Performing Arts High Schools: Should You Attend?

What’s the admissions process?
Most often, there’s an audition. If there isn’t, you should be asking why.

In addition, you need to provide transcripts from your previous school. Some schools will have you complete a math and English assessment. Maybe even a short essay about why I’d like to attend.

A couple letters of recommendation can’t hurt, either. You can get those from your current voice teacher, a recent director, or monologue coach.

And of course, bring your checkbook for that application fee.

Are private schools better than public ones?
Generally? Yes. Privately funded schools like Interlochen or Thacher draw higher quality teachers, have better facilities, and are not censored by any school district. Let’s face it, money talks.

But many actors attend wonderful public schools, and got a great education.

It’s up to you to make the best decision.

Can going to a performing arts high school help my chances of getting into a top university or conservatory?
Acting colleges themselves are only interested in a couple of facts: Your grades, SAT scores, your extra-curriculars, etc. And whether or not you can pay the tuition.

However, it’s the faculty that conducts auditions, evaluates, and makes decisions regarding perspective students. So having a performing arts high school on your actor resume couldn’t hurt.

But remember: universities and conservatories are first and foremost a business. They’re interested in accepting students who will become distinguished movers and shakers in the industry. (Then they can send you junk mail about donations for the rest of your life.)

The bottom line? Colleges accept you based on your grades, your marketability, and your audition. Period. Anything else is just fluff.