On June 3, 2025, The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts announced that it will no longer offer performing arts training as of August 31, 2025.

Closed School Discharge Process

If your school closed and you meet the eligibility requirements for a Closed School Discharge, you will qualify for a discharge automatically one year after your school closes. If you believe that you are entitled to a loan discharge due to the closure of the school please review the eligibility requirements and application instructions here: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/closed-school

Students eligible for refunds of monies paid directly to NYCDA due to closure are being contacted individually by the Bursar. All refunds will be considered and processed prior to the official closure date. Academic and housing deposits are being transferred to the teach-out school selected by the student.

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA) is a private acting school in New York City specializing in training for film and television, musical theatre, theatre and media production for the actor. It offers two-year associate degree programs, short workshops, and summer intensives. Known for its hands-on curriculum and industry connections, NYCDA prepares students with practical skills and networking opportunities in the heart of the entertainment industry. NYCDA is not a casting agency.

NYCDA is located in New York City’s historic Flatiron district. The address is 39 West 19th Street, NY, NY 10011.

NYCDA offers a number of different programs:

NYCDA offers a Two-Year Degree Program where students will graduate with an Associate (2-year) degree from a NAST-accredited institution. We offer four professional training programs: Film and Television, Musical Theatre, Media Production for the Actor and Theatre Performance.

NYCDA offers a One-Year Certificate Program where students can take a faster track to their career, spending two semesters focusing on their craft. Our 1-Year Certificate Programs are in On-Camera Performance and Content Creation, and in Musical Theatre, which includes an exciting collaboration with The Joffrey Ballet School of New York City.

NYCDA offers a  Four-Week Summer Intensive Program where successful completion of the program will grant students a credit recommendation of 6 university-level credits on an official transcript. Participation in the summer program is a great way to get a taste of training with NYCDA while still gaining exposure to the industry in New York City.

NYCDA offers a Two-Week Professional Development Program where adult professionals will have an opportunity to spend two-weeks in NYC working on their craft, meeting fellow actors, making important connections and adding an off-Broadway credit to their resume or a professional clip to their reel. The professional development programs offered are: Musical Theatre, Classical/Commedia Dell’Arte and Script to Screen.

NYCDA also offers Programs for Young Actors to hone their acting and audition skills. Our Young Adult Talent Acting Camp allows actors age 12-14 an opportunity to strengthen practical skills needed to successfully audition for and act in on-camera YA programming and participate in a Mock Audition for NYC agents, casting directors and managers

Yes, there is a cost to attend NYCDA. Tuition and fees vary depending on the program. Refer to NYCDA’s official website at www.nycda.edu or contact the admissions office for further information.

NYCDA offers financial aid*, scholarships and payment plans to assist students.

*Note: International students are not eligible for financial aid.

There are different timelines depending on the program you are looking to attend.

The Two-Year Degree Program has the following timelines:

A Spring 2025 Non-Traditional Program (~15 months)

Year 1: Classes begin January 2025 and run through to September 2025
Short break (~1 week off)

Year 2: Classes will resume in September 2025, ending in May 2026

A Fall 2025 Traditional Program

Year 1: Classes being September 2025 and run through to May 2026
Summer holiday begins (~3 months off)

Year 2: Classes will start in September 2026, ending in May 2027

Summer Intensive programs have two start dates:

June 2025 and July 2025

Two-Week Professional Development Programs have a few start dates throughout the year:

January 2025, May 2025 and August 2025.

There are some differences between our programs:

Two-Year Degree Programs Feature

Students graduate with an Associates (2-year) Degree from a NAST-accredited institution
Students receive 2-years of professional training from faculty currently working in the industry
All students will perform a prepared monologue for a jury of casting directors, and receive detailed feedback on their performance, presentation and castability
Students take a full semester on the business of the industry, with visiting head shot photographers, agents, managers, casting directors and resume advisors.
Final Projects:
FTV students complete Year 2 with the filming of Final Reel, where students film a monologue with a professional crew that will form their initial actor’s reel
Theatre students complete Year 2 with a performance-based showcase. Students collaborate to present a polished production, such as a scene or monologue demonstrating the skills they have developed in acting, voice, movement, and stagecraft.
Media Production for the Actor students complete Year 2 by creating a professional-grade on-camera reel. This reel showcases the student’s acting abilities in film and television through a compilation of scenes or monologues performed in a variety of styles and genres.
Musical Theatre students complete Year 2 with a final showcase performance called The Found Project

Four-Week Summer Intensive Programs Feature

Students study intensively for 4-weeks
Successful completion of the program will grant students 6 university level credits on an official transcript
FTV, MPA and Theatre students have the opportunity to attend an industry night with a casting director/agent
MT students have the opportunity to attend a Masterclass with an industry professional

Two-Week Professional Development Programs Feature

Offers a focused, immersive experience designed to enhance acting skills and industry readiness
This program is ideal for actors looking to refine their craft and advance their careers in a short time
Musical Theatre participants will receive a NYC credit for your resume at an off-Broadway theatre
Stage to Screen participants will receive a professionally produced short scene for their reel

Yes, NYCDA offers on campus housing. The dorms are set up as apartment style accommodation and have multiple bedrooms, as well as a shared kitchen, bathroom and living space. More information can be found on our website at: https://nycda.edu/student-housing/.

Yes, NYCDA has several successful alumni who have graduated from its programs and gone on to work in film, television, and theater. Refer to the website at https://nycda.edu/notable-alumni/ for information on our notable alumni.

Yes, you can attend NYCDA even if you are a beginner with limited acting experience. NYCDA offers programs for students at various experience levels, including those who are new to acting. The conservatory provides foundational training in acting, voice, movement, and media production, allowing beginners to develop their skills and grow as performers.

The school focuses on hands-on learning, and instructors work with students to build a strong acting foundation, regardless of their starting point.

Yes, students in high school can attend the 4-week summer intensive program.