The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Campuses

The Los Angeles Campus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts delivers a dynamic two-year Associate of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts, tailored to the entertainment capital's demands. Emphasizing screen and stage performance, the program equips students with skills for film, television, and theater in a media-centric environment.

• Acting for the Camera: Intensive training in on-camera techniques, including close-up work, emotional continuity, and adjusting to multiple takes for cinematic authenticity.
• Scene Study and Improvisation: Exploration of contemporary scripts, with a focus on naturalistic acting suited to Hollywood productions, using methods like Uta Hagen and practical aesthetics.
• Voice Training: Specialized classes in neutral American speech, accents for diverse roles, and vocal stamina for long shooting days.
• Physical Performance: Movement courses including yoga, mime, and fight choreography, preparing students for action-oriented roles in film and TV.
• Classical Theater: Study of period pieces and monologues, with emphasis on adapting Shakespearean training to modern screen adaptations.
• Audition Mastery: Mock auditions, self-tape creation, and feedback from industry casting directors to navigate competitive callbacks.
• Industry Business: Courses on contracts, residuals, typecasting avoidance, and networking in LA's studio system, including guest lectures from agents and producers.
• Electives: Advanced options like commercial acting, animation voice work, and stunt preparation, reflecting LA's broad media landscape.

Students participate in filmed projects and industry showcases, gaining exposure to scouts and directors. The faculty, comprising working actors from major studios, provides insider insights. This campus builds on the academy's historic foundation while prioritizing screen media, producing graduates like Danny DeVito and Anne Hathaway.

The curriculum integrates digital tools, such as editing software basics and virtual auditions, to align with evolving technology. Ensemble training fosters collaboration vital for ensemble casts in series and films. Located near Hollywood studios, the campus offers unparalleled access to internships, set visits, and premieres, immersing students in the professional ecosystem. Rigorous yet supportive, the program hones raw talent into polished performers ready to thrive in Los Angeles' fast-paced industry, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and artistic integrity.

The New York Campus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts offers a comprehensive two-year Associate of Arts degree program in Dramatic Arts, focusing on foundational and advanced training in acting and performance. Students immerse themselves in a rigorous curriculum designed to build versatile performers ready for professional theater, film, and television careers.

• Acting Fundamentals: Core classes cover scene study, improvisation, and character development, emphasizing Stanislavski technique and Meisner method to foster authentic emotional expression.
• Voice and Speech: Training in vocal production, dialects, and articulation, including Linklater and Lessac methods, to enhance clarity and versatility in performance.
• Movement and Physicality: Courses in stage combat, dance, and Alexander Technique help students command their bodies and adapt to diverse roles.
• Text Analysis and Shakespeare: In-depth study of classical and contemporary plays, with specialized Shakespeare workshops focusing on verse, soliloquies, and ensemble work.
• Screen Acting: Practical sessions on camera technique, auditioning for film and TV, including on-set etiquette and reel creation.
• Production and Directing: Hands-on experience in play production, stage management, and introductory directing to understand collaborative theater processes.
• Business of Acting: Seminars on agent representation, union guidelines (SAG-AFTRA), resume building, and career strategies in the New York performing arts scene.
• Electives: Options like musical theater, voice-over work, and audition intensives tailored to individual interests.

The program culminates in public performances and showcases, providing real-world exposure. With small class sizes and renowned faculty from Broadway and off-Broadway, the campus nurtures creativity while grounding students in discipline. Alumni include luminaries like Lauren Bacall and Grace Kelly, highlighting the academy's legacy. This holistic approach ensures graduates are not just actors but well-rounded artists equipped for the competitive industry. The curriculum evolves with industry trends, incorporating digital media and diverse storytelling perspectives to prepare students for global opportunities.

Additional workshops cover makeup, costume design, and theater history, enriching technical skills. Mentorship programs pair students with professionals, fostering networks essential for success. The New York location leverages the city's vibrant theater district for internships and auditions, making it an ideal hub for aspiring performers seeking intensive, immersive training in dramatic arts.