The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) is a fully accredited two-year conservatory with campuses located at 120 Madison Avenue in New York City (in a landmark building designed by famed architect Stanford White as the original Colony Club) and 1336 North La Brea Avenue in Hollywood (in a new building on the site of the former Charlie Chaplin studios).
The Academy in New York was founded in 1884 to train actors for the stage, becoming the first school in the United States to offer a professional education in the acting field. In 1974, the Academy opened another campus in Pasadena, California, which made it the only professional actor training school in both major centers of American theatrical activity. The Los Angeles campus moved from Pasadena to Hollywood in 2001.
The Academy remains dedicated to training professional actors. It now offers courses in film and television, as well, providing a structured, professionally oriented program that stresses self-discovery, self-discipline and individuality.
Although there are no dormitories or on-campus housing, students can make special arrangements with the Academy for local housing. The Academy also circulates a list with new student's contact information for any new student that is already registered and paid who might be interested in assembling with other students to find housing.
Students who graduate in New York receive a Degree of Associate in Occupational Studies; students who graduate in Hollywood receive a Certificate of Completion or an Associate of Arts Degree in Acting.
Numerous students of the Academy have gone on to distinguished careers throughout the entertainment industry, receiving nominations for Tonys, Oscars and Emmys.
