Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles
A 90% acceptance rate means American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 169 in Los Angeles, CA.
Program Analysis
At $12,445 per year, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates from American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles earn below the $14,801 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.
The 37% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $12,000 against $12,445/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #10 ranking among 13 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs places American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $12,445-to-$18,854 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
The 7 apprenticeship pathways connected to Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producers and directors | $83,480 | +4.9% | 58% |
| Fashion designers | $80,690 | +2.0% | 61% |
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80,190 | +1.7% | 56% |
About Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Careers
Your work in the performing arts is all about collaboration and creation. As a director, you'll spend your days in rehearsal halls guiding actors, in production meetings coordinating with designers, and on set making the final creative calls. If you lean towards stagecraft, you might be a set designer, translating scripts into physical worlds. You’ll move from drafting tables and 3D modeling software to the workshop, overseeing carpenters and painters as they build the environment you envisioned.
Read the full Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft career guide →
Compare & Explore
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Overview
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at Other Schools
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.