First things first, decide if performing arts is really what you want to pursue. Think about how competitive you will be in the field, what your performance assets are, what you will use a performing arts degree for, etc. All these little things will help in your search.

My top 5 things to do in finding a good performing arts school:

1) Start locally. If you're school has a drama/music department - ask where those teachers went to school, what schools they suggest - more often than not, they can give a stepping stone to start on.

2) Do a Google search. Type in "B.F.A. Musical Theatre" or whatever degree program you are looking for and you will get many websites to come up. Check out the websites and do some research.

3) If you have done any performance work outside of your school (community theatre, studio recording, etc) - ask your colleagues. People who have been through performing arts training really can be good allies. They can tell you about goood/bad things that they have heard about school, help you network, write reccommendations, etc. Word of mouth really is your friend.

4) Look up information on college info websites. Princetonreview.com, collegeconfidential.com, there are many. Look some up, some have message boards where people have posted their different experiences with several schools and that may help your search.

5) FAMOUS PEOPLE! If you have a favorite performer, look at where they went to school! They must not be a terrible school if they are turning out good performers!

Finally, a good performing arts school is only as good as you make it. You will take away from the school what you put into it. Your training as an actor/performer is always up to you, your teachers will still get paid even if you fail....so make the most of the experience.

Learn more about this author, Heidi Collins.
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