American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts has trained actors since 1884, making it the oldest conservatory of its kind. The Los Angeles campus opened in 1974, offering the same resources and high standard of excellence as the original New York campus.

A two-year conservatory, AADA uses a cut system between its first and second years. This means that after your first year, the Academy reserves the right to drop you from the curriculum if you are unprepared for the advanced study of the second year.

Admissions to AADA are audition-based. After submitting an application with two letters of recommendation (one on your personal merit and the other on your dramatic ability), you’ll participate in an audition. In addition to a personal interview, this audition consists of two contrasting monologues from published plays.

Full-time students at the Academy may be eligible for several forms of financial aid. Federal grants and loans are available, as well as merit and need-based scholarships.

If the two-year curriculum doesn’t suit you, AADA also offers summer programs. These two-week and four-week intensives cater to a wide variety of audiences, from beginning actors to longtime instructors.

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