The acting and theatre scene in India is tough, but it’s totally worth it if you can make it!
Acting and theatre are really catching on in India, with more young people choosing them as careers. There are plenty of job options—whether it’s acting, directing, or working in sound and animation. Many actors start in local theatre or go to drama schools to learn the basics, build skills, and meet the right people. If you’re looking to break into the entertainment world, here are some great drama schools in India to get you started!
The National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi is one of India's top theatre schools. It started in 1959 and became independent in 1975. NSD offers courses in acting, theatre, directing, and stage design, with intense training that covers all aspects of theatre. Students even get to write and perform their own plays. Some famous NSD alumni include Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Anupam Kher!
FTII, based in Pune, is another top acting school in India. Set up in 1960 under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, it offers a variety of courses for those interested in film and television. You can take three-year postgraduate diplomas in film direction, cinematography, editing, and audiography, or two-year courses in acting and art direction. There's even a one-and-a-half-year course in computer graphics and animation, as well as shorter courses in scriptwriting and other fields. Overall, FTII provides eleven full-time courses and plenty of short-term ones too!
Set up in 1995 in Kolkata, SRFTI is a film and television school named after the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, it’s also part of CILECT, which connects film schools worldwide. SRFTI offers a range of departments like Direction, Editing, Cinematography, and Sound Recording. It’s a great place for aspiring filmmakers, with notable alumni like Vipin Vijay and Amal Neerad. If you’re looking to get into the world of film and TV, SRFTI can be a solid choice!
Another top drama school in India is Whistling Woods International (WWI) in Mumbai, founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai. This academy focusses on film, communication, and creative arts, offering various programs in Cinematography, Acting, Direction, and more. The faculty includes industry pros like Ashwini Kaul and Rakesh Ranjan, along with Ghai himself. WWI is affiliated with Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development, so you can earn recognised degrees and diplomas here. If you’re aiming for a career in the creative field, WWI is a fantastic option!
Founded in 1949 in Heggodu, Karnataka, NINASAM (Sri Neelakanteshwara Natyaseva Sangha) is a top drama school established by K.V. Subbanna to promote Kannada theatre. Originally an amateur group, it now offers courses in acting, direction, and writing. Located in a rural area, NINASAM emphasises community involvement and has produced over 150 plays, engaging students in all aspects of production.
These schools have launched countless successful actors and directors, leading to great careers. So, do some research and get ready to step in if the entertainment world is where your heart is!
