The Top Acting Schools and Programs to Launch Your Career in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City may not be one of the first places that come to mind when you think of acting and the performing arts. However, OKC is home to a vibrant theater community and some highly respected institutions that have trained many successful actors over the years.
This guide will provide an in-depth look at the top acting schools and programs in the Oklahoma City metro area. Whether you‘re a high school student taking your first steps towards an acting career or an adult looking to hone your skills, there are fantastic options in OKC to receive high-caliber training tailored to film, television and theater.
An Overview of Acting Training Approaches
Before surveying some of the top acting institutions in OKC, it’s helpful to understand the different approaches programs take to teaching acting. While all schools aim to equip students with strong fundamental skills, they can differ significantly in areas of focus and educational philosophy.
Conservatory Programs
Conservatory-style acting schools offer intensive training modeled after the classical theater conservatories. Students focus intensively on acting techniques, movement, voice and related disciplines under the guidance of faculty who are working industry professionals.
Conservatory programs are ideal for those who want total immersion in their acting education. However, the narrow focus on acting often comes at the expense of a broader liberal arts education.
Examples of OKC Programs: Oklahoma City University’s Academy of Contemporary Music
Liberal Arts Programs
Acting training within a liberal arts setting aims to provide a well-rounded education spanning humanities, arts and sciences, while also cultivating performance abilities. Students have opportunities to appear in campus theater productions in addition to their academic coursework.
These programs allow time for exploring other art forms, literature and diverse subjects beyond acting alone. However, some students may desire a more singular focus on theater and acting skills.
Examples of OKC Programs: Theater programs at University of Oklahoma and University of Central Oklahoma
Studio Schools
Located outside of traditional university and college settings, acting studio schools offer in-depth training and practical experience without the wider liberal arts requirements. Programs are often taught by working actors, directors and casting agents.
Studio schools allow flexibility not bound to strict academic calendars. However, they usually don‘t provide traditional college degrees, which may be required for some scholarship and financial aid resources.
Examples of OKC Programs: Oklahoma City Theatre Co. Conservatory, Actors Casting Agency
Comparing Acting Program Enrollment and Costs in OKC
| Program | 2022 Enrolled Students | Est. Total Cost (4 Years) | Avg. Financial Aid Package | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCU Academy of Contemporary Music | 112 | $148,000 | $22,000/year | 63% |
| UCO School of Theatre | 237 | $80,000 (in-state) | $7,800/year | 59% |
| OU School of Drama | 198 | $105,000 (in-state) | $9,500/year | 74% |
Table data sourced from latest IPEDS 2021-2022 statistics
As we can see, costs can vary widely depending on whether it is a public or private institution. However, the more intensive private programs often provide larger scholarships and financial aid support.
Top Acting Schools and Programs in Oklahoma City
Now that we’ve compared some of the overall training models, let‘s survey some of the best acting institutions Oklahoma City has to offer…
1. Academy of Contemporary Music at Oklahoma City University
The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is the highly respected performing arts conservatory of Oklahoma City University. With a rich legacy spanning over six decades, ACM provides intensive training modeled after classical European conservatories.
Students majoring in Acting at ACM complete a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Performing Arts degree. The rigorous curriculum covers a range of disciplines including acting and improvisation, musical theatre, voice and speech, stage movement, directing and technical production.
Over their academic career, students appear in over 20 theater productions, from established classics to contemporary experimental works. The combination of immersive coursework and frequent hands-on stage experience provides a firm foundation to launch an acting career after graduation…
Areas of Specialization: Musical theater, classical theater, comedy
Notable Alumni: Actor and director James Wlcek, Broadway performers Kristen Beth Williams and Greg Dulcie
Facilities: ACM’s home venue, the 752-seat Burg Theater, provides an exceptional space to hone stage craft in a professional-grade theater. State-of-the-art costume and scenic design studios, acting classrooms and a movement/dance studio offer specialized resources for acting students…
Industry Alignment: ACM acting faculty are working professionals with connections across theater, TV and film. They continually adapt the acting curriculum to align with shifts in entertainment industry needs and expectations…
2. School of Theatre at University of Central Oklahoma
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Facilities: UCO‘s theater students train and perform scenes at several on-campus stages, including the state-of-the-art Mitchell Hall Theater. Other specialized spaces include a movement studio, design and costume labs, and flexible "black box" experimental theater…
Industry Alignment: UCO cultivates relationships with Oklahoma film industry partners to place graduated actors into local casting calls, commercial projects and background work needed to gain professional experience…
3. School of Drama at University of Oklahoma
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Areas of Specialization: Classical theater, musical theater, theater administration
Industry Alignment: OU‘s School of Drama Advisory Council is comprised of alumni and other theater professionals who consult on updates to the acting curriculum reflecting entertainment industry needs…
4. Oklahoma City Theatre Co. Conservatory
If an intensive conservatory-style program is what you’re after, Oklahoma City Theatre Company delivers rigorous, performance-focused training in downtown OKC. The Conservatory offers a tuition-free two year program for those admitted after a highly competitive audition process.
