The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA) occupies three floors of a commercial building in the heart of New York's vibrant Chelsea district. The Conservatory's administrative offices are located on half of the 2nd floor of the building, with the other half devoted to studios. The 3rd floor houses four studios, four classrooms, and a lively student lounge. The 12th floor is home to a dynamic professional casting facility, three of New York's busiest casting directors, and two additional NYCDA studios/classrooms.

On-Camera Studio/Classrooms
NYCDA's four on-camera studios located on the third and twelfth floors are equipped with state of the art digital video recording capabilities. Each room is equipped with two High-Definition video cameras capable of simultaneously recording directly to DVD disc, VHS tape, and Quicktime video file. The ability to record on several different formats enables each student to save and review their work at a later date.

Courses held in these studios include instruction in performing in commercials and daytime drama, as well as courses that familiarize students with the process of being on a live set and how to act in front of a camera. Each studio includes:

• Two HD digital cameras
• iMac computer with Quicktime editing software
• Multiple camera digital switcher
• HD flat-screen TVs
• Television and theatre lighting
• Basic scenic elements (door unit etc.)
• Basic set elements (furniture, props)

Theatre/Screening Studios
Each of NYCDA's two spacious performance studios on the second floor offer professional theatre lighting and a built-in audio visual rack equipped with a DVD/CD player connected to a ceiling-mounted digital projector. A 24-channel light board allows theatre lights to be pre-set in a number of lighting configurations. Each room provides an excellent backdrop for courses in various acting techniques, scene study, rehearsal, and performance. A retractable screen and wall-mounted speakers allow the studio to transition quickly from a theatre to a screening or meeting space for larger, short-term courses in audition technique and the business of being an actor. Each studio provides teaching faculty and student actors with a(n):

• 24-channel lighting board
• A/V rack and amplifier
• Wall-mounted speakers
• DVD/CD player
• Digital overhead projector
• Retractable 120" screen
• Theatre lighting
• Basic scenic elements (door unit etc.)
• Basic set elements (furniture, props)

Classrooms
NYCDA has four classrooms in different configurations located throughout the third floor, where a variety of exciting classes take place. In one studio, student voice-over work can be digitally recorded using professional sound recording software running on an iMac computer. These recordings can be saved as digital files and easily transferred to each student’s personal flash drive. Students are then able to review their work at their convenience. Some classrooms are equipped with large HD televisions for screening films of different genres. Still others support instruction in improvisation, sketch, and stand-up comedy and, in the foundation, courses of film history, theatre history, and literary analysis.

Movement/Dance Studios
Two bright third-floor studios provide an excellent space for a variety of courses designed to add to the young actor's physical repertoire. The 640 square foot studios provide ample room for classes in dance, combat for the camera, Feldenkrais impulse movement, and physical and vocal dynamics. A piano in one studio provides accompaniment for vocal technique. Each room is equipped with a(n):

• A/V rack and amplifier
• Wall-mounted speakers
• CD player
• iPod dock (compatible with a wide-range of MP3 players)
• Supplemental equipment (floor mats, blankets, etc.)

Student Lounge
A sunny area on the third floor provides a space where students can eat, take a break between classes, and utilize a small computer lab if needed. The lounge offers:

• Tables and chairs
• 3 large vending machines
• 2 microwaves
• 4 computers
• Printer

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts' brightly-colored floors provide a dynamic learning environment in which to begin building an acting career. Students come and go in an atmosphere that vibrates with possibilities. In any part of the school, they can access the Wi-Fi network that connects students, staff and administrators to the online NYCDA portal, the electronic town square of our institution.