UCI's acting programs cited among the top 10 nationally

Two important rankings just out for graduate-level acting programs place UC Irvine in the top 10 nationally. Actingbiz.com, which ranked UCI eighth, called the department “another excellent graduate program, with many alumni heading straight out of school to Broadway and (beyond).” Among them is Teal Wicks (pictured) who stars as Elphaba in the San Francisco production of “Wicked.” Another eighth-place listing came from mfaactor.com The graduate professional training program is ranked in the top 12 by U.S. News & World Report and listed in the “most highly recommended” category by ARCO The Performing Arts Major’s College Guide. “The word is out,” said Eli Simon, drama professor and department chair, “that we are one of the top 10 training programs in the country.”