Private school187

American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York

New York, NY

Test-Optional

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

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

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

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

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 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

•Faculty includes Ryan Kasprzak (Dance Supervisor, Hamilton) and Lily Ling (Musical Director, Hamilton)

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, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Jessica Chastain, and Paul Rudd

Academic info

Snapshot

92%

Admit Rate

school-wide

95%

Grad Rate

187

Enrollment

$27K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$55,553

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$40,650

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$50,799

$30-48k$51,926

$48-75k$57,280

$75-110k$58,224

$110k+$58,766

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d 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

•Faculty includes Ryan Kasprzak (Dance Supervisor, Hamilton) and Lily Ling (Musical Director, Hamilton)

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, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Jessica Chastain, and 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

•Faculty includes Ryan Kasprzak (Dance Supervisor, Hamilton) and Lily Ling (Musical Director, Hamilton)

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, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Jessica Chastain, and Paul Rudd

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$50Waiver

Deadline

Priority Fall Enrollment DeadlineMay 1, 2026

Final Fall Application & Audition DeadlineJul 1, 2026

Final Fall Enrollment DeadlineAug 1, 2026

Winter Application & Audition DeadlineNov 1, 2026

Winter Enrollment DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Program AppApplication

Audition

New York, New York auditionJul 11, 2026

Audition Requirements

Songs

TWO CONTRASTING SONGS

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

•At least one musical theatre selection is preferred

•Choose pieces that demonstrate emotional connection and storytelling

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

Video Submission

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

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

•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 new application materials and a new 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)

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 $15,000 based on application and audition materials

•Scholarship decisions are provided at time of acceptance

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

Academic info

Snapshot

92%

Admit Rate

school-wide

95%

Grad Rate

187

Enrollment

$27K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$55,553

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$40,650

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$50,799

$30-48k$51,926

$48-75k$57,280

$75-110k$58,224

$110k+$58,766

View full data on 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

•Faculty includes Ryan Kasprzak (Dance Supervisor, Hamilton) and Lily Ling (Musical Director, Hamilton)

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, 361 Emmy, and 102 Tony nominations

•Graduates include Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Jessica Chastain, and Paul Rudd

Updated 3d ago

American Academy of Dramatic Arts - New York

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info