Looking for opportunities to learn acting? For most of us, our childhood dreams have been to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest actors we watched on screen while growing up. If you happen to be one of the many whose dreams live up to now, here’s an article to help you begin your journey. Go for it with our article on the best acting schools in India.
Lately, cinema and theatre have become channels through which our minds have been fascinated for millennia. Also, it has become more enthusiastic and technical with a quest for perfection. To get into the acting scene, diligent training is required.
Generally, mastery in this field is only borne out of the experience, and training in one of the best acting schools will give you a great headstart. Studying in the best acting schools in India can give you the best experiences you need.
This article will discuss the best acting schools in India you can apply to for your studying career.
Table of contents
- What Career and Jobs are in Acting?
- How Much Do Actors In India Earn?
- Best Acting Schools in India in 2023
- 1. Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares
- 2. Film and Television Institute of India
- 3. Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment
- 4. Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
- 5. National School of Drama
- 6. Zee Institute of Media and Arts
- 7. Asian Academy of Film and Television – Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida and New Delhi
- 8. Whistling Woods International
- 9. Barry John Acting Studio
- 10. Centre for Research in Arts, Film, and Television – Delhi
- 1. BA in Acting
- 2. Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)
- 3. BA Hons in Drama
- 4. Diploma in Acting
- 5. Postgraduate Diploma in Acting
- 6. Master of Arts in Acting
- 7. Certificate Course in Acting
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Career and Jobs are in Acting?
A career in acting creates a pretty good number of competitive job opportunities. An individual who majored in Acting in India could begin right with Bollywood or the various TV channels, which comprise games, reality shows, popular TV serials, and so many others.
The great thing about this field is that it has no age bound; however, this diligent training is required to get lead roles and be a sought-after actor.
There are ample opportunities for actors in Bollywood, Tollywood, Hollywood, and Nollywood. And if your desire is not to be on screen but behind, you can learn everything you need in the best acting schools in India.
Here are the job profiles in this field:
- Actor/actress
- Lead actor/actress
- Co-actor/actress
- Supporting actor/actress
- Crowd actor/actress
- Acting instructor
- Crowd actor/actress
- Acting instructor
- Villains
- Co-villains
- Stunt man
How Much Do Actors In India Earn?
What actors/actresses earn here is the salary. In as much as this field is quite lucrative but competitive, salaries differ according to an actor/actress’s roles and also according to various producers.
In India, an actor makes an average pay of ₹490,000 per year or ₹196 per hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to ₹1,140,000 annually, while entry-level roles start at ₹349,000.
Also, an average actor on a TV channel can earn up to Rs 2000-10000 per episode. On the other hand, a professional can earn up to Rs 10000-200000 per episode.
Best Acting Schools in India in 2023
Here is a list of the best acting schools in India:
1. Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares
Established in 2005 by Anupam Kher, Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares in Mumbai is one of the best acting schools in India for talented individuals looking to take up careers in acting and writing in the entertainment industry.
Also, this school doubles as the world’s only acting school for actors/actresses and writers, founded by a professionally thriving actor-director. The school since its establishment, has focused on offering professional-level courses to its students looking to pursue careers in acting and screenwriting.
These classes are conducted by highly experienced faculty members who put in their passion and love for the art to take the students through the practical and theoretical parts of the classes. In addition, there are games, exercises, and extensively filmed practicals.
Also, the schools provide visits from a roster of Bollywood celebrities who make part of the facilitators to share their experiences and tips for success in the entertainment industry with the students. Likewise, the students are offered individual guidance and counseling opportunities by these experts too.
Below are the courses offered in this school:
- 3-month Full-time Diploma Course
- 1-month Part-time Certificate Course
- Personalized Training programs
- Acting Workshops
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2. Film and Television Institute of India
The Film and Television Institute of India is one of the best acting schools in India. It was founded in 1960 on the erstwhile Prabhat Studio premises in Pune, and it doubles as a part of the International Liaison Centre of Schools of Cinema and Television (CILECT).
