The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts has made the decision to teach-out its remaining students and no longer offer performing arts training as of August 31, 2025.
Founded in 1980 by Joan See, the Conservatory‘s statement yesterday said that new students registered for fall 2025 will be provided with information about other accredited institutional program in New York City.
The Conservatory provided education and training for thousands of students in musical theatre, film and television, content creation and theater performance.
The school began with See teaching one private acting class and was built into a nationally accredited college that empowered actors to follow their dreams, prove the doubters wrong and make a living doing what they love.
“Despite the disappointment that comes with the decision to close, NYCDA is proud of its decades long track record of success and finds it gratifying to see the significant impact that our programs have had as measured by the success our graduates have enjoyed in their chosen career paths. This decision has not been made lightly, and it comes after exhaustive efforts to explore every possible alternative. We share in your sorrow and stand united as we navigate these final steps together,” the statement said.
Student services will continue without interruption for continuing students despite the announcement. Stakeholders, including the conservatory’s accrediting agency, and federal and state regulatory bodies in New York will ensure successful teach-out and subsequent wind-down of operations at the Conservatory.