Are you dreaming of Theater Study Abroad Programs in France? Maybe you even fancy yourself the next Jean- Luc Godard or Eva Green? If you’re the theatrical—and the adventurous type—pursuing a performing arts in France program could be a life-changing experience. Whether you want to spend the summer seaside in Cannes or study Shakespeare in the City of Lights, the perfect study abroad opportunity may be out there waiting for you. It’s just a matter of finding it!
Why study acting in France?
There’s the wine and cheese, the world-renowned art and culture…there are also some majestic theaters, but we’ll get into that later. What else could you ask for when exercising your acting chops in another country? And when you study abroad, not only may you have a chance to learn a new language, meet new friends, and experience a completely different lifestyle—you may also enhance your acting or filmmaking skills and gain real-world experience. And maybe even some potential bragging rights!
What are some types of Theater Study Abroad Programs in France?
It depends on your goals and interests! For example, how long do you want to study abroad—a semester, a summer, or a year? Think about whether you have a particular area in France in mind. Are you interested in film or theater? You’ll also want to decide if you’d prefer earning credit or enrolling in an experience-based internship. Answering these types of questions can help you narrow down the things to pinpoint the best theater study abroad programs in France for you.
To get the ball rolling, here are some types of performing arts in France programs you may want to consider:
- Contemporary French theater in Avignon, Marseille, and Paris
- Take language, arts, and culture courses at the Sorbonne
- Do an independent study of dance, acting, or the performing arts in the Loire Valley
Something else to reflect on is whether you want to pursue a program that also focuses on developing your French skills—whether that’s through immersion classes or staying with a host family.
What’s there to see in France?
Where do we start? France is bursting at the seams with architectural, artistic, and historical sights to take in. You’re likely already familiar with the standard tourist attractions in Paris like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Notre Dame Cathedral, but there are also an abundance of lesser-known locales you may want to explore.
Let’s start with three major theaters you may not be aware of, even though they’re right in Paris:
- Comédie Française: Take in a show from France’s oldest theater group, founded in 1680!
- Théâtre des Champs-Élysées: Check out the amazing Art Deco design of this prestigious theatre, built in 1913.
- Théâtre Paris-Villette: See a contemporary play at this theater at the beautiful Villete Park.
And don’t make the mistake of only considering major cities like Paris! How does lounging on the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, or the French Riviera sound? If skiing is more your style, you may want to try out the slopes of Mont Blanc in the French Alps. And consider visiting the historic region of Brittany off the coast, where you’ll find beautiful rocky scenery and quaint fishing villages to explore.
How to prepare to study at acting schools in France
Studying in another country isn’t something you just jump into. The good news is you’ve already asked yourself some important questions about what you’re looking for. Now it’s time to factor in your budget, including costs for things like tuition, room, and board, and other personal expenses—as these will vary between programs. You may also want to look into the availability of different financial aid options for international students, to see if you may qualify. Then it’s all about applying, getting the necessary documentation in, and—hopefully—saying Bon Voyage! Check out some great theater study abroad programs in France below.
