The Juilliard School presents their chief acting studies in the actor training program, a four-year curriculum that equips students in Shakespearean interpretation, vocal delivery, character identity and theatrical fighting. Drama study courses include dramatic interpretation and techniques, theatrical history, poetry and prose and Shakespearean text. Students learn how to act through the character's point of view, improvise using masks and increase muscle flexibility to allow for expressive stage movement.
Juilliard provides freshman students the opportunity to rehearse and perform in numerous stage productions. Directors do not judge an actor's abilities during this time, but stress that students gain experience instead. Prospective actors also learn singing, dancing and makeup application. Actors graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
212-799-5000
juilliard.edu
Potential actors can earn accredited degrees in fine arts or up to 39 accredited college credit hours through programs and workshops at the New York Film Academy. This academy offers summer, evening and advanced programs for film acting and musical theater skills. Course studies include film acting and production, film combat, TV acting, voice and movement skills and improvisation.
Teachers equip students to audition for acting jobs by providing them with cold reading opportunities, résumé preparation and career development. Musical theater students focus on dancing, singing, musical theater history and performance showcases.
Degree programs at the New York Film Academy consist of a two-year associate degree in fine arts or an intensive, accelerated two-year Master of Fine Arts degree.
New York Film Academy
100 E. 17th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-674-4300
nyfa.com
Budding actors can take drama classes at the New York or Los Angeles branches of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Students learn stage acting as well as film and camera techniques, stage dancing, speech training and singing. Advanced pupils work on Shakespearean performance, stage combat and foreign accents.
Third-year students focus on career direction, working with agents and film professionals and a season of stage productions. Actors demonstrate their talents through stage productions in front of potential casting directors and agents.
Graduates earn two-year associate degrees or a three-year Certificate of Advanced Studies. Both branches have partnered with third-party universities and colleges in New York and Los Angeles where students can transfer credits to earn a bachelor's degree.
American Academy of Dramatic Arts NY
120 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10016
800-463-8990
aada.org
American Academy of Dramatic Arts LA
1336 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
800-222-2867
aada.org