300 N. Halstead Street
Pasadena, CA 91107
(800)222-2867 
http://www.aada.org  

ENROLLMENT 
(Full-time students only)
New York:
73 Men/86 Women
California:
89 Men/111 Women

Freshman Admission Profile
Number who applied:
409 (NY)
311 (CA)

Number accepted:
197 (NY)
277 (CA)

Number enrolled:
93 (NY) 113 (CA)

(SAT, ACT, GPA: N/A)
Freshman Retention Rate:
45% (average NY/CA)

Costs
Tuition:
$10,100
Room & Board and expenses:
$6,000 - $10,000

Financial Aid
75% of Freshman receive some kind of financial aid Average Freshman financial aid package:
$2,800

Faculty
New York:
9 Full Time/12 Part Time
California:
37 Part Time
Student - faculty ratio:
1:10

IN ADDITION 
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts has always taken pride in the achievements of its alumni -- and its alumni seem to return the good feelings.

Two-time Oscar winner Spencer Tracy, whose work exemplifies the simple, no-nonsense "American-style" approach to acting which has been admired around the world, wrote to his alma mater, saying, "I shall always be grateful to the American Academy for what I was taught there -- the value of sincerity and simplicity, unembellished and unintellectualized." After becoming Princess of Monaco, the fomer Grace Kelly wrote, "I am very grateful for the two years I spent at the American Academy and the knowledge I gained there as an actor and as a person."

Speaking to a recent Academy graduating class, Broadway and film actor Jason Robards Jr. referred to his own father, the esteemed character actor, when he said, "I always felt the best advice I ever got as a young man was from my father when I told him I wanted to be an actor. He said, 'Go to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts where I went in 1910!'"

John Karlen an Emmy winner for his work as Harvey Lacey on "Cagney and Lacey" said, "The basic principles of acting are taught better at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts than anywhere else in this country. The Academy does not produce clones. It leaves you with your own uniqueness." His schoolmate Robert Redford has noted, "You are only as good as you dare to be bad. The Academy gave me that freedom."

The late Cleavon Little, best known for his performance in the movie "Blazing Saddles," summed up his Academy experience this way: "There was for me an atmosphere of love at the Academy. Do what you've got to do, but do it with love-- love for yourself, love for your art."

More recent Academy alumni include Jeremy Davies ("Saving Private Ryan"), Paul Rudd ("The Object of My Affection," "200 Cigarettes"), Annabella Sciorra ("What Dreams May Come"), Enrico Colantoni ("Just Shoot Me"), Illeana Douglas ("To Die For") and French Stewart ("Third Rock From the Sun").

Academy students benefit from the school's access to the profession, exemplified by this seminar by actor Lou Diamond Phillips. 

College Description 
Founded in New York in 1884, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts was the first school in the United States to provide a professional education for actors. Since 1974, the Academy has operated an additional campus in Pasadena, California, making it the only professional actor training conservatory located in both of America's centers of theatrical activity.

The Academy remains dedicated to a single purpose: training professional actors. The love of acting, as an art and as an occupation, is the spirit that impels the school. For the serious, well-motivated student, the Academy offers over a century of success; a well-balanced, carefully structured curriculum; and a vital, dedicated faculty.

The Academy is a nonprofit educational institution, chartered in New York by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. In New York, the Academy is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and in California by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Both campuses are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

For students wishing to make a shorter term commitment to actor training at the outset, but have an interest in testing their ability and commitment in an environment of professional training, the Academy offers a six-week summer program.  

Academic Life 
The Professional Training Program requires two years to complete. Students who meet the requirements of the program receive an associate degree. A third year performance program is offered to selected graduates. Students who successfully complete this program earn the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Actor training.

The first year consists of two 12-week terms and one 6-week term, pro-viding a total of 30 transferable college credits. Classes include acting, move-ment, voice and speech, vocal production, acting styles, and theater history. The primary goals of the first year program are to achieve relaxed, free and truthful use of oneself in imaginary circumstances; to gain awareness of the body in terms of alignment, flexibility and strength; to develop an open, well-placed and well-supported vocal tone; to acquire clearly articulated stan-dard American speech; and to increase understanding of the historical and stylistic backgrounds of drama. Students may enter the first year in mid-September or late January for the course in Pasadena; late October or early February for New York.

Admission to the second year is by invitation. Selection is made on the basis of progress, potential, and readiness to benefit form advanced training, as evidenced by the quality of first year class work and examination play perfor-mances. (On average, approximately 45% of the first year class receives invitations to continue into the second year.)

