Colorado is emerging as an epicenter for film, theatre and performing arts education in the United States. An increasing number of artists have moved in, and the media industry has blossomed; newer graduated can now study at some of the best acting schools where they would receive professional training by experienced teachers and even get stage time. Regardless if you aspire to act in movies, on the stage professionally or even as a voice over performer, applying and trying for placing is just the initial stepoton to take your talents towards stardom towards excellence.
Table of contents In this detailed article, we will cover the best acting schools in Colorado, their course offerings, tuition fees and other charges and open up why Colorado has become a favorite place for people willing to go into the acting career.
Why You Should Consider Colorado for Acting Educational programs
“Colorado presents an interesting combo of attracting new, cutting edge voices as well as already established ones looking for a second base in the fresh air.” Some of the reasons why students like you choose to study with acting schools here are:
1. Strong Performing Arts Culture
Throughout the year, Colorado is home to dozens of theater festivals, community plays, film workshops and live performances — giving students plenty of real-life experience.
2. Access to Filmmaking Opportunities
For actors in Colorado, where independent films, commercials and digital content creators have been on the rise as companies here strive to support aspiring talent from right at home.
3. Experienced Faculty & Mentors
A lot of Colorado acting schools are staffed by working actors, stage directors, film producers and industry professionals with real-world experience in Hollywood.
4. Affordable Education
Others might say that Colorado has more affordable acting programs than states such as California or New York without cutting around the edges in quality.
5. Supportive Creative Community
Students have the chance to team up with photographers, filmmakers, writers and artists — a great way to network and sharpen those skills.
Top Acting Schools in Colorado
Following are a few of the most respected acting schools and classes in Colorado providing professional actor training including degree programs, workshops and professional camps.
University of Colorado Boulder – CU Presents Calendar items are selected from the Submit an Event form or extracted from emails received.
At one of the top Colorado universities, CU Boulder has an intensive and cross-disciplinary acting curriculum.
Courses Offered:
- Acting, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theater
- Scene Study & Voice Training
- Stage Movement & Physical Acting
- Theater Production & Directing
- Acting for Camera Workshops
Fees:
Approx. US$12,000 to US$38,000 per annum based on place and residence (in-state or out-of state).
Highlights:
- State-of-the-art theater performance halls
- Collaboration with major theater festivals
- Roles in College Films and Productions
Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) – Education Program
Denver Center for the Performing Arts is ranked as one of Colorado’s top five cultural institutions and for a good reason: It’s more than just a collection of venues ranging from an outdoor amphitheater under the stars to intimate spaces with hosts of atmospheres.
DCPA is home to some of Colorado’s top acting and theater education programs, featuring high-quality teachers and classes.
Courses Offered:
- Sign up for…Acting Technique (Beginner to Advanced)
- Improv for Stage & Screen
- Voice & Speech Training
- On-Camera Acting
- Musical Theatre Performance
- Teen & Kids Acting Workshops
Fees:
Short courses are available at around $200 – $600, and professional longer courses range from $800 to $2,500.
Highlights:
- Learn from working actors and teachers with Broadway experience
- Opportunity to perform in the Denver Center theatres
- Industry-recognized certification
Colorado Film School (CFS), Aurora
Best known for film production, CFS provides focused acting-for-camera programs that train students to work in television and movies.
Courses Offered:
- Acting for the Screen
- Scene Work & Character Study
- Film Production Collaboration
- Audition Techniques
- Script Analysis Workshops
Fees:
Approx. $3,000 to $7,000 a semester, depending on course load.
Highlights:
- You play the scene in actual student film projects
- Strong emphasis on camera performance
- Mentorship from working filmmakers
University of Northern Colorado – School of Theatre Arts & Dance
The most extensive acting program in the state is at UNC Greeley.
Courses Offered:
- BFA in Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre Education
- Movement, Voice & Speech
- Stage Combat & Physical Theater
Fees:
Approx. $10,000 to $24,000 a year (in-state vs. out-of-state).
Highlights:
- Highly practical, performance-focused training
- Full length shows – several each school year
- Award-winning faculty and alumni
Colorado State University – Department of Theatre and Dance
CSU Fort Collins has a solid combination of contemporary and traditional actor training.
