Accreditation in a performing arts education is vital to the integrity of the education. Through accreditation, the student can have self-assurance that the performing arts program was thoroughly tested lived up to the standards of performing arts professionals and organizations. Furthermore, students can be confident that their education is considered valuable by the performing arts industry.
The Nation Office for Arts Accreditation (NOAA) is the combination of several accrediting bodies specializing in different aspects of the performing arts. NOAA oversees the work of these bodies, whose responsibilities include making guidelines for curriculum leading to credentials or a degree and accrediting institutions & programs in the various performing arts.
There is an array of accrediting bodies beyond those that NOAA manages. The six regional accrediting organizations in the U.S. are:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Some additional accreditors specific to acting schools are:
- Association of Theatre in Higher Education
- National Association of Schools of Dance
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association for Drama Therapy
Other disciplines related to performing arts may be of interest to some individuals. For more information, see our partner sites: