Texas is home to a thriving entertainment industry, expanding theatre communities, and growing film production hubs in cities such as Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into acting or an aspiring performer aiming for professional training, Texas offers some of the best performing arts programs in the United States. This guide breaks down the Top 15 Acting Schools in Texas, including fees, course offerings, program strengths, and what makes each school stand out.
Top 15 Acting Schools in Texas and Fees
1. University of Texas at Austin – Department of Theatre & Dance
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BFA in Acting, MFA in Acting
Average Tuition:
- In-state: ~$11,000/year
- Out-of-state: ~$40,000/year
UT Austin is one of the most prestigious acting programs in the Southwest. Its BFA Acting program is intensive, performance-driven, and designed to help students build strong foundations in movement, voice, theatre history, and advanced acting techniques. Students benefit from a program linked to Texas Performing Arts and local film industries, gaining stage and on-camera experience. Graduates often go on to perform in major theatres, film productions, and streaming network series.
2. Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Meadows School of the Arts
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: BFA Acting, MFA Acting
Average Tuition: ~$64,000/year
SMU is known nationwide for its rigorous conservatory-style training. Students benefit from small cohorts, personalized coaching, and access to industry professionals. The program’s focus on classical theatre, contemporary performance, movement, and on-camera acting prepares students for both stage and film. Dallas’ growing film industry and SMU’s strong alumni network give graduates solid career opportunities.
3. Texas State University – Department of Theatre and Dance
Location: San Marcos, TX
Programs: BFA Acting, BFA Musical Theatre
Average Tuition:
- In-state: ~$11,000/year
- Out-of-state: ~$24,000/year
Texas State University offers one of the most competitive acting and musical theatre programs in the state. Students receive hands-on stage experience, movement training, and vocal development. The program regularly participates in regional and national theatre festivals, giving students significant exposure.
4. University of Houston – School of Theatre & Dance
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: BFA Acting, MFA Acting
Average Tuition:
- In-state: ~$10,000/year
- Out-of-state: ~$27,000/year
The University of Houston provides intensive actor training with an emphasis on voice, movement, characterization, and improvisation. Students train with acclaimed faculty and work closely with the Alley Theatre and other Houston performance companies, gaining real-world experience.
5. Baylor University – Department of Theatre Arts
Location: Waco, TX
Programs: BFA Performance, BA Theatre
Average Tuition: ~$53,000/year
Baylor offers a strong liberal arts-based theatre program with high-quality performance training. Students learn everything from acting technique to directing and stage production. The school’s multiple annual theatre productions offer students ample opportunity to perform.
6. Texas Tech University – School of Theatre & Dance
Location: Lubbock, TX
Programs: BFA Acting, MFA Theatre Performance
Average Tuition:
- In-state: ~$9,300/year
- Out-of-state: ~$19,000/year
Texas Tech offers modern and classical acting training, along with opportunities to work on stage productions, films, and theatre festivals. Its resident theatre program and film collaborations give acting students a strong portfolio by graduation.
7. St. Edward’s University – Department of Performing Arts
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BFA Acting
Average Tuition: ~$52,000/year
St. Edward’s provides high-quality conservatory training in the heart of Austin’s entertainment scene. Students receive hands-on performance experience through campus productions and collaborations with local theatres and film studios.
8. The Actors’ School Austin
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: Acting Workshops, On-Camera Training
Average Tuition: $200–$600 per course
This school is ideal for beginners or working actors seeking flexible, professional training. The Acting School Austin offers short courses in film acting, audition techniques, and character development taught by industry professionals.
9. Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts (HADA)
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: On-Camera Acting, Theatre Acting, Voice Acting
Average Tuition: $250–$2,500 depending on program
HADA focuses on practical training for film, TV, and stage acting. Students learn audition skills, scene study, and voiceover techniques. The academy’s flexible schedule and industry-level curriculum make it popular among adult learners.
10. KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: Acting Performance Degree
Average Tuition: ~$30,000 for the full program
KD Conservatory offers strong professional actor training with a focus on TV, film, commercials, and theatre. Students receive individualized coaching and the chance to work on independent film sets within Dallas’ growing entertainment ecosystem.
11. Texas Christian University (TCU) – Department of Theatre
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Programs: BA Theatre, BFA Acting
Average Tuition: ~$57,000/year
TCU offers an intensive performance-focused curriculum where students gain deep experience in stage acting, movement, and character building. The school’s partnerships with Dallas–Fort Worth theatres help students build real industry connections early.
12. Collin College – Drama Program
Location: Plano, TX
Programs: Associate Degree in Drama
Average Tuition:
- In-district: ~$2,700/year
- Out-of-district: ~$5,100/year
Collin College is an excellent option for students seeking affordable foundational acting training before transferring to a four-year university. Its drama program offers stage performance opportunities, acting fundamentals, voice, and movement.
13. Sam Houston State University – Department of Theatre & Musical Theatre
Location: Huntsville, TX
Programs: BFA Acting
Average Tuition:
- In-state: ~$11,000/year
- Out-of-state: ~$24,000/year
Sam Houston State University has a strong acting program that trains students in voice, stage movement, improvisation, and classical performance. Students participate in multiple annual productions and gain industry-standard training.
14. University of North Texas – Department of Dance & Theatre
Location: Denton, TX
Programs: BA Theatre Acting Concentration
Average Tuition:
- In-state: ~$11,000/year
- Out-of-state: ~$23,000/year
UNT’s acting program offers strong foundational training in performance, stagecraft, and theatre history. Its location near the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area gives students access to an active film and theatre community.
15. Dallas Young Actors Studio (For Teens & Young Adults)
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: Acting for Teens, Young Actors Academy
Average Tuition: $1,000–$4,000 depending on program length
A great option for young aspiring actors, DYAS offers acting workshops, summer acting camps, and on-camera performance training. Many graduates have gone on to work in commercials, TV shows, and student films.
Why Study Acting in Texas?
Texas has become a major hotspot for film, television, and theatre, offering:
- Growing opportunities in independent film
- Affordable training compared to New York and Los Angeles
- Access to professional theatres, studios, and acting agencies
- A creative and supportive artistic community
- Several accredited universities with award-winning drama programs
Conclusion
Texas hosts some of the most diverse and high-quality acting schools in the U.S., making it an excellent destination for performers looking to build careers in film, theatre, or voice acting. Whether you’re seeking a four-year degree or flexible acting workshops, the state’s thriving entertainment scene provides limitless opportunities for training, networking, and performance.