Walnut Hill School began in 1893. Originally all-girls' school, it became coeducational in the late 1970s. It's mission is to educate talented students from anywhere in the world. Students specialize in a specific arts discipline along with academic study. Students majoring in theater cover acting, musical theater, improvisation, dramatic play texts, theater history as well as scenic design and production. Admission is by audition. Students must prepare a U.S. musical theater song and two contrasting audition speeches. Tuition fees for boarders is $44,125 based on the 2010 to 2011 school year. Financial aid may be available.
Purnell School is a boarding school for girls only. It was founded in 1963 and takes in students between grades nine to 12. It believes in providing girls with 'strength and confidence' to pursue their goals. It provides a program of academic study with students specializing in an arts discipline. Performing arts students are encouraged to find their own voice in performing and are free to take creative risks. Purnell holds the view that theater is an 'experimental stage.' Apply by application and a Secondary School Admission Test. Tuition fees in the 2010 to 2011 school year ranged from $47,323 for five-day boarders to $49,182 for seven-day boarders. Financial aid is applicable to students most in need. Payment plans are also available.
Idyllwild Arts Academy is a boarding school and also provides summer school programs. It has been an accredited academy since 1986, teaching the arts to students between grades eight to 12. It provides a full academic program of study and a range of arts disciplines. Students taking the theater discipline undertake pre-professional actor training from Stanislavsky's perspective on theater practice. Admission is by an audition process. Students are expected to prepare a classical Shakespearean monologue and a contemporary speech (from 1900) and not exceeding two minutes in length. Deadline for entry is 1 March. Tuition fees for 2011 to 2012 are $52,000 but half of the student population receive financial aid. Contact admissions to apply.
Interlochen Arts Academy has offered training in the arts since the early 1960s. It provides summer schools, adult programs and a full boarding high school. Students major in a range of arts disciplines. Acting students study all areas of theater practice along with an academic curriculum. Five full-scale productions take place throughout the academic year. Admission is based on audition, academic transcript and test scores. Tution fees are $46,540, as of the 2011 to 2012 school year.