328 West 48th Street
New York, New York 10036

New York City's Professional Performing Arts School offers intensive training in the performing arts for talented and dedicated students. At this public middle and high school, students study acting, dance, and vocal and instrumental music. Since it was established in 1990, the Professional Performing Arts School has graduated numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in the performing arts, including dancers with leading ballet companies (such as the Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem and the New York City Ballet). Actress Claire Danes and singer Britney Spears are also alumni of the school. Students who wish to attend the Professional Performing Arts School must be residents of New York City. A completed application and an audition in the student's proposed area of study are required in order to be considered for admission at the Professional Performing Arts School.

The Professional Performing Arts School was established to meet the needs of two groups of students: individuals who want to develop their skills as performing artists, and those who want to earn a diploma while also working professionally. The curriculum at this institution combines traditional academic study with intensive studio work in a student's chosen medium. Attending the Professional Performing Arts Schools gives young artists a chance to develop their skills in music, dance and theater while also providing a top-notch education. All teachers at this school are highly qualified, and studio instructors have years of professional experience as dancers, actors and musicians. The school also has partnerships with a range of notable cultural institutions around New York City including The Ailey School, The Actors Institute, School of American Ballet and Songs of Solomon Academy for the Arts. The academic curriculum is focused on encouraging a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary approach to learning. Graduates of the Professional Performing Arts School earn a New York State Regents endorsed diploma, and are prepared either for careers as professional performing artists or for college-level study. A quarter of junior and senior students at the school also enroll in college classes at area institutions such as Fordham University, The New School and New York University. Graduates of the Professional Performing Arts School have attended prestigious colleges and universities such as Harvard, University Julliard, Columbia University, the University of Southern California and Georgetown University.

Quick Facts:

The Professional Performing Arts School was established in 1990.

Students must be a resident of New York City to apply for admission to the Professional Performing Arts School.

Alumni of the Professional Performing Arts School include Britney Spears, Claire Danes, Alicia Keys and Jesse Eