Private school112

American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Test-Optional

Start free for 7 days

Program

AOS in Actor Training

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer Out

Program

AOS in Actor Training

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer Out

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

AOS in Actor Training

Acting for Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer Out

Quick Links

AOS in Actor Training

Acting for Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer Out

Quick Links

AOS in Actor Training

Acting for Theatre, Film & Television

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer Out

Program Recognition

•Founded in 1884 — the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world

•America's first acting conservatory

•Los Angeles campus built on the former Charlie Chaplin Studios lot

Training

•Two-year conservatory track combining actor training with musical theatre audition preparation

•Core acting, movement, voice and speech, script analysis, rehearsal, and performance training

•Acting for Musical Theatre applicants add required self-taped singing selections to the standard acting audition

•Industry Insight Series with access to leading industry professionals

Performance & Productions

•150-seat theater, acting and camera studios, and a costume and prop shop on campus

•Select graduates may audition for the Academy Company (advanced third year)

•Company performs before agents, casting directors, and industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Alumni have earned 113 Oscar, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Robert Redford, Jessica Chastain, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito

School Info

Snapshot

83%

Admit Rate

school-wide

77%

Grad Rate

112

Enrollment

$27K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$40,650

Before aid

Average Net Price

$39,810

After aid

College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Founded in 1884 — the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world

•America's first acting conservatory

•Los Angeles campus built on the former Charlie Chaplin Studios lot

Training

•Two-year conservatory track combining actor training with musical theatre audition preparation

•Core acting, movement, voice and speech, script analysis, rehearsal, and performance training

•Acting for Musical Theatre applicants add required self-taped singing selections to the standard acting audition

•Industry Insight Series with access to leading industry professionals

Performance & Productions

•150-seat theater, acting and camera studios, and a costume and prop shop on campus

•Select graduates may audition for the Academy Company (advanced third year)

•Company performs before agents, casting directors, and industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Alumni have earned 113 Oscar, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Robert Redford, Jessica Chastain, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Founded in 1884 — the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world

•America's first acting conservatory

•Los Angeles campus built on the former Charlie Chaplin Studios lot

Training

•Two-year conservatory track combining actor training with musical theatre audition preparation

•Core acting, movement, voice and speech, script analysis, rehearsal, and performance training

•Acting for Musical Theatre applicants add required self-taped singing selections to the standard acting audition

•Industry Insight Series with access to leading industry professionals

Performance & Productions

•150-seat theater, acting and camera studios, and a costume and prop shop on campus

•Select graduates may audition for the Academy Company (advanced third year)

•Company performs before agents, casting directors, and industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Alumni have earned 113 Oscar, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Robert Redford, Jessica Chastain, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$50

Deadline

Final Fall Enrollment DeadlineAug 1, 2026

Winter Application & Audition DeadlineNov 1, 2026

Winter Enrollment DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Audition Requirements

Songs

Two Song Selections

•Two contrasting singing selections, 60-90 seconds or 32 bars each

•At least one musical theatre selection is preferred, but any pieces that show emotional connection and storytelling are welcome

•Up-tempo and ballad selections are preferred

•Record and upload each song as a separate video through the Applicant Portal

Slate

•Before each performance, clearly state your name, song title, and show title if applicable

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues

•Two contrasting monologues, 60-90 seconds each

•Fully memorized

•Select from published plays, musicals, films, or television

•Choose contrasting pieces: dramatic and comedic, or classical and contemporary

•Choose material that represents your current range, age, type, or character

Preparation

•Read both full scripts or screenplays; you may be asked contextual questions

•Perform at least one monologue standing so the reviewer can observe movement and physicality

•Avoid direct eye contact with the reviewer; imagine the person your character is speaking to

Additional Materials

Headshot (Audition Photo)

•Upload via the Applicant Portal after applying

•Used solely for identification at audition, not for acceptance determination

Transcript

•Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with the application

•Official transcripts required before enrollment if admitted

Letters of Recommendation (2 Required)

•Recommender contact info submitted through the Applicant Portal

•The Academy automatically sends recommendation forms to each recommender

•Letters should be from a theatre department member, director, producer, or theatre professional

•If limited dramatic experience, standard references from a teacher, counselor, or mentor are acceptable

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Apply through the Academy's online application portal

•$50 non-refundable application fee (fee waivers available)

•May defer enrollment one time for a maximum of one year

•Deferment beyond one year requires a new application and audition

Eligibility

•Minimum 2.0 GPA required for admission consideration

•High school diploma or GED required

Enrollment

•Fall Term (August start) and Winter Term (January start) available

•Fall and Winter curricula are identical — both groups join the same Second-Year class the following fall

•Accepted students must submit Intent to Enroll form plus $750 non-refundable, non-transferable tuition deposit

Admission Pathway

•Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)

Transfer Pathway

This is a transfer pathway degree built to transfer into a four-year program. Confirm which universities it articulates to, and which credits carry over, before you enroll.

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

•In-person audition on campus or at select regional audition events worldwide

•Virtual audition via live video conferencing

•Must apply first, then schedule audition from Applicant Portal

•Personal interview with a faculty member (may occur before or after monologues)

•Perform two contrasting monologues

•Submit two self-taped singing selections through the Applicant Portal

•Cold reading may be requested

•You may be asked to repeat a monologue with adjustments to assess direction-taking ability

•Senior Academy faculty conduct all auditions

•Audition results are combined with transcripts, essay, and recommendation letters for final decision

•Response typically within four weeks after all materials are received

Scholarship Info

Academy Scholarships

•All accepted applicants are automatically considered for scholarship funds

•Awards may be up to $25,000 based on application and audition materials

•Scholarship decisions are provided at time of acceptance

•The Academy reports 100% of admitted students receive some type of financial assistance

•Students who apply and enroll by the priority fall deadline receive the most favorable scholarship consideration

School Info

Snapshot

83%

Admit Rate

school-wide

77%

Grad Rate

112

Enrollment

$27K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$40,650

Before aid

Average Net Price

$39,810

After aid

College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Founded in 1884 — the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world

•America's first acting conservatory

•Los Angeles campus built on the former Charlie Chaplin Studios lot

Training

•Two-year conservatory track combining actor training with musical theatre audition preparation

•Core acting, movement, voice and speech, script analysis, rehearsal, and performance training

•Acting for Musical Theatre applicants add required self-taped singing selections to the standard acting audition

•Industry Insight Series with access to leading industry professionals

Performance & Productions

•150-seat theater, acting and camera studios, and a costume and prop shop on campus

•Select graduates may audition for the Academy Company (advanced third year)

•Company performs before agents, casting directors, and industry professionals

Notable Alumni

•Alumni have earned 113 Oscar, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Robert Redford, Jessica Chastain, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito

Updated 3d ago