American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York
Test-Optional
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
HISTORIC LEGACY
•Founded in 1884 — the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world
•Located at a landmark campus in midtown Manhattan
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Alumni have earned 113 Oscar, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations
•Graduates include Robert Redford, Jessica Chastain, Paul Rudd, and Danny DeVito
TRAINING APPROACH
•Intensive two-year conservatory with performance from day one
•Foundational techniques including Strasberg, Meisner, and Hagen methods
•Comprehensive training in stage, film, and on-camera performance
•Industry Insight Series with access to leading industry professionals
THIRD-YEAR COMPANY
•Select graduates may audition for the Academy Company (advanced third year)
•Company performs before agents, casting directors, and industry professionals
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Priority Fall Enrollment DeadlineMay 1, 2026
Final Fall Application & Audition DeadlineJul 1, 2026
Winter Application & Audition DeadlineNov 1, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 60-90 sec each
•Must be fully memorized
•Select from published plays, musicals, films, or television
•Must be contrasting: one dramatic and one comedic, or one classical and one contemporary
•Should represent your current range (age, type, character)
PREPARATION
•Read both full scripts/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
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
AUDITION PHOTO
•Upload via the Applicant Portal after applying
•Used solely for identification at audition, not for acceptance determination
TRANSCRIPTS
•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
•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
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply through the Academy's online application portal
•$50 non-refundable application fee (fee waivers available)
ENROLLMENT
•Fall Term (August start) and Winter Term (January start) available
•Fall and Winter curricula are identical
•Accepted students must submit Intent to Enroll form plus $750 tuition deposit
ELIGIBILITY
•Minimum 2.0 GPA required
•High school diploma or GED required
DEGREE AWARDED
•Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•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
AUDITION DAY
•Personal interview with a faculty member
•Perform two contrasting monologues
•Cold reading may be requested
•You may be asked to repeat a monologue with adjustments to assess direction-taking ability
EVALUATION
•Senior Academy faculty conduct all auditions
•Response typically within four weeks after all materials received
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Merit-based talent scholarships available based on audition performance
•Students applying by the priority deadline receive most favorable scholarship consideration
•Scholarship details provided at time of admission
Program info updated 19h ago
Academic School Information
92%
Admit Rate
95%
Grad Rate
187
Enrollment
$27,019
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$40,650
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$55,553
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$50,799
Family Income $30k - $48k$51,926
Family Income $48k - $75k$57,280
Family Income $75k - $110k$58,224
Family Income $110k+$58,766