Courses Offered:
- BA in Theatre
- Acting Workshops
- Script Writing & Directing Courses
- Audition Skills
- Voice and Movement
Fees:
Between $9,000 and $28,000 annually depending on residency.
Highlights:
- Undertake meaningful involvement in CSU Theatre Productions
- Performance labs and studio classes
- Networking opportunities with regional theaters
Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids RMTK
A fantastic choice for young student actors, and teens that need to build solid acting basics.
Courses Offered:
- Acting Foundations
- Musical Theatre
- On-Camera Acting for Youth
- Improvisation & Speech
Fees:
Workshops normally cost $300 – $1200.
Highlights:
- Ideal for early-age acting development
- Highly supportive learning environment
- Regular performances and showcases
Types of Classes at Colorado Acting Schools
Colorado acting schools offer a diverse array of classes. Here are the most common:
- On Camera Acting for Film & TV
Work on cameras with auditioning and camera facing scenes.
- Acting for the Stage & Theatrical Performance
With a focus on both historical and inside-of-the-contemporary theatre, body methods, and live performing skills.
- Improv & Comedy Workshops
Helps to learn spontaneity, timing and character development by means of improvisation.
- Voice, Speech & Accent Training
Indispensable for the actor rendering multilingual or accented performances.
- Musical Theatre Programs
Compliments acting with dance, singing for Broadway preparation.
- Screenwriting & Directing (Optional)
Some acting schools also afford students the opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of filmmaking.
Tuition fees Acting classes in Colorado
The costs will also vary based on whether you are enrolling in a university program or private acting school.
Average Fee Range in Colorado:
- Short acting workshops: $150 – $900
- Professional Certificate Programs: $1,000 – $5,000
- Overall BA/BFA programs: $10,000–$35,000 annually
Not all schools participate but many make scholarships, financial aid or payment plans available to qualified students.
Admission Guide: How to Get Into the Best Acting Schools in Colorado
If have a dream to join an acting school institite then, we have some simple admissions guide for you here:
- Choose Your Acting Path
Identify your interest area:
- Film acting
- Theatre
- Musical theatre
- Improv comedy
- Voice acting
- Stage performance
Picking a concentration helps to narrow down the selection of the right school.
- Check Eligibility Criteria
Most acting programs require:
- Age requirement (usually 16+ for adult programs)
- Secondary school diploma (for university qualification)
- Previous acting experience not required for beginner courses
- Prepare an Audition (If Required)
Many degree programs ask for:
- Monologue Performance
Traditional and Modern monologue (each.Run time 1-2 minutes).
- Improvisation Task
Spontaneous scene performance.
- Portfolio Submission (Optional)
Photographs, past appearances or film clips.
- Submit Application & Documents
Typical documents include:
- Educational transcripts
- Identification proof
- Resume or acting CV
- Letters of Recommendation (for advanced ones)
- Attend an Interview
A few schools interview online or in person to gauge your level of passion for acting.
- Registration & Fee Payment
Once accepted, students must complete:
- Course registration
- Initial fee payment
- Orientation session
How to Choose an Acting School in Colorado
- Check Faculty Background
A good teacher can change everything in your acting.
- Look for Practical Exposure
Opt for schools with theatre productions, film projects and showcase events.
- Review Alumni Success
Quality of training is often associated with strong alumni networks.
- Compare Fees & Scholarships
Choose a program that is affordable and meets your career aspirations.
- Take a Tour or Join Us for a Demo Class
This makes you aware of the setting and approach for teaching.
Conclusion
The right Colorado acting school depends on your professional goals, what type of training you need and can afford. At top universities like CU Boulder and UNC Greeley, as well as at specialized institutes such as DCPA and Colorado Film School, students have excellent opportunities to learn all over the state. With the right institution, rigorous training and hard practice, young actors can establish a sturdy foundation to eventually perform in front of film, theatre and performing arts audiences.
With a combination of creativity, supportive communities and industry opportunities, Colorado is the perfect place to start your acting career.
