The Best Undergraduate Theatre Programs in Each State - 2019 Edition

Every year, OnStage Blog deep dives into college theatre programs to find what we feel are some of the best in the nation. While the perfect programs is the one that fits best with the student, schools can become that fit with fantastic facilities, strong faculty, multiple performance opportunities, among other things. In truth, there are some schools that do that better than others and should be recognized for it.

At the end of the summer, we will be publishing our top 25 theatre program rankings. But as we start to close the books on this academic year, we felt it’s time to name some programs that did exceptional work this year. So here is our 2019 list of the best theatre programs in each state.

College TheatreChristopher PetersonMay 6, 2019

Rumors and Outrage over a Middle School Cancelling a Production of 'Spelling Bee'

There is news today coming out of Hyattsville, MD where the local middle school decided to cancel its upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee just weeks before it was set to open.

According to a letter sent from the school to parents, it provided no details into why the production was cancelled. It stated,

“Unfortunately we have decided to cancel the Spring Musical dates of May 2nd, 3rd and 4th,” the letter said, adding that a parent meeting would be held Tuesday to answer “any of your questions, comments or concerns.”

Without any details, rumors and speculation started to swirl among the students and parents. One rumor, which is making waves now, is that the show was cut because one character has gay parents.

Middle SchoolChristopher PetersonApril 24, 2019Chris Peterson

PA School Board Decides that Theatre Productions Must Now Be Approved by Superintendent Before Performance

The dress rehearsals of shows at Waynesboro Senior High School looks like they’ll have quite the critic going forward, the schools’ superintendent. A recent school board decision made it possible for the Superintendent to approve or deny performances going forward based on whether he determines it appropriate.

High schoolChristopher PetersonMarch 28, 2019Chris Peterson

Education and Entertainment - Enhance your Drama Degree by attending the Theatre

There are many reasons why theatre has been around for thousands of years, and is still growing. Many people describe the theatre as something magical, and a truly extraordinary experience. Unfortunately nowadays, many drama courses don’t involve theatre trips, with students watching performances online instead. Many feel that this takes away the experience - there’s nothing quite like enjoying a heart-warming musical, or seeing a timeless classic at the theatre.

College TheatreChristopher PetersonMarch 25, 2019Ruby Clarkson

Bribery Has Always Occurred in BFA Programs

While many were shocked by this college admissions scandal, as someone who’s worked in college admissions for the past decade, I wasn’t shocked at all. Truth be told, this has been happening for years in the industry and if you think BFA theatre/music/dance programs are in the clear, you’d be wrong.

College TheatreChristopher PetersonMarch 22, 2019Chris Peterson

College Auditions: The Parent Perspective - Part 5

Hopefully by the end of April, the right school will be revealed to you and your student. It may or may not be one of their top choices. That’s okay, because (as we all know), your student will get out of this experience what they put into it.

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