty based on educational value rather than typecasting. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 8:1, ensuring deeply personalized instruction and mentorship. In their senior year, students participate in Carnegie Mellon's legendary New York and Los Angeles showcases, which are among the most heavily attended by agents, managers, and casting directors in the industry — these showcases have launched countless careers and are considered one of the program's greatest assets.

Carnegie Mellon attracts highly motivated, disciplined actors who are willing to commit to one of the most demanding training regimens in the country. The program's alumni roster is a testament to its effectiveness: Holly Hunter, Ted Danson, Billy Porter, Judith Light, Sutton Foster, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Leslie Odom Jr., Josh Gad, and Reneé Rapp are among the many graduates who have achieved major success in theater, film, and television. The school has produced an exceptionally high number of Tony Award winners, reflecting its strength in musical theater alongside traditional acting. Carnegie Mellon graduates are known throughout the industry for being well-prepared, technically skilled, and professional — qualities that make them attractive to employers and representatives alike. The program is particularly popular with students who are interested in both acting and musical theater, as the integrated curriculum allows them to develop skills in both areas simultaneously.

Tuition at Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama for the 2025-2026 academic year is approximately $63,829, with estimated living expenses of approximately $17,468, bringing the total cost of attendance to roughly $81,297 per year. Merit scholarships and need-based financial aid are available, and the university's financial aid office works with admitted students to create individualized aid packages. However, specific scholarship amounts and the percentage of students receiving aid are not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to predict the actual cost before receiving an offer. The program's strong alumni network and placement rate can help justify the investment, as Carnegie Mellon graduates tend to begin working professionally relatively quickly after graduation. Compared to tuition-free programs like Yale and Juilliard's MFA, the cost is substantial, but compared to peer private institutions like NYU Tisch, Carnegie Mellon's total cost is somewhat lower. Students should apply for external scholarships and grants to supplement institutional aid.

Carnegie Mellon is the ideal choice for highly disciplined actors who thrive under pressure, want comprehensive training across multiple performance disciplines, and are committed to working professionally immediately after graduation. If you are equally interested in musical theater and straight acting, Carnegie Mellon's integrated approach is nearly impossible to find elsewhere at this level. The program is particularly well-suited for actors who value structure and clear progression in their training. Actors who prefer a more flexible, exploratory approach to training, or who are primarily interested in experimental or devised theater, will likely find Carnegie Mellon's rigid curriculum stifling — programs like NYU Tisch's Experimental Theatre Wing or The New School may be better fits. If cost is a major concern, consider UNCSA, which offers comparable conservatory rigor at a fraction of the price. If you need to be in New York during training, Juilliard or NYU offer similar quality with the added benefit of an NYC location.

Prepare for the audition by choosing monologues that demonstrate emotional depth and vulnerability rather than technical fireworks — Carnegie Mellon's faculty are looking for actors they can train, not finished products. If admitted, invest in your physical health from day one, as the program's intense schedule can wear down students who are not proactive about sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Take advantage of the small class sizes to build genuine relationships with faculty — their guidance and advocacy can shape your career for years after graduation. Attend the showcase preparation sessions seriously, as the New York and Los Angeles showcases are genuinely career-launching events that require careful preparation. Connect with Carnegie Mellon alumni as early as possible — the network is exceptionally active and generous, and alumni often provide referrals, audition tips, and industry guidance. Pittsburgh offers affordable cost of living that can help offset the high tuition, so explore off-campus housing options early to manage expenses.