It is one of the best acting schools in India, where some of the most talented and experienced actors and writers received their education in the entertainment field. Meanwhile, the school offers extensive courses under several verticals ranging from acting to screenplay writing and cinematography.
The school offers 112 seats in the following programs:
- Direction and screenplay writing
- Editing
- Art direction and production design
- Cinematography
- Sound record and sound design
- Screen acting
- Screenwriting (Film, TV, and web series)
- TV wing
- Direction
- Video editing
- Electronic cinematography
- Sound recording and television engineering
You can find more information about this acting school on its website.
3. Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment
The Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment was founded by Ramesh Sippy – one of the most prominent people in the entertainment industry in India with exceptional cinematic experiences. The school has, since its establishment, provided opportunities to improve and nourish the talents of aspiring actors in the country. It’s also definitely one of the best acting schools in India.
Also, it doubles as one of India’s most sought-after acting schools, owning decades of experience and expertise from directing and producing some of the greatest and biggest Bollywood blockbusters.
The school has a tie-up with the University of Mumbai and the Garware Institute of Career Education and Development. Meanwhile, it is from this institute that students who complete their film school at Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment will obtain their certificates.
Here are the courses offered at this school:
- Bachelor in Film Art
- Bachelor in Screen Writing
- A Bachelor in Visual Effects
- Bachelor in Film Production & Management
- Bachelor in Animation
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4. Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
Established in 1995 in Kolkota, the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute has continually maintained a reputation as one of the best acting schools in India. Also, the school doubles as a part of the International Liaison Centre of Schools of Cinema and Television (CILECT).
It offers an overall academic development in the art of filmmaking and also, in addition to acting. Their tuition for the first semester is INR 92,675 + INR 25,300, and on the other hand, their fees for the second semester are INR 36,025 + INR 17,600.
5. National School of Drama
The National School of Drama was founded in 1959 in New Delhi, India, by Sangeet Nakat Akademi. In 1975, the institute became an independent entity, got registered and authorized under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, and then fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is one of the best acting schools in India. Also, the school doubles as one of the most enduring for talented individuals looking to begin a career in acting.
Below are the courses offered in this school:
- Modern Indian drama
- Classical Indian drama
- World drama
- Voice & speech
- Yoga
- Theatre music
- Mime and movement
6. Zee Institute of Media and Arts
The Zee Institute of Media and Arts, set in Mumbai, is one of the best acting schools in India. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding technical and efficient opportunities to students looking to pursue or enhance their acting careers and other technical aspects of filmmaking.
In India, this institute is considered one of the most outstanding acting and filmmaking school as companies like UTV, Prixon, Shemaroo, Prime, Star Plus, Focus, Sony, Times Now, Zee TV Balaji, Ramoji Film City, Yash Raj Films, Vishesh, and MTV visit the institute for their major recruitments.
Here are the courses offered in this school:
- Certificate in Acting
- Certificate in Cinematography
- Bachelors in Film Making
- Certificate in Ad Film Making
- Certificate in Executive Production
- Hand’s on Film Making
- Certificate in Cinematography
- Certificate in Editing
- Masters in Film Making
- Certificate in Ad Film Making
- Certificate in DirectionDirection
- Bachelors in Film Making
- Certificate in Script Writing
- Certificate in Voicing & TV Presentation
- And a Certificate in Sound Engineering
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7. Asian Academy of Film and Television – Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida and New Delhi
The Asian Academy of Film and Television was established in 1993 in Mumbai, Noida, Kolkota, and New Delhi and was sponsored by the Asian Society of Film and Television. It became the first-ever media school in the private sector. Also, it is one of the best acting schools in India, with four different institutions in four prominent Indian cities.
In 2002, the City and Guilds, UK approved the school as an international training center. Also, the school is currently affiliated with International Film and Television Club.
The school has produced alumni such as Luv Ranjan of Pyaar Ka Punchnama fame, Arjun Kapoor, and others. It also, has Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor as Directors in this institute.