Under the guidance of a faculty made up of working actors, playwrights and directors, students immerse themselves in voice, movement, acting theory and technical skills. Frequent performances in productions of established plays, musicals and original experimental works provide real-world experience.
The demanding 70+ hours per week of classes and rehearsals give graduates the abilities and resume to qualify for Actors’ Equity Association membership…
Areas of Specialization: Contemporary theater, musical theater, experimental works
Notable Alumni: Film and TV actor Stoney Westmoreland (Andi Mack, God Friended Me)
Facilities: OKC Theatre Co. is based out of the theater district in downtown Oklahoma City, providing access to professional-grade performing arts venues both on and off campus…
Industry Alignment: As a faculty of working actors and directors, OKC Theatre Co. continually evolves the conservatory training approach to align with latest entertainment industry standards and opportunities…
5. Oklahoma City Actors Casting Agency
While not a traditional multi-year college degree program, the Oklahoma City Actors Casting Agency fills an important niche for aspiring film and television actors in OKC…
Areas of Specialization: On-camera acting, casting preparation
Notable Alumni: Actor and model Josh Kelly (One Life to Live), actor/producer David Midthunder (Longmire)
Industry Alignment: With core faculty comprised of casting agents and directors, the training is laser-focused on skills needed to book acting work in regional film, TV and commercial projects…
Launching an Acting Career After Graduation in Oklahoma
Gaining a solid skills foundation and performance experience from a quality Oklahoma-based acting program is essential. However, what are actual job prospects for grads aiming to build a career within the state rather than traditional entertainment hubs like Los Angeles?
Employment Outlook for Oklahoma Actors
The good news is acting employment in the Oklahoma City region is growing steadily. Average wages also track closely with national trends:
| Acting Role | Oklahoma City Avg. Salary | National Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Actor (general) | $39,180 | $41,170 |
| TV/film actor | $76,840 | $75,180 |
| Stage actor | $30,780 | $33,740 |
*wage data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 estimates
It‘s true opportunities remain far greater in more established markets like NYC, Chicago and LA where most film/television productions and acting jobs are centered. But Oklahoma holds its own in commercial and local theater scenes. As the state ramps up financial incentives to attract more major film and television projects, we expect the acting job market to continue expanding in the OKC region.
Nurturing In-State Talent Pipelines
To truly grow entertainment production (and acting jobs) in Oklahoma long-term however, simply offering financial incentives to outside productions isn‘t enough. We need to proactively nurture in-state acting talent so promising creatives remain here rather than leaving for opportunities in crowded markets like LA.
Policy Reforms to Consider
What policy changes could incentivize aspiring actors receiving training at Oklahoma institutions to build their careers locally? Reforms addressing core financial challenges early stage actors face would have an important influence. For example:
- Expand grants, no-interest loans and other programs to fund cost-of-living support for actors during education and training phases
- Increase funding to universities, studio schools and theater companies to provide larger scholarships and stipends for aspiring performers
- Refundable tax credits for new college graduates pursuing approved creative occupations to alleviate early-career financial pressures
Industry Partnerships
Beyond financial help getting started, Oklahoma actors need enhanced pipelines connecting them to actual paid job opportunities in-state post graduation. Some ideas that industry and policy leaders should explore:
- Paid apprenticeships, mentoring programs and job placement partnerships between top acting schools, theater/arts companies and film/TV productions based in Oklahoma
- Guaranteed audition opportunities with local talent agencies for new acting grads from approved training programs
- Designated networking events and showcases with local directors, producers and casting directors to increase visibility of emerging Oklahoma actors
The more robust and nurtured the in-state talent pipelines become over time, the less incentive there will be for Oklahoma’s best young actors to leave for better opportunities elsewhere. Acting graduates building their resume with local theater companies, commercial gigs and film projects are more likely to remain in OKC long-term. And "made in Oklahoma" actors finding success will attract more entertainment business.
It‘s a virtuous cycle that starts with policy reform and industry leadership prioritizing education, training and employment pipelines for aspiring Oklahoma performers.
Next Steps for Aspiring OKC Actors
In addition to getting your face in front of casting directors during local auditions, excellent headshots are critical to stand out for film and television. Some of the top headshot photographers in the Oklahoma City area include…
It’s also smart to secure representation by a local talent agent familiar with Oklahoma-based projects and opportunities in surrounding regions. Reputable agencies in OKC and Tulsa include…
While you establish your career locally, Oklahoma City is within driving distance to larger Texas markets like Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin for expanded casting calls and auditions.
Actors equipped with strong fundamentals from Oklahoma institutions and a stack of local performing credits on your resume can seize these expanding opportunities. The path may not always be easy, but with persistence, adaptability and the right training foundation the stars can align for an Oklahoma-based acting career.