The second year begins with advanced class work designed to reinforce and build upon the learning experiences of the first year. Emphasis is gradually shifted to performance opportunities. Additional courses are given in fencing, Shakespeare and stage makeup. The second year course is worth 30 transferable undergraduate credits. Workshops to deal with specific acting problems are set up as needed, and, toward the end of the second year, seminars are scheduled to familiarize students with basic procedures for attaining professional employment. Upon completion of second year, students graduate from the Professional Training Program with associate degrees.

Admission to the third year program, which emphasizes performance, is also by invitation. Students who undertake a third year of study become mem-bers of the Academy Company, the school's performance ensemble. Selection is based on the individual's potential and the overall concept of a balanced acting company. The practical development of the actor is continued through study, rehearsal and performance of fully-produced plays in Academy theatres over a 30 week period from late summer to late winter. Agents, casting directors and other professional personnel are invited to see Academy Company productions, and counseling and workshops are offered to assist third year students in launching professional careers. Students completing the third year program earn an additional 30 college credits and are awarded a certificate.

Guest speakers from the professional world are regularly invited to the Academy to share insights with the students at special assemblies.

Academy training is above all practical, involving the student intellect-ually, physically, and emotionally. Designed for the individual, it stresses self-discovery and self-discipline. Underlying the training (in California as in New York) are the beliefs that an actor prepared to work on the stage has the best foundation for acting in any medium, and that classroom learning must be continually tested in the practical arena of performance. The soundness of the Academy's approach is reflected in the achievements of its alumni, a diverse body of professionals unmatched by the alumni of any other institution. Campus Life

Academy students come from all parts of the United States, from Canada, and from other countries as well. About half of the entering students are recent high school graduates. Others transfer to the Academy from traditional colleges to study acting in a more concentrated, professional environment. Still others have worked in non-theatrical fields before deciding to commit to the study of acting. Whatever their age or background, once at the Academy, they are united by a shared commitment to acting and the challenge of working to become the best actors they can be.

The Academy does not operate dormitories at either location, but does assist accepted students in finding housing. Most students share apartments with other Academy students; others commute from home or live in privately-operated dormitories or the "Y"; a few board with families (sometimes in exchange for household duties such as baby-sitting). With its small student body, student government is casual at best, and the intensity of the training program does not lend itself to a high demand for campus organizations. However, Academy students are very good at organizing social events among themselves, and take good advantage of their proximity to "the business" (both in New York and Los Angeles) by seeing plays and films and attending television tapings.  

Facilities and Resources 
The Academy's New York home is located in midtown Manhattan, close to all forms of public transportation, and surrounded by the rich cultural life that has inspired young artists for generations. AADA/East is housed in a six-story landmarked building which is an outstanding example of the architecture of Stanford White. Facilities include three theatres, classrooms, rehearsal studios, a video studio, costume shop, production department, student lounge and a beautiful library designed specifically to meet the research needs of the actor.

The east coast climate is characterized by distinct seasonal changes (cold winters, hot summers). Students in New York take full advantage of the resources available in the City, including the museums, libraries, parks and ethnic neighborhoods, as well as the world-class cultural events (theatre, opera, ballet and concerts of all types) which are so much a part of the New York environment.

AADA/West is located in the Southern California suburb of Pasadena, minutes by car from the entertainment centers of Los Angeles and Hollywood. The temperate California climate is mild year-round, and the Pasadena location offers easy access to a choice of landscapes, including beaches, mountains and deserts.

In the 1998-99 school year, the AADA/West will occupy spacious temporary facilities in a former industrial park. Facilities will include two versatile theatres, classrooms, rehearsal rooms, student lounge, library, costume shop, production facilities, video equipment and ample parking.  

Financial Aid 
The Academy offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships and financial assistance, and participates in various financial aid programs including federal grants, loans and College Work Study employment. The Academy is approved by the Veterans Administration. There are a limited number of endowed scholarships, awarded primarily to returning second and third year students, and trustee awards to assist especially promising entering students. Early application is advised for all financial aid.

Admission Requirements  
Serious, responsible, talented and highly-motivates applicants are sought for admission. All entering students must have completed at least a recognized secondary school (high school) or its equivalent. Admission decisions are based on acting ability or potential, academic qualifications, and readiness (in terms of such factors as maturity and motivation) to benefit fully from the program.

After submitting an application and $50 fee along with letters of recommendation, health certificate and transcripts, applicants may schedule an audition, which can take place at either campus regardless of which one the applicant wishes to attend. Regional auditions may be arranged in selected cities worldwide. The audition requires the performance from memory of two contrasting speeches from published plays, the total time not to exceed five minutes. An interview is part of the audition. Audition reports and all previously submitted materials are considered by the Admissions Committee. Applicants are notified of the Committee's decision within three weeks of the audition.  
 

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