The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama is the oldest degree-granting drama program in the United States, founded in 1914 as a division of the College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
Its undergraduate acting, musical theatre, directing, design, dramaturgy, and production and technology management majors are considered to be among the top programs in undergraduate conservatory training. Its MFA offerings in directing, design, 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 2014, The Hollywood Reporter ranked the School of Drama number three in the world amongst drama schools.In 2015, the same publication ranked the MFA program at the School of Drama number five in the world. According to Playbill, the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama has the fourth most amount of alumni represented in the 2015-2016 Broadway season.
Since 2000, the Purnell Center for the Arts, specifically designed for the School of Drama, has been home to the department. The space includes:
As well as two movement studios, three rehearsal studios, four design studios, a lighting lab, a sound lab, a costume shop, a scene shop, and various classrooms.
Coordinates: 40°26′38″N 79°56′36″W / 40.443772°N 79.943211°W