Back to School Guide 2025-26

Acceptd's mission is to connect arts opportunities to artists, so we are bringing you some top schools to make your program search easier. Check out our Back to School Guide for a totally digestible view of programs you should know - whether you're studying music, theatre, dance, or cinema!

Why you should know Atlantic Acting School 

Atlantic Acting School stands out as the best acting school in NYC, offering world-class training rooted in the Atlantic Technique, Practical Aesthetics, as outlined in A Practical Handbook for the Actor. With a faculty of working industry professionals, Atlantic provides students with hands-on experience, rigorous training, and a supportive artistic community. From its prestigious conservatory programs to part-time classes and youth programs, Atlantic nurtures actors at every stage of their journey. Located in the heart of New York City, the school offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the industry while honing the craft of truthful, compelling storytelling.

• Atlantic Acting School

• New York City, New York | 76 Ninth Ave, Suite 313, New York, NY 10011

• 14-18, 18+

• Full Time Conservatory, Evening Conservatory, Summer & Spring Intensives, Summer Teen Conservatory

• Application Window:

  • Applications are now open for Summer Teen Ensemble, applications open October 1 for Adult Conservatory Programs

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, Atlantic's Early Admission deadline is November 15

• Program Dates:

  • Full-Time Conservatory: Begins September 9, 2026

  • Evening Conservatory: Begins September 28, 2026

  • Summer & Spring Intensives: May – August, 2026

  • Summer Teen Conservatory: July 6 – 31, 2026

• Founded in 1985 by a passionate group of students, Atlantic has grown into both a Tony Award-winning Off-Broadway theater and the renowned Atlantic Acting School, one of the best acting schools in New York City. As the only acting conservatory offering in-depth training in Practical Aesthetics—the Atlantic Technique, as outlined in A Practical Handbook for the Actor—we equip aspiring actors with unmatched creative, technical, and professional skills. Whether you’re seeking Full-Time Conservatory training, Spring and Summer Intensives, or pre-college training, our programs deliver immersive, hands-on training that empowers actors to thrive on stage, film, and beyond. Atlantic Actors Work! Are you next?

Why you should know The Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College

The Conservatory programs offer opportunities for students to build a strong skill set in their respective discipline, and to garner extensive practical knowledge and the business skills required to enter their chosen profession with confidence. 

• The Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College

• Columbia, MO, USA

• Eligible Ages: Undergraduate and Graduate Students

• Artistic Areas: Acting, Musical Theatre, Filmmaking, Costume Design, Technical Theatre, Stage Management

• Application Window: August 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026

• The Conservatory nurtures talent in a diverse, inclusive environment where every voice matters. At the Conservatory, you will train with working professionals from Broadway, film, and television in a program designed to launch your career. Choose a BFA pathway in acting, musical theatre, filmmaking, theatrical costume design, design/tech/stage management, interdisciplinary theatre studies, or continue your training with an MFA in screenwriting—and gain hands-on experience every step of the way.

Why you should know Temple University - Boyer College of Music and Dance

Students at the Boyer College study and interact with leading composers, conductors, performers, choreographers and theorists, while experiencing a challenging and diverse academic curriculum offered by Temple University. As part of Temple’s Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, along with the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts, we are proud to be a centerpiece of the vibrant arts community in Philadelphia. The Boyer College is focused on performance opportunities and real world observational and hands-on training to assure that our graduates have the preparation and connections needed to be successful leaders and makers in their chosen discipline. 

• Temple University – Boyer College of Music and Dance

• Philadelphia, PA, USA

• Eligible Ages: Undergraduate and Graduate Students

• Artistic Areas: Band, Orchestral (woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion), Vocal Arts, Jazz, Piano, Music Technology, Composition, Dance

• Application Window: August 1 - February 1

• Program Dates: Fall and Spring semesters

Why you should know Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is a small specialist provider of university-level training in the creative and performing arts. Co-founded in 1996 by Sir Paul McCartney – who remains our Lead Patron – and based in England’s only UNESCO World City of Music and the most filmed city in the UK outside of London,  we are home to over 1,100 students, over 20% of which are from outside the UK. We teach across Acting; Actor Musicianship; Arts, Events and Music Management; Dance; Filmmaking; Musical Theatre; Music; Performance Design; Production Technology and Sound Technology.

• Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts (LIPA)

• Liverpool, England, UK

• Eligible Ages: Undergraduate and Graduate students

• Artistic Areas: Music, Theatre, Dance, Cinematic Arts, Visual Arts

  • Programs: Acting, Actor Musicianship, Musical Theatre, Arts, Events, and Music Management, Dance, Filmmaking, Performance Design, Music, Production Technology, and Sound Technology

Why you should know Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts

At Viterbo University’s Conservatory for the Performing Arts, students train in a supportive, rigorous, and professionally focused environment that blends exceptional education with artistic excellence. Our nationally recognized programs in acting, musical theatre, voice, and music education prepare students for successful careers on stage, in the classroom, and beyond. With small class sizes, individualized attention, and countless performance and creative opportunities, students develop their craft while building meaningful connections. Located in vibrant La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Conservatory offers a close-knit community and the resources of a comprehensive university.

• Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts

• La Crosse, WI, USA

• Eligible Ages: Undergraduate students

• Artistic Areas: Acting, Musical Theatre, Voice, Music Education

• Application Window: Applications open August 1 ; Priority Deadline is February 1 ; Rolling admissions until programs are filled

• Program Dates: August-May (academic year)

Why you should know Stella Adler Studio of Acting Professional Conservatory

Since 1949, the Professional Conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting has helped shape some of America’s most significant actors. With a world-class faculty, the program sharpens imagination, deepens text analysis, and fosters richly specific character work while honing voice, body, and craft for theater, film, and television. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, it prepares actors to meet the creative demands of both New York and Hollywood, emphasizing that growth as an artist and as a human being are synonymous.

• Stella Adler Studio of Acting Professional Conservatory

• New York, New York, USA

• Eligible Ages: 18+

• Artistic Area: Acting/Theatre

• Application Window: Applications open September 1st / Apply by January 5th, 2026

• Program Dates: Classes begin September 2nd, 2026

Why you should know Oregon State University Music

At Oregon State University, you will find a talented and creative community that challenges students to become innovative performers, teachers, and creators. With experts in music education, performance, technology, and research, we educate, enlighten, engage, and entertain. Our faculty are musical leaders throughout the Northwest and beyond, committed to your musical development. The new Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) is now open, bringing fantastic performances to the OSU campus, including concerts by our student performers! Take a look at this incredible new space!  

• Oregon State University Music

• Corvallis, OR, USA

• Eligible Ages: Undergraduate students

• Artistic Areas: Music Education, Vocal, Instrumental, Piano Performance,  Music Production, and Commercial Music Industry.

• Application Window: Applications are now open through June 2026, with Auditions in February.

• Program Dates: Fall terms begin in late September, and 3rd term ends in the middle of June.

Why you should know the Emerging Artist Fellowship Program at Garth Newel Music Center

The Emerging Artist Fellowship Program is a four-week, intensive chamber music program for string players and pianists ages 18-28. Both individual instrumentalists and pre-formed ensembles are encouraged to apply. Highly competitive fellowships are awarded to dedicated instrumentalists who will receive instruction and coachings from the Garth Newel Piano Quartet and other renowned guest faculty. Next year's guest faculty include the Pacifica String Quartet and violinist Aisslinn Nosky. Additional guest faculty TBA. Each participant receives a Fellowship Award which covers the cost of tuition, room and board.

• Emerging Artist Fellowship Program at Garth Newel

• Hot Springs, VA, USA

• Eligible Ages: 18-28

• Artistic Areas: Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano

• Application Window: Applications open October 1st. Early application deadline: February 10. Application Review begins after February 10th and applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as positions are available

• Program Dates: July - August, 2026

Why you should know Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance and Wildcat Performing Arts Academy

At NMU, we offer dynamic degrees in Musical Theatre, Acting, and Theatre Technology and Design, where the stage is truly your classroom. Whether you’re ready to dive deep into an audition-based Bachelor of Fine Arts or explore your passion with a minor, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant, hands-on learning experience. With a thrilling 13-show season, you’ll have countless opportunities to shine—on stage, behind the scenes, or in the director's chair. At NMU, your creativity takes center stage! NMU Theatre and Dance is also home to the North Coast Dance Festival, North Coast Theatre Festival, Wildcat Performing Arts Academy, and Superior Arts Youth Theatre.

• Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance and Wildcat Performing Arts Academy

• Marquette, MI, USA

• Eligible Ages: 14-22

• Artistic Area: Musical Theatre, Dance, Acting, Film, Technology and Design, Production

• Application Window: Applications open October 1st

• Program Dates: Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Intensives: Dance, October 17 and 18 (8th-12th grade), Summer Intensives, June 14-28, 2026 (all areas) 

Why you should know Old Dominion University Diehn School of Music

At the Diehn School of Music at Old Dominion University, outstanding musician-scholar-teachers provide a rich, challenging, and creative environment where students pursue their educational dreams and aspirations. The Diehn School of Music creates its own cohesive, tight-knit culture where supportive relationships are developed between students and faculty. Several faculty are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields; some serve as musicians in the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and many are established teacher-performers in Southeastern Virginia and beyond. We have a place for you at ODU!

• Old Dominion University Diehn School of Music

• Norfolk, VA, USA

• Eligible Ages: High School graduates, 17+

• Artistic Areas: Music, Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone); Brass (Trumpet,  Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba);  Composition, Keyboard (Piano, Organ); Percussion, Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Classical Guitar, Non-Classical Guitar, Non-Classical Bass and Bass Guitar); Voice. 

• Programs:

  • Bachelor of Music: Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Performance, Emphasis in Sound Recording Technology

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music: Music History Emphasis, Music Theory Emphasis, General Emphasis

  • Music Minor: Music Composition, Music History, Music Performance, Music Production

  • Graduate Majors: Master of Music Education; Research Concentration, Pedagogy Concetration, or Applied Studies (vocal, instrumental, conducting, or composition.

• Application Window: September 10, 2025 - March 7, 2026

  • Audition Dates

    • December 13, 2025 (apply by December 6)

    • January 17, 2026 (apply by January 10)

    • January 31, 2026 (apply by January 24)

    • February 16, 2026 (apply by February 9)

    • March 7, 2026 (Instrumental Auditions Only; apply by February 28)

    • March 14, 2026 (Vocal Auditions Only; apply by March 7)

Why you should know The SFA School of Music

The SFA School of Music offers dynamic programs in music education, performance, composition, conducting, music theory, and sound recording technology—designed to match your interests and fuel your musical ambitions. Nestled in the heart of East Texas’ Pineywoods, SFA provides outstanding ensembles, chamber music opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities to prepare you for an exciting future in music.

Our internationally recognized faculty are active performers and scholars, regularly presenting and performing around the globe. SFA graduates go on to thrive as educators, performers, composers, conductors, and recording arts professionals across Texas and beyond.

If you're passionate about music and ready to shape your future in this diverse field, there's a place for you at SFA. Axe ’Em, Jacks!

• The SFA School of Music

• Nacogdoches, TX, USA

• Eligible Ages: 17-26

• Artistic Areas: Education, Performance, Composition, Conducting, Sound Recording Technology

• Application Window: September 1, 2025 - April 25, 2026

• Program Dates: 2026 Fall Semester

Why you should know Vanguard University Department of Theatre Arts

Vanguard University of Southern California is a comprehensive Christian, liberal arts university in Costa Mesa, CA. The theatre program is NAST accredited and the program has received many honors, awards, and accolades throughout the years for its excellence in theatre education. It is also home to our summer professional resident theatre, American Coast Theater Company. Many alumni working in professional theatre/TV/Film nationwide. Courses in Private Acting, Dance and Voice are a hallmark of this boutique university located in the gorgeous Newport Beach area of South Orange County.

• Vanguard University Department of Theatre Arts

• Costa Mesa, CA, USA

• Eligible Ages: High School Graduates

• Artistic Areas: Theatre Arts, Musical Theatre, Stage & Screen Acting/Directing, Technical Theatre

• Application Window: Applications are now open through March 2, 2026, after which Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

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