Below are courses offered in this school:
- Diploma in Acting for Film and Television
- Acting and Presentation
- BSc in Cinema + Graduate Level Diploma in Cinema
- MSc in Multimedia + Post Graduate Diploma in Multimedia
- MSc in Mass Communication + Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication
- Diploma in Visual Communication
- MSc in Cinema + Post Graduate Diploma in Electronic Media
- MSc in Cinema + Direction
- Diploma in Camera and Lighting Techniques
- MSc in Cinema + Sound Recording
- BSc in Mass Communication + Graduate Level Diploma in Mass Communication
- BSc in Electronic Media + Graduate Level Diploma in Electronic Media
- BBA + Media and Entertainment
- MSc in Cinema + Cinematography
- MSc in Cinema + Post Graduate Diploma in Cinema
- MA Film Production
- MSc in Cinema + Post Production
- Screenplay Writing
- BSc in Multimedia Production + Graduate Diploma in Multimedia
- BA (Hons) Film and TV Screenwriting
- BA (Hons) Film Production
- Post Graduate Diploma in Film & TV Production
- Camera and Lighting Techniques
- Sound Recording and Radio Production
- Video Editing and Sound Recording
- Production Direction and TV Journalism
- TV Graphics and Animation
- Post Graduate Diploma in Print and Photo Journalism
- BSc International Journalism
- Post Graduate Diploma in TV Journalism and Communication
- MSc in Journalism
- Mass Media Research and Planning
- BBA + Media and Entertainment
- PGD in Media and Entertainment
8. Whistling Woods International
Founded in 2006 by Subhash Ghai, Whistling Woods International is one of the best acting schools in India. It is an institute primarily designed for film, fashion, and communication. Also, the school has progressed into varied allied fields such as animation, media, entertainment, communication, and fashion.
It has been constantly ranked among the best acting schools in Mumbai. In 2014, the school was ranked by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the top acting schools in the country.
The school was approved as a full member of the prestigious CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinema et de Television)- A global association of film schools.
The acting school began with some of the most talented and experienced Bollywood actors/actresses constantly teaching and sharing their knowledge in the entertainment industry with the students.
It offers short and long-term degree and diploma programs in acting, cinematography, animation, editing, direction, screenwriting, producing, sound, visual effects, fashion design, and media management studies.
For its courses and programs, the school charges INR 13,00,000 + 18% GST for their BA in Acting Diploma course of 3 years. On the other hand, it charges INR 12,00,000 + 18% GST for the Advanced Diploma in Acting course of 2 years.
Below are the courses offered in this school:
- BA in Screenwriting
- BA in Acting
- BSc/BA in Filmmaking with specializations
- Diploma in Screenwriting
- BSc/BA in Animation Filmmaking
- Advanced Diploma in Acting
- Advanced Diploma in Filmmaking (with specializations)
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9. Barry John Acting Studio
The Barry John Acting Studio was established in 1999 in Film City, Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and was later moved to Mumbai by the director’s Barry John and Sanjay Sujitabh. It is considered one of India’s most sought-after acting schools, with alumni including Shah Rukh Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Sushant Singh Rajput, among others.
The school operates under the Theatre in Education Trust, a non-profit association.
This school offers a six-month diploma in film acting and writing courses. Below are the courses offered in this school:
- Certificate in acting (weekend course)
- Diploma in film acting
- Diploma courses in film arts
- Customized film workshops
- Young actors club (Theatre workshops for children)
10. Centre for Research in Arts, Film, and Television – Delhi
Established in 2006 in New Delhi, India, the Centre for Research in Arts, Film, and Television is a non-profit organization primarily focused on strengthening, enhancing, medication, training, creativity, research, documentation, dissemination, criticism, distribution and collaborations across various disciplines in the acting and filmmaking field.
This Institute was established in Delhi in the year 2006 and is a non-profit organization committed to ‘strengthening education, training, creativity, research, documentation, dissemination, criticism, distribution, and collaborations across disciplines in the field of film and television’ per their website. The CRAFT institute is consistently ranked among the best acting schools in India.
Which Acting Courses Are Offered In India?
Formal education and procuring a degree is the way to go when it comes to approaching acting as a ‘professional career choice. Institutes and colleges offer an array of exciting courses from across the country.
The top courses for acting in India are as follows:
- BA in Acting
- Bachelor of Performing Arts
- BA Hons in Drama
- Diploma in Acting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Acting
- Master of Arts in Acting
- Certificate Course in Acting
1. BA in Acting
Admission to the BA in acting is an undergraduate program in acting, dance, and drama. The acting course is mainly based on the applicant’s performance in the relevant entrance examination conducted by individual colleges and the counseling.
The National Council also accredits this degree for Drama Training, which allows graduates automatic entry into equity, the actors union in India. It is an intensive process that requires curiosity, courage, and commitment on the part of the student to become an actor.
2. Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)
Students that enroll in the BPA undergraduate degree program learn about the entertainment and related strategies. In several Indian universities, colleges, and institutes, this three- or four-year program is available.
A performing arts degree usually focuses on three significant aspects of the performance and entertainment industry: music, dance, and drama. It provides specialization to students in any one of these. The course helps students refine their skills and become artists in any of the three varied forms of performing arts.
3. BA Hons in Drama
BA Hons Drama includes acting, voice, and movement techniques through synthesizing theory and practice. One will graduate as a thinking, expressive, informed, and creative actor with the ability to work across genres, media, and performance cultures.
Through classes, projects, workshops, and productions, the program develops one’s ability to work in an ensemble environment (teamwork) with an awareness of one’s imaginative resources. It prepares you for a career on stage and screen.
4. Diploma in Acting
A diploma in acting is a 3-year course for students interested in becoming an actor. Candidates can take up this course after completing high school education, 10+2, the essential eligibility criteria for candidates entering the course. This course suits self-determined, creative, intellectual, and professional careers. There are also diplomas that one could search for to pursue right after school.
5. Postgraduate Diploma in Acting
PG Diploma is a one-year program that offers comprehensive acting training focused on delivering performance for the screen. The student will learn about current industry practices and practical and theoretical training. One will also learn about the history, craft, and techniques of acting while building a solid foundation for a film and theatre arts career. The duration of this course is one year. Students will be involved in various filmmaking projects, including a short film that is professionally shot and produced. After completing this program, one can hold responsibilities and opportunities in the national and international Film and TV industry.
6. Master of Arts in Acting
It is a program of study that involves learning and mastering techniques that transfer to acting on stage, in film, or on television. In addition to acting techniques, students study the business of film and theatre, script analysis, stage movement, and speech. This two-year program often culminates in a presentation of student films or live acting presentations.
Procuring a Master’s degree in acting is often a thrilling experience for students. Benefits often include unique opportunities to work on student stage and film projects and a leg up in the industry. Some students may pursue a PhD or an M.Phil and teach acting at universities and other educational institutions.
7. Certificate Course in Acting
The certificate course usually ranges from one month to a six-month introduction program. It can act as a foundation for building their career by gaining industry experience and acquiring further education.
Becoming an actor sounds fun and exciting, but it requires skills and appropriate knowledge. It is handy for obvious individuals about their interest in a particular area of interest and has no desire to study any additional subjects or a combination of subjects. On the flip side, it also helps students who want to explore a certain subject before committing full-time to act.
FAQs
Here are the job profiles in this field:
Actor/actress
Lead actor/actress
Co-actor/actress
Supporting actor/actress
Crowd actor/actress
Acting instructor
Crowd actor/actress
Acting instructor
Villains
Co-villains
Stunt man
In India, an actor makes an average pay of ₹490,000 per year or ₹196 per hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to ₹1,140,000 annually, while entry-level roles start at ₹349,000.
The average acting course fees in colleges vary from INR 30,000 to INR 90,000 for six months to 3-year courses.
Conclusion
India is one of the best countries in the world to begin or enhance your acting career, and our list contains the ten best acting schools in India. Also, these schools offer exceptional programs from which many Bollywood veterans completed their filmmaking/acting education.
