American Academy of Dramatic Arts New York

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA), located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, is a private conservatory focused exclusively on performing arts education. Established in 1884, making it the first conservatory for actors in the English-speaking world, AADA operates from a historic building on Madison Avenue. The academy offers two-year programs in acting for theater, film, and television, with students pursuing an Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degree. The curriculum emphasizes practical performance training through studio work, with students participating in multiple productions throughout their academic career. The academy maintains a selective admission process requiring both academic credentials and an audition, and while AADA does not provide on-campus housing, it assists students in finding accommodation in New York City.