About The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, often abbreviated as AADA, stands as a cornerstone of performing arts education in the United States. Founded in 1884 in New York City, it is recognized as the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world. The institution expanded to Los Angeles in 1974, establishing a vibrant campus in the heart of Hollywood to cater to the West Coast's entertainment industry. AADA's mission is to provide rigorous, professional training in acting, fostering the development of skilled performers ready for stage, screen, and beyond. Over its 140-year history, the academy has produced legendary alumni including Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and Jessica Chastain, underscoring its profound impact on the dramatic arts.
The Los Angeles campus, located in the bustling city of Los Angeles, offers associate degrees and certificate programs in acting, with a curriculum emphasizing classical and contemporary techniques, voice, movement, and audition preparation. Key achievements include its accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and its role in launching countless careers in film, television, and theater. AADA maintains a selective admissions process, ensuring a high-caliber student body, and boasts small class sizes for personalized instruction. For more details, visit the The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States and Academic Jobs in California.
AADA's commitment to excellence extends to its faculty, who are industry professionals bringing real-world experience to the classroom. The academy's campuses serve as hubs for artistic innovation, hosting productions and workshops that bridge education and professional practice. Whether you're an aspiring actor or an educator, AADA provides a nurturing environment for growth in the dramatic arts.
Faculty Job Opportunities at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Faculty job opportunities at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts are highly sought after, offering a unique blend of teaching and artistic collaboration in one of the world's entertainment capitals. High-demand roles include Acting Instructor, Voice and Speech Coach, Movement Specialist, and Directing Faculty, particularly within the Acting and Musical Theater departments. According to recent trends from 2025 academic reports, there's growing demand for positions that integrate digital media and performance technology, reflecting the evolving landscape of theater and film. For instance, lecturer roles in contemporary acting techniques are on the rise, with opportunities to mentor students in audition preparation and scene study.
Salary ranges for these positions vary based on experience and role. Research from sources like Glassdoor and HigherEdJobs indicates that Assistant Professors at AADA earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, while senior faculty such as Department Chairs can command $100,000 to $120,000, influenced by California's cost of living and the institution's prestige. Adjunct positions, common for working professionals, range from $50,000 to $70,000 part-time. These figures are competitive within performing arts education, often supplemented by benefits like health insurance and professional development funds. To explore current openings, check Higher Ed Jobs filtered by The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, or visit Lecturer Jobs for specialized roles.
Academic careers at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts also include research jobs focused on theater history and innovation, with trends showing increased emphasis on diversity in casting and inclusive storytelling. Professor positions at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts often require a master's degree or equivalent professional experience, with preferences for those with Broadway or Hollywood credits. The academy's location in Los Angeles provides unparalleled networking opportunities. For salary comparisons, refer to Professor Salaries. If you're pursuing higher education jobs at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, consider the vibrant community and access to industry events.
Acting Instructor 💼
Teach core acting classes; salary $70k-$90k. Explore at Faculty Jobs.
Voice Coach 🎤
Specialize in vocal techniques; salary $75k-$95k. See Lecturer Roles.
Directing Faculty 🎭
Lead production workshops; salary $85k-$110k. Visit Professor Positions.
Movement Specialist 🕺
Focus on physical theater; salary $70k-$90k. Check Research Jobs.
Why Work at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Working at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts offers a rewarding blend of artistic passion and academic rigor, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' dynamic entertainment scene. Faculty enjoy the chance to shape future stars, with access to cutting-edge facilities and collaborations with industry leaders. Research opportunities abound in areas like performance studies and innovative theater practices, supported by the academy's legacy of excellence. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to prominent roles in film and theater. Unique benefits include flexible schedules for professional gigs, comprehensive health packages, and proximity to Hollywood networks. According to 2025 trends, AADA's emphasis on inclusive education enhances job satisfaction. Explore academic careers at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts via Higher Ed Jobs.
The institution's small faculty-to-student ratio fosters meaningful mentorship, while its alumni network opens doors for collaborative projects. Salaries in The American Academy of Dramatic Arts academia are competitive, often exceeding national averages for arts education due to location perks. For those seeking faculty jobs at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the vibrant campus life and commitment to artistic innovation make it an ideal choice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
The salary guide for faculty at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts reflects its status as a premier performing arts institution in California. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor, average salaries range from $70,000 for entry-level adjuncts to $120,000 for tenured professors, influenced by factors such as experience, department, and location in high-cost Los Angeles. For example, Acting Instructors typically earn $75,000-$95,000, while specialized roles in Musical Theater may reach $100,000 with bonuses for production involvement. Experience plays a key role; those with 10+ years or notable credits command higher pay. Department variations show Voice and Speech faculty averaging $80,000, compared to $90,000 for Directing positions. Location in California adds a premium due to living costs, with adjustments for union agreements.
Additional factors include academic rank—Assistant Professors start at $70,000-$85,000, Associate at $85,000-$105,000, and Full Professors at $100,000-$120,000—and benefits like retirement contributions and sabbaticals. Compared to national averages, AADA salaries are 10-15% higher for arts faculty. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries. This guide helps job seekers navigate salaries at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts academia, ensuring informed decisions in pursuing professor positions.
Trends indicate rising pay for roles incorporating technology, such as digital performance, with potential for grants boosting income. Overall, faculty at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts enjoy stable, rewarding compensation aligned with their expertise in dramatic arts.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📍 | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70k-$85k | Entry-level, experience |
| Associate Professor | $85k-$105k | Mid-career, publications |
| Full Professor | $100k-$120k | Senior, leadership |
| Adjunct | $50k-$70k (part-time) | Per course, flexible |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Discover top educators at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student feedback highlights excellence in acting and theater programs. Ratings help in choosing courses and recognizing outstanding teaching that prepares students for professional success.
Brenda Mosedale (Acting)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Praised for insightful feedback in scene work.
David Dean Bottrell (Directing)
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Expert in audition techniques.
Susan Pilar (Voice)
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Transformative vocal training.
John Tyrrell (Movement)
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Innovative physical theater methods.
Maggie Siff (Acting)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Draws from professional experience.
Career Progression at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Career progression at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured roles, with salaries increasing from $70,000 at entry to $120,000 at senior levels. Tenure-track positions emphasize teaching excellence and professional contributions, supported by research funding for theater innovations. Professional development includes workshops and industry partnerships. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
University-specific factors like Hollywood proximity enhance advancement opportunities.
Research and Innovation at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Research at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts focuses on performance studies, digital theater, and inclusive practices, with centers for actor training innovation. 2025 trends highlight collaborations with film studios. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Academics
- Professional development workshops on acting techniques 🎓
- Faculty unions for benefits advocacy
- Health and retirement packages
- Access to industry networks in Los Angeles 💼
Student Life and Perspectives at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Student life at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts includes intensive programs, performances, and career prep. Choose professors via Rate My Professor. Outcomes lead to entertainment careers.