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American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York

New York, NY

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer Out

Program

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

Quick links

AOS 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

Program Recognition

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

Located at a landmark campus in midtown Manhattan

Training

Dedicated Acting for Musical Theatre emphasis within the conservatory

Core acting training plus specialized courses in Dance, Music Theory, Text to Song, Vocal Ensemble, and Private Vocal Training

Full musical production at the conclusion of the second year

Performance & Productions

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, 366 Emmy, and 103 Tony nominations

Anne Hathaway — Les Misérables

Jessica Chastain

Paul Rudd

School info

Snapshot

Admit rate

92%

school-wide

Grad rate

96%

Enrollment

187

Earnings

$27K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$43,100

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$70,196

Before aid

Average net price

$55,553

After aid

Tuition Costs New York · aada.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Located at a landmark campus in midtown Manhattan

Training

Dedicated Acting for Musical Theatre emphasis within the conservatory

Core acting training plus specialized courses in Dance, Music Theory, Text to Song, Vocal Ensemble, and Private Vocal Training

Full musical production at the conclusion of the second year

Performance & Productions

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, 366 Emmy, and 103 Tony nominations

Anne Hathaway — Les Misérables

Jessica Chastain

Paul Rudd

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Located at a landmark campus in midtown Manhattan

Training

Dedicated Acting for Musical Theatre emphasis within the conservatory

Core acting training plus specialized courses in Dance, Music Theory, Text to Song, Vocal Ensemble, and Private Vocal Training

Full musical production at the conclusion of the second year

Performance & Productions

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, 366 Emmy, and 103 Tony nominations

Anne Hathaway — Les Misérables

Jessica Chastain

Paul Rudd

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$50

Deadline

Winter Enrollment DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Application Enrollment Deadlines · aada.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Audition Requirements · aada.edu

Audition Requirements

Songs

Two Contrasting Songs

Two contrasting songs, 60-90 seconds each (or approximately 32 bars)

At least one selection from the musical theatre genre is preferred

Any pieces that demonstrate emotional connection and a strong sense of storytelling are welcome

An up-tempo and a ballad are preferred, but there is no genre requirement

Video Submission

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

Before each performance, clearly state your name, the song title, and the show it is from (if applicable)

Perform with live or pre-recorded musical accompaniment; a cappella submissions are not accepted

Frame in a three-quarter shot from the top of your head to your knees

Standard recording devices such as smartphones or tablets are acceptable

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues

Two contrasting monologues, 60-90 seconds each

Fully memorized

At least one monologue must be from a published play; the second may be from a published play, musical, film, or television program

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

If possible, perform at least one monologue standing so the reviewer can observe your movement, posture, 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 may be written by a member of a high school or college theatre department, or by a director, producer, or other theatre professional familiar with the applicant's artistic potential

Audition Requirements · aada.edu

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 new application materials and a new audition

Eligibility

Minimum 2.5 GPA required for admission consideration

High school diploma or GED required

Enrollment

Fall Term (August start) and Spring Term (January start) available

The curriculum and program format are the same regardless of your term of entry

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 the Applicant Portal

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

Submit two self-taped singing selections as separate Applicant Portal uploads

This requirement is in addition to the live or virtual monologue audition

Senior Academy faculty conduct all auditions

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

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

Admit rate

92%

school-wide

Grad rate

96%

Enrollment

187

Earnings

$27K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$43,100

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$70,196

Before aid

Average net price

$55,553

After aid

Tuition Costs New York · aada.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

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

Located at a landmark campus in midtown Manhattan

Training

Dedicated Acting for Musical Theatre emphasis within the conservatory

Core acting training plus specialized courses in Dance, Music Theory, Text to Song, Vocal Ensemble, and Private Vocal Training

Full musical production at the conclusion of the second year

Performance & Productions

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, 366 Emmy, and 103 Tony nominations

Anne Hathaway — Les Misérables

Jessica Chastain

Paul Rudd

Updated 2d ago