Discover a new kind of university, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. Located in New York City, our university takes full advantage of its location in one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. Our colleges include Parsons School of Design, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, the College of Performing Arts, The New School for Social Research, the Schools of Public Engagement, Parsons Paris, and Continuing and Professional Education.
Since our founding in 1919, The New School has redrawn and redefined the boundaries of intellectual and creative thought as a preeminent academic center. Our rigorous, multidimensional environment dissolves walls between disciplines and helps nurture progressive minds. At our university, students have the academic freedom to shape their unique, individual paths for a complex and rapidly changing world.
With leading-edge faculty and world-renowned alumni, we are committed to developing students who will have an impact on the world and solve the most pressing social issues of our time.
Recognized as one of America’s premier institutions for the performing arts, AMDA is the only performing arts college to offer Bachelor of Fine Arts and Conservatory Programs with campuses in both New York and Los Angeles. Additionally, by providing a wide variety of academic programs along with seven distinct certificate and degree paths, AMDA delivers unparalleled flexibility for tailoring an academic experience that will help you succeed. For students considering non-traditional paths toward earning their Conservatory certificate or BFA degree, AMDA offers dual campus enrollment and BFA transfer credit options from other institutions.
October 3, 1884: The Academy first opened its doors at The Lyceum Theatre in Manhattan. One hundred and eighteen eager students would soon become The Academy’s first graduating class and the history of acting in America was changed forever.
Today, The Academy's New York campus is set in Madison Avenue’s landmark Colony Club building in Midtown Manhattan and encompasses six full stories of classrooms, rehearsal halls, dance studios, dressing rooms, costume and prop departments, a production workshop, a student lounge, and an expansive library designed to serve the specific needs of acting students. Its media studios are equipped with the latest video, lighting and editing systems—everything an actor needs for exceptional on-camera training.
Another notable feature is its collection of impressive theatres that offers a variety of training and performance opportunities. The 169-seat proscenium theatre, 164-seat thrust theatre and 103-seat arena-style theatre are all used for classes, rehearsals and full-scale productions.
From top to bottom, The Academy's New York campus is ideally outfitted for students to grow and succeed as a working actor.