For aspiring actors, directors, designers, and playwrights, choosing the right college can make all the difference. With thousands of theatre programs across the country, it’s not just about finding a school with a strong curriculum—it’s about discovering the place that will challenge and prepare you for a career in the performing arts.

In the past, OnStage Blog was widely known for our annual college posts. With the rising costs of higher education, we’re aiming to provide transparent, research-based insights that go beyond traditional rankings. These posts will highlight programs that offer strong value, exceptional faculty, diverse opportunities, and inclusive environments.

We’re also going to promote schools that may be overlooked in national lists but provide excellent training for future theatre professionals. Our goal with this is to support and empower the next generation of artists.

From private conservatories with Broadway-level training to public universities with thriving regional theatre connections, each state has its own standout program. Whether you’re looking for a BFA with intensive performance opportunities or a BA that allows for cross-disciplinary creativity, we’ve identified the best theatre school in every state.

No matter where you are in the country, there’s a top-tier theatre program ready to help you take center stage.

We’re going to do this based on geographic location, so we’re starting in the Northeast with Maine!

Maine is an incredible state for theatre students to consider for their studies. The state has a thriving arts community with a rich history of theatre, from professional theatres like the Portland Stage and Theater at Monmouth to local community and university productions. Maine is committed to supporting emerging artists, with various grants and residencies available to help students develop their work. Organizations like the Maine Arts Commission and festivals like The Maine Playwrights Festival offer platforms for students to get their work seen and heard.

So what are the best colleges to attend for theatre?

University of Southern Maine (USM)

Location: Portland and Gorham, Maine

Cost vs. Scholarships:

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the University of Southern Maine (USM) has implemented differential tuition rates based on students' majors. Theatre majors fall under Differential Level 1, with in-state tuition set at $9,180 and out-of-state tuition at $27,030 for 30 credit hours. Mandatory fees amount to $2,910, bringing the total annual cost to $12,090 for in-state students and $29,940 for out-of-state students.

USM offers several scholarships for theatre students. The Music Theatre Scholarship recognizes excellence in musical theatre studies and is awarded to students majoring in music theatre who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 and are enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester.

Additionally, merit-based scholarships are automatically considered for applicants who meet admission deadlines.

Quality of Facilities:

USM offers a comprehensive theatre program supported by state-of-the-art facilities. The upcoming 40,000-square-foot Crewe Center for the Arts, slated for completion in 2025, will feature a 200-seat performance hall, concert spaces, a sculpture garden, and an arts terrace.

Additionally, the Arts Lab within the center will provide a versatile space with telescopic tiered seating for 50-75, accommodating various rehearsals, recitals, and events.

*The Crewe Center for the Arts (completion set for 2025)*

Quality of Faculty:

The USM Theatre Department is led by a faculty composed of seasoned professionals and working artists. Under the leadership of Associate Professor and Department Chair Sara Valentine, USM boasts a distinguished faculty dedicated to fostering student growth and theatrical innovation. Faculty frequently direct productions and involve students in every aspect, from set design to stage management.

Commitment to Diversity:

USM values inclusivity, ensuring that its theatre productions represent a wide range of voices and stories. The university encourages students from all backgrounds to participate in productions and offers courses that explore diverse theatrical traditions. Collaborations with local organizations further extend students’ exposure to culturally significant performances.

Variety of Performance Opportunities:

USM produces multiple main-stage shows per year, including classics(A Winter’s Tale), contemporary works(John Proctor is the Villain), and student-written plays. They also perform radio plays. Relationships with Portland Stage Company and local theaters provide students with opportunities to act, direct, and intern in a professional environment.

University of Maine (UMaine)

Location: Orono, Maine

Cost vs. Scholarships:

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the University of Maine (UMaine) in Orono has set undergraduate tuition rates at $388 per credit hour for Maine residents and $1,108 per credit hour for non-residents. This equates to approximately $11,640 annually for in-state students and $33,240 for out-of-state students, based on a standard 30-credit load.

UMaine offers $3,000 annual Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships to incoming students demonstrating talent in theatre, music, dance, or art. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters for first-year students and up to four semesters for transfer students, contingent upon meeting specified renewal criteria.

Additionally, UMaine provides others, such as the Richard and William Newdick Theatre Scholarship. These financial aids significantly reduce the cost of education and reward students for their academic and artistic achievements.

Quality of Facilities:

UMaine's Hauck Auditorium is a centerpiece of the theatre department, boasting a 500-seat performance space equipped with cutting-edge technology. The Cyrus Pavilion Theatre offers a more intimate performance environment for smaller productions and experimental theatre. Advanced workshops for set and costume design allow students to gain hands-on experience with technical aspects of theatre production. Additionally, the Collins Center for the Arts features the 1,435-seat Hutchins Concert Hall, hosting various events from classical music to theater productions.

Quality of Faculty:

UMaine’s faculty are active artists and scholars dedicated to student success. Professors like Dr. Dan Bilodeau, a renowned scenic designer, guide students in honing their craft. Faculty members are also deeply involved in regional theatre, providing students with valuable professional connections.

Commitment to Diversity:

UMaine emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its theatre program. The department offers courses in multicultural theatre and regularly produces plays by underrepresented playwrights. Productions, such as their recent The Women of Lockerbie and Birth & After Birth, often address social justice themes, reflecting a commitment to using theatre as a platform for dialogue and awareness.

Variety of Performance Opportunities:

UMaine stages a robust season of productions, including musicals, dramas, and student-led showcases.

The University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine offer compelling opportunities for theatre students seeking a well-rounded, immersive education. With dedicated faculty, strong performance and technical training, and access to vibrant arts communities, both schools provide students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the industry.

Affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities make them financially accessible, while connections to regional theatres and hands-on learning experiences enhance career readiness. Whether focusing on performance, design, or theatre education, students at these universities benefit from supportive environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and professional growth in the performing arts.

The Best Theatre Colleges in Every State : Maine

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