The Oxford School of Drama claims to be the youngest accredited drama school in the UK. The school is vocational, and offers training without degree courses. The purpose of this is to allow students the freedom to work in theater productions and not be bogged down with school projects such as essays about the history of drama. In 2006 the Actor's Union Equity survey claimed the Oxford School of Drama to be one of the top accredited drama schools based on the number of students securing jobs in their field after graduation. In 2004 BBC named the school one of the top 5 drama schools in the UK. Classes are small so that each student can spend time with professors. The Oxford School of Drama is an unbiased school and selects students based on talent rather than experience, gender, age or ethnic origin.
The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts prides itself on selecting only 180 students per year. The benefits of this small selection are that each student selected is highly talented, which raises the quality of the school, and that classes are small, which means each student gets quality time with her professors. The school is located in the heart of New York City, which is known for its performing arts opportunities. NYCDA is also the largest casting facility on the East Coast, so students looking for acting opportunities are able to observe the casting process and easily apply for gigs on site.
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy has a campus in Los Angeles and a campus in New York City, two cities known for their large part in the entertainment industry. The school puts together a series of performances to give students experience in acting, performing live music, dance and film. Each year, students complete an end of the year performance on the school's main stage. Students are provided with large performing stages, film and television editing stations, computer labs and dance rehearsal spaces. The school offers degrees in acting, performing arts, musical theater and dance theater.
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television is located in Los Angeles, a city known for its opportunities in film and the entertainment industry. The school keeps a low student count of 410 undergraduate and 390 graduate students with 140 faculty members, ensuring small classes and allowing students plenty of time to talk to and learn from their professors. The school aims to graduate well-rounded students who understand all areas of theater, film and television production as well as the history of these subjects. School facilities include the large Billy Wilder Theater, a costume shop, film editing labs, a prop shop and more.