October 3, 1884: The Academy first opened its doors at The Lyceum Theatre in Manhattan. One hundred and eighteen eager students would soon become The Academy’s first graduating class and the history of acting in America was changed forever. Today, The Academy's New York campus is set in Madison Avenue’s landmark Colony Club building in Midtown Manhattan and encompasses six full stories of classrooms, rehearsal halls, dance studios, dressing rooms, costume and prop departments, a production workshop, a student lounge, and an expansive library designed to serve the specific needs of acting students. Its media studios are equipped with the latest video, lighting and editing systems—everything an actor needs for exceptional on-camera training. Another notable feature is its collection of impressive theatres that offers a variety of training and performance opportunities. The 169-seat proscenium theatre, 164-seat thrust theatre and 103-seat arena-style theatre are all used for classes, rehearsals and full-scale productions. From top to bottom, The Academy's New York campus is ideally outfitted for students to grow and succeed as a working actor.