The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama is the first degree-granting drama institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1914, it is one of five schools within the Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts.

The school's undergraduate BFA programs in acting, musical theatre, directing, design, dramaturgy, and production technology and management majors are considered to be among the top programs in undergraduate conservatory training. Its MFA offerings in directing, design, dramatic writing, and production and technology management are also considered to be top graduate programs. The School of Drama offers 18 events every season on campus, and also presents members of its graduating class in produced showcases in New York City and Los Angeles. Many Carnegie Mellon graduates have also gone on to successful careers in Pittsburgh theatre.

In 2017, The Hollywood Reporter's list of best undergraduate drama schools ranked Carnegie Mellon second.^[1] In 2014, The Hollywood Reporter ranked the School of Drama number three in the world among drama schools.^[2] In 2015, the same publication ranked the MFA program at the School of Drama number five in the world.^[3] According to Playbill, the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama ranks fourth in the number of alumni represented in the 2015–2016 Broadway season.^[4]

Facilities

Since 2000, the Purnell Center for the Arts, specifically designed for the School of Drama, has been the department's home. The space includes:

• Philip Chosky Theater, a 430-seat proscenium theater
• Helen Wayne Rauh Studio Theater, a 140-seat black box theater
• John Wells Video Studio, a sound stage television studio

As well as two movement/dance studios, three rehearsal studios, four design studios, a lighting lab, a sound lab, a costume shop, a scene shop, and various classrooms.

Notable alumni