Future Students
Your Professional Journey:
It's Time to Begin
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts has been the training ground for professional working actors since 1884. Our conservatory is peerless for offering time-tested instruction that will give you every tool you need to succeed in an ever-competitive field. Training today for tomorrow’s truest performances is what The Academy is all about. Join our exclusive family of actors at our state-of-the-art campuses in New York or Los Angeles.
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A Global Reputation
A Legacy of Excellence that Continues to Today
Experience Our History
The Academy was the country’s first conservatory for actors, and for 130 years, we’ve trained the world’s most versatile and emotionally truthful actors.
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Explore Our Timeline
Take a bird’s-eye tour from the day of our founding in 1884 to our respected position as the cradle of the stars—to the innovative ways we train today’s actors.
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Distinguished Faculty
Our instructors work as professional actors and industry leaders, and their experiences nourish every class session—and our curriculum.
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Simply Unmatched
Our students have been nominated for 105 Oscars® 264 Emmys® 90 Tonys®
Paul Rudd
Class of ’91
Robert Redford
Class of ’59
Anne Hathaway
Specialized Training ’93
Grace Kelly
Class of ’49
Sarah Paulson
Specialized Training
Dennis Haysbert
Class of '77
Adam Scott
Class of ’93
Kirk Douglas
Class of '41
Jessica Chastain
Specialized Training ’98
Cecil B. DeMille
Class of '19
Lauren Bacall
Class of '42
Kim Cattrall
Class of '74
Cristine Ebersol
Class of '75
Spencer Tracy
Class of '23
Adrien Brody
Class of '93
Anne Bancroft
Class of '60
Danny DeVito
Class of ’66
90% of Our Students Receive Financial Assistance
Scholarships
Funded by The Academy, merit-based awards result after the audition process, while need-based awards are determined by the financial aid office.
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Financial Aid
Financial aid packages include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study programs. We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
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Teacher Nomination
We encourage educators to recommend students who would grow and thrive in our demanding Two-Year Acting Conservatory Program for scholarships.
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In The World of Entertainment This is Center Stage
Our New York and Los Angeles campuses are located in the center of where it all happens. From world-famous film and television studios, to red carpet premieres, vibrant art and theatre scenes, and nearly limitless opportunities to pursue your craft, there’s nothing quite like living and studying in two of the most dynamic entertainment cities in the world.
New York Campus
Located in a six-story landmark building, our three theaters can seat more than 400 people—plus you’ll find professional-level dance studios, rehearsal halls and fully equipped costume and prop shops. And it takes just minutes to walk to the marquee lights of Broadway.
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Los Angeles Campus
The Los Angeles campus is built on what was formerly the Charlie Chaplin studio lot, boasting a 150-seat proscenium theater, classrooms, acting studios, a costume and props shop and a television studio. The modern campus is located just a few blocks from Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame.
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Training That Fuses The Actor With The Audience
Our Training Philosophy
Ours is a balanced curriculum that gives you all the physical, intellectual and emotional tools you’ll need to become a successful actor, and we constantly reassess our program to reflect the state of the art in theater, film and TV.
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High Level Performances
From our costume and prop departments to the myriad technical elements of a production, performances at The Academy are able to approximate all aspects of professional shows.
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Meet Our Faculty
You’re not a number at The Academy. Our feeling is that we’re a family of actors. We offer a caring environment with personalized attention tailored to your skills and interests.
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Where Legends Train
