UNCSA named No. 3 drama school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter

The School of Drama at UNCSA has once again been ranked No. 3 on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of “The 25 Best Drama Schools in the World” for 2026, and is the highest ranked public institution on the list, reaffirming its place among the exceptional training grounds for actors and directors worldwide.

UNCSA’s placement on the list continues a yearslong streak of international recognition from the entertainment industry publication. The school has appeared annually in The Hollywood Reporter’s rankings since 2012 and has held the No. 3 spot for four consecutive years. UNCSA ranks second among B.F.A. programs included on the list.

“This recognition affirms what we see every day at UNCSA: artists pushing boundaries, taking risks and redefining what excellence in theater training can be,” said Dean John Langs of the School of Drama. “The achievements of our students, alumni, faculty and staff reflect a culture rooted in rigor, imagination and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling.”

The publication cited the School of Drama’s emphasis on developing employable student artists through strong industry ties, on-camera training with the “in-demand” Heidi Miami Marshall, as well as practical preparation for all aspects of managing a career in the arts. The article cites sophomore Aidan Armstrong who was cast on Season 5 of “Stranger Things” as well as alum Jake Lacy (“White Lotus”) and Mary-Louise Parker (“Fried Green Tomatoes”), among the school’s many success stories.

The publication consulted with educators and industry insiders for its annual ranking of the best schools for an acting degree, which appeared in the May 20 print issue and online today. Factors considered included overall training, cost, alumni success, industry connections, and more.

About the School of Drama at UNCSA

Frequently ranked as one of the best drama schools in the world, the School of Drama at UNCSA, under the leadership of Dean John Langs, prepares talented young artists for successful careers on stage, online, and in film and television. Conservatory training grounded in classical values adds technical skills to shape creatively inspired and versatile actors who are in-demand in today’s evolving entertainment landscape. Students perform constantly in both small workshops and major productions across the theatrical repertory. The School of Drama benefits from close collaboration with the nation’s only standalone conservatory dedicated to Design & Production at UNCSA, which provides professional-level support for the School of Drama performance season, from costumes, wigs & makeup and stage properties, to scenic technology and design, lighting and sound design, stage management and beyond.

An outstanding resident faculty gives personal attention to their students’ growth. Students receive critical on-camera training and opportunities to explore creative entrepreneurship and are offered coveted exposure to industry professionals in residence and in the major hubs of the entertainment industry in America, including senior showcases in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Through the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, alumni receive invaluable industry opportunities over the summer with prestigious programs such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and La MaMa Umbria International.

UNCSA brings dozens of industry guests to the school each year to work with students and guest directing performances. Recent and future industry guest artist visits include alum Tiffany Little Canfield, CSA (casting for “Wicked”); Mark Redanty (BRS/Gage); Skyler Gray (Gersh); alum J.T. Rogers (“Oslo”); alum Krys Marshall (“Paradise”); Brenda DeVita (Artistic Director of the Regional Tony Award-winning American Players Theatre); director Sarna Lapine; director and playwright Aaron Posner; Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning composer Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”); among many others, providing critical industry connections for students.

In addition to Lacy and Parker, UNCSA’s prominent School of Drama alumni include Joe Mantello (“Death of a Salesman”);  Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Civil War”); Anna Camp (“Pitch Perfect”); Billy Magnussen (“The Audacity”); Anthony Mackie (“Captain America: Brave New World”); Krys Marshall (“Paradise," "For All Mankind"); Elizabeth Lail (“You”); Dane DeHaan (“Oppenheimer,” “American Primevil”); Diedrich Bader (“Veep”); Orin Wolf (producer of Broadway’s "Buena Vista Social Club"); Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”); Jack Alcott ("Dexter: New Blood"); Dylan Arnold (“Oppenheimer”); Wesley Taylor (“SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Only Murders in the Building”); Brianna Middleton (“Neuromancer”); Will Price (“The Only Living Pickpocket in New York); Bridget Regan (“The Rookie”); and Isaac Powell (“West Side Story”), among many others.

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