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Massachusetts Acting Schools

Actors seeking training in Massachusetts can choose from individual classes to degree programs at large universities. Boston has theater troupes, universities and improv comedy clubs that offer training in comedy, drama, improvisation and musical theater. Other cities have training as well and many programs offer students the chance to perform in public.
  1. Brandeis University

    • Brandeis University offers both a B.A. and M.F.A. in theater arts. Students can select acting as their concentration. The programs offer academic courses as well as performance work. Brandeis has its own theater company and three theaters. Students must apply for admission through the university. Actresses Olympia Dukakis and Mercedes Ruehl are two of the program's well-known graduates.

      Brandeis University

      Department of Theater Arts

      Spingold Center

      415 South Street

      Waltham, MA 02453

      781-736-3340

      brandeis.edu

    Tufts University

    • Tufts University offers a B.A. in drama. The program combines courses in theory, technology and history with practical classes in performance. The program is not a conservatory program. Students must apply for admission through Tufts University. Tufts also operates the Tuft's Children's Theater, a program for younger actors.

      Tufts University

      Department of Drama and Dance

      Aidekman Arts Center

      40 Talbot Avenue

      Medford, MA 02155

      617-627-3524

      ase.tufts.edu

    Emerson College

    • Emerson College offers a B.F.A. in acting. The curriculum includes courses in history, literature and design in addition to performance coursework. Students participate in productions at the school's Paramount Center, Cutler Majestic Theater and Performance and Production Center. Students apply for admission through the college.

      Emerson College

      120 Boylston Street

      Boston, MA 02116-4624

      617-824-8500

      emerson.edu

    Boston University

    • Boston University's College of Fine Arts offers a conservatory program in acting. Students must complete the freshman core performance curriculum to be accepted into the B.F.A. of acting program during the sophomore year. Boston University produces two shows each year at Boston's Huntington Theatre. The university has its own theater and stages performances at other venues throughout the city.

      Boston University

      School of Theatre

      855 Commonwealth Avenue

      Room 470

      Boston, MA 02215

      bu.edu

    Acting Out Theater Company

    • Acting Out offer acting workshops and classes for children ages eight through 18. Workshops range from four to six weeks. The Performer's Showcase and Encore ends with a public performance by the class. Acting Out also offers summer camps for improv. and theater training.

      Acting Out Theater Company, Inc.

      56 Island Street

      Lawrence, MA 01840

      978-794-0001

      actingout.biz

    Franklin School

    • Franklin School for the Performing Arts is a school run by the New England Center for the Performing Arts. The school offers children classes in drama and musical theater. Franklin also offers classes for adults. The school operates the Franklin Performing Arts Company that gives performances at the New England Center for the Performing Arts.

      Franklin School for the Performing Arts

      38 Main Street

      P.O. Box 16

      Franklin, MA 02038

      508-528-8668

      fspaonline.com

    Improv Boston

    • Improv Boston is an improvisational theater troupe. The troupe offers classes in improv performance, stand-up performance and sketch comedy. Classes for children and master classes are also available.

      Improv Boston

      40 Prospect Street

      Cambridge, MA 02139

      617-576-1253

      improvboston.com

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