The Best Theatre Colleges in Every State : Vermont
Middlebury College
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.
Continuing in the Northeast, let’s move on to Vermont!
Vermont is an excellent state for theatre students, offering a dynamic arts scene and hands-on opportunities. The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington hosts national tours and local productions, providing inspiration and networking opportunities. Festivals like the Dorset Theatre Festival and Vermont Shakespeare Festival offer real-world experience, making Vermont a fantastic place to study theatre.
So what are the best colleges to study theatre in Vermont?
The University of Vermont
Location: Burlington, VT
UVM
Cost & Scholarships
UVM is dedicated to making education accessible through various financial aid options. For Vermont residents, the tuition rate is $678 per credit hour, while out-of-state students are charged $1,780 per credit hour. To alleviate financial burdens, UVM offers scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, geographic location, and field of study.
Notably, prospective first-year undergraduate students are automatically considered for scholarships such as the Presidential and Trustees Scholarships, eliminating the need for separate applications.
Quality of Facilities
The theatre program is housed in the Royall Tyler Theatre, a fully equipped 290-seat thrust stage venue. This facility includes specialized spaces such as a lighting classroom and lab, scene shop, costume shop, design classroom, and acting classroom, providing students with hands-on experience in various aspects of theatre production.
Quality of Faculty
The University of Vermont's Theatre and Dance Department features a distinguished faculty committed to student development. Program Head Robert Shimko specializes in Theatre History, Dramaturgy, and Playwriting. Assistant Professor and Resident Director Zeina Salame focuses on Acting, Directing, and Applied Theatre. Full-Time Lecturer and Production Manager Sara A. Nelson brings expertise in Scenic Design and Stage Management. This accomplished team fosters a professional yet inclusive learning environment.
Commitment to Diversity
The Program in Theatre and Dance fosters an inclusive environment, promoting an appreciation of diversity and a spirit of inclusion. Small class sizes enhance this sense of community, encouraging collaboration among students from varied backgrounds. demonstrates a commitment to diversity through its curriculum and faculty composition. The program reportedly offers courses such as "Diversity in US Theatre" and "Asian Performance Traditions," ensuring students engage with diverse theatrical traditions and perspectives.
Variety of Performance Opportunities
UVM maintains an extensive production schedule, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in theatre and dance creations. Some recent productions include Bat Bot: The Musical, and She Kills Monsters. Auditions for productions are open to all UVM students, and occasionally, professional actors and community members participate to meet specific production needs.
This inclusive approach allows students to gain practical experience and collaborate with a diverse range of performers.
Middlebury College
Location: Middlebury, VT
Cost & Scholarships
While the school is expensive(Tuition: $67,100 + On-Campus Housing and Meal Plan: $19,250), Middlebury College is known for its robust financial aid programs. The institution offers need-based financial aid to ensure that education is accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. While the college does not offer scholarships specifically designated for theatre students, those pursuing theatre studies are eligible to apply for Middlebury Grants. Additionally, external scholarships, such as the Michael Cripe Theatre Scholarship—a $1,000 award for students planning to enter theatre, dance, or technical theatre—can provide further financial support.
Quality of Facilities
Steeler Studio Theatre
Middlebury College's theatre facilities in 2024 are housed in the Mahaney Arts Center, featuring state-of-the-art spaces for performance and production. The Seeler Studio Theatre offers a flexible black box setting, while the Wright Memorial Theatre provides a proscenium stage for large-scale productions. Students have access to advanced lighting, sound, and scenic design tools, along with dedicated rehearsal studios and costume shops. These facilities support an immersive, hands-on learning experience for theatre students.
Quality of Faculty
Middlebury College's Theatre Department boasts a distinguished faculty dedicated to fostering student growth. Led by Professor and Department Chair Claudio Medeiros, the team includes Associate Professor Michole Biancosino, known for her innovative direction, and Professor Alex Draper, a seasoned actor with extensive industry experience. The department also welcomes Artist in Residence Ashley Baptiste, enriching the program with fresh perspectives. This diverse faculty offers comprehensive mentorship, blending scholarly insight with practical expertise.
Commitment to Diversity
Middlebury College's Theatre Department emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion through intentional programming and curriculum. The department incorporates works by diverse playwrights, such as their previous production of The Wolves, which explores gender and identity.
Faculty actively seek out BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices for productions, including guest artists and directors. Additionally, the department fosters inclusivity by engaging in workshops and discussions on equity, ensuring that all students have a voice in shaping the artistic landscape.
Variety of Performance Opportunities
Middlebury College's Theatre Department offers diverse performance opportunities, including classic and contemporary productions. This season features King Lear, showcasing Shakespearean acting, and Athena by Gracie Gardner, highlighting modern storytelling. The 29th Annual First Show provides students a platform for devised theatre, while the Winter Term production offers experimental works. Students also engage in independent projects, playwriting festivals, and faculty-directed productions, ensuring a well-rounded theatrical experience in multiple performance styles and formats.
Vermont is an exceptional state for theatre students, offering a rich artistic community, outstanding college programs, and abundant performance opportunities. Schools like Middlebury College and the University of Vermont provide top-tier faculty, excellent facilities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
With vibrant local theatre scenes, from regional companies to student-led productions, Vermont fosters creativity and hands-on learning. Its supportive arts culture, combined with financial aid opportunities, makes it an ideal place to study and grow as a theatre artist.