Billy Porter

The Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama is the oldest conservatory training, and the first degree-granting drama institution, in the United States of America. Founded in 1914, the school combines established practice with innovation, pedagogical and technological advancement across all disciplines. School of Drama graduates commit to the enrichment of diverse arts practices, champion interdisciplinary collaborations, explore new forms of creative expression, and promote community and diversity. The school’s conservatory program within the university is one that prepares students intellectually, artistically and practically to be leaders in their chosen professions, whether it be on stage, in film, television, or within the expanding realm of new media.

UCLA's primary purpose as a public research university is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. To fulfill this mission, UCLA is committed to academic freedom in its fullest terms: We value open access to information, free and lively debate conducted with mutual respect for individuals, and freedom from intolerance. In all of our pursuits, we strive at once for excellence and diversity, recognizing that openness and inclusion produce true quality. These values underlie our three institutional responsibilities. Learning and teaching at UCLA are guided by the belief that undergraduate, graduate and professional school students and their teachers belong to a community of scholars. This community is dedicated to providing students with a foundational understanding of a broad range of disciplines followed by the opportunity for in-depth study in a chosen discipline. All members of the community are engaged together in discovering and advancing knowledge and practice. Learning occurs not only in the classroom but also through engagement in campus life and in communities and organizations beyond the university.

The Carnegie Mellon School of Music combines the strengths of a professional conservatory program with those of an innovative global research university to offer an education that fosters the artistic excellence, discipline, skills and entrepreneurship required by today’s competitive, dynamic music field. Founded in 1912 as one of the five schools of the College of Fine Arts, the School of Music offers conservatory programs within the world class university. A Carnegie Mellon education prepares gifted students to make an impact on the art of music in the 21st century.