American Academy of Dramatic Arts–New York

The Academy Trains Actors on East and West Coast

The Academy is a regionally and nationally accredited, two-year conservatory program dedicated to the training of professional actors. Founded in 1884, it is the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world, as well as one of the few professional acting schools with campuses in both major centers of the American entertainment industry -- New York City and Los Angeles.

The Academy's two campuses comprise one school, which shares the same philosophy, programs, and goals. The school is recognized as the training ground for some of the most distinguished theatre, film, and television actors of the last century. Collectively, The Academy's graduates have received nominations for 106 Oscars, 283 Emmys, and 90 Tonys.

Among its notable past students are: Anne Hathaway, Kim Catrall, Adam Scott, Danny DeVito, Paul Rudd, Dennis Haysbert, Adrien Brody, Jessica Chastain, Sarah Paulson, Robert Redford, Kirk Douglas, Grace Kelly, and Spencer Tracy.

Conservatory Program Overview

Admission to The Academy’s Full-Time Conservatory Program is selective. Candidates are evaluated on dramatic ability, academic qualifications, maturity, and motivation. Admission to Second Year is by invitation from the faculty and is extended only to those students who are considered ready for advanced training.

The curriculum pushes the limits of self-discovery and self-discipline; students learn in small classes with one-on-one attention from a world-class faculty. Students' classroom knowledge is measured by performance projects, scene work, and onstage performances.

Exceptional second year students may be invited to join the Third Year Academy Company, which offers advanced training and special opportunities to perform a full theatrical season, often in the presence of casting directors, talent agents, and other industry professionals.

Associate Degrees and Certificates Awarded

Students who graduate from The Academy receive an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree. Students from both New York and Los Angeles can also work toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year university.

First Year Studies

Both the New York and Los Angeles campuses of The Academy concentrate primarily on acting in First Year curriculum. The acting segment is divided into two studio courses, each twelve weeks long. This is followed by three weeks of rehearsal and production of "examination plays." Students are cast to allow them to demonstrate what they've learned, permitting faculty members and staff members to measure students' growth and progress.

Some First Year coursework is specific to either the New York campus or the Los Angeles campus. New York courses include: "Performance Dance," "Styles I," "Speech Practicum," and "Mask." Los Angeles courses include: "Styles I," "Improvisation/Physical Acting," "Camera Technique Fundamentals," "Dance" and "Vocal Production."

Second Year Studies

Selection of second year students is made based on progress, potential, and readiness for advanced training. Work builds on the learning experiences of the students' first year, with advanced acting, voice, and movement combined with rehearsal and performance of full-length plays. Course work common to students on both campuses consists of "Advanced Acting," "Rehearsal and Performance," "Career Preparation," "Stage Dialects," and "Advanced Vocal Production/Singing."

A limited number of professional internships are available to New York students, enabling them to gain valuable experience in entertainment-related fields. Professional internships are available for Los Angeles students and include opportunities to work as actors in directing classes at professional film schools, as well as the chance to volunteer for community arts outreach; or work in professional settings, such as a casting agent's office or a theatre.

Third Year: The Academy Company

By special invitation, The Academy offers selected graduates of the two-year conservatory program a special opportunity to gain experience and exposure in a professional theatrical setting. All second-year students may apply and audition at the end of the year, prior to graduation.

The Academy Company program emphasizes practical development of the actor through study, rehearsal, and performance. Students take part in a full season of theatrical productions, ranging in style from classical to contemporary to avant garde. Company members are also given the opportunity to participate in advanced workshops and seminars. Guests at productions include: agents, casting directors, and other members of the industry. A final showcase closes the season and is attended exclusively by industry professionals.

Joint Degree Program: Bachelor's Options

Students choosing to further their academic education with more advanced degrees may transfer their credits to most colleges and universities throughout the United States. The number of credits successfully transferred depends upon the amount earned, choice of college, entry requirements and the desired degree. The Academy has articulation agreements with universities that facilitate this option.

Bachelor's Degree via Antioch University, Los Angeles

The Academy has entered into an articulation agreement with Antioch University, Los Angeles that allows Academy students to complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with an individualized concentration in acting and dramatic arts, or in one of the standard areas of concentration: liberal studies, psychology, business and social entrepreneurship, creative writing, applied arts and media or urban community and environment.

Academy students can enter Antioch with as much as half of their coursework towards the BA degree completed. Students who successfully complete one year at The Academy may also transfer their coursework credits of C- or better. Academy alumni are also eligible to participate under the terms of this agreement. Antioch's innovative curriculum, variety of course offerings and flexible time schedules make it a perfect match for Academy students who wish to obtain a BA degree.

Bachelor's Degree via St. John's University, New York

The Academy and St. John's University, located in New York City, offer a joint Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Television and Film Studies. The program provides students with intensive conservatory training in acting at The Academy and extensive training in writing, directing, and producing for film and television at St. John's. The broad-based curriculum gives students the skills and discipline to pursue a wide range of entertainment industry professions.

Students may enter the program at either The Academy or St. John's and must be invited to continue into second year at The Academy. Students who are not invited to continue may transfer first year credits to other programs within St. John's College of Professional Studies, or to any college, depending on the entry requirements. Students entering at The Academy will complete the first two years in New York or Los Angeles, earn a degree (AOS in New York or Los Angeles), then transfer to St. John's for their third and fourth years.

Bachelor's Degree via Hunter College (CUNY), New York City

The Academy and Hunter College (CUNY), located in New York City, offer a joint Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Theatre. The program studies stage production and the relationship between text and performance. The curriculum includes coursework in theoretical, critical, and historical theatre approaches to give students a well-rounded understanding of the art form.

Students may enter the program at either The Academy or St. John's and must be invited to continue into second year at The Academy. Students entering Hunter with an AOS degree from The Academy will receive 27 credits toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre at Hunter College, and these credits are distributed according to the Transfer Guide. Those students who have completed or will complete a third year of training at The Academy may be eligible for additional credits, subject to review by Hunter College.

Tuition and Scholarships

More than ninety percent of The Academy students receive some type of financial assistance. Financial aid may consist of a combination of grants, loans, scholarships, and campus employment.

In addition to merit and need-based scholarships funded by The Academy, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs with various payment plans.