Choosing The Best Performing Arts Programs: Circle in the Square

Have you heard of the Circle in the Square? The school has ties to the Circle in the Square Theatre, which is located in Manhattan, New York (USA). Circle in the Square is a not-for-profit theater school. It's also the only accredited school with a direct relationship to a Broadway theater.

The Circle in the Square Theatre School was launched in 1961. That's the year that Theodore Mann founded it. Mann is a both the producer and director of the school, and was the co-founder of the Circle in the Square Theatre. Interestingly, people often attribute the theater's creation in 1951, to the birth of off-Broadway theatre. Since Mann founded the school, it has grown from 15 students, to approximately 200 pupils. The Circle in the Square has been located at Paramount Plaza, since 1971.

Here are some of the key features of the theatre school:

1. Alumni
The Circle in the Square program has produced several notable alumni, including:

Kevin Bacon: Footloose (1984), JFK (1991), A Few Good Men (1992), Mystic River (2003)

Philip Seymour Hoffman: Scent of a Woman (1992), Boogie Nights(1997), Magnolia(1999), Capote(2005), Charlie Wilson's War(2007), Doubt (2008)

Benicio del Toro: The Usual Suspects (1995), Traffic (2000), 21 Grams (2003), Che (2008)

2. Tradition
The Circle of the Square has existed since 1961. With a history spanning about five decades, the school is perfect for students looking for a well-established theatre school. It's what makes the Circle of the Square School a better option than other theatre schools that have been in existence for years rather than decades. Like the Circle of the Square Theatre, the school's tradition makes it one of the premiere schools throughout the United States.

3. Uniqueness
While there are several Broadway theatres in New York City, the Circle in the Square Theatre School is the only accredited school that's linked to one. That makes it unique from all other performing arts schools located in New York City. While other theatres may share some characteristics with Circle in the Square, this single feature sets it apart from the competition.

4. Convenience
The Circle in the Square Theatre School offers a two-year program in Professional Acting Workshop. The length of the program is perfect for those who want to receive a quality acting education, without spending four years to earn a bachelor's degree. It's also ideal for those who want to supplement a bachelor's degree that they've already earned.

5. Curriculum
Yet another feature of the school is that it provides a quality, balanced curriculum. Students must take classes ranging from Acting Technique to Dance for Actors, and from Physical Acting to Shakespearean Scene Study. Such classes ensure that students of the school receive a complete, balanced education in theatre and acting. Students can also attend seminars with various professionals in the industry, including actors, directors, and playwrights.

If you want to choose well-rounded (pun intended) performing arts school, then consider the Circle in the Square. It's definitely one of the oldest and most respected acting schools in the entire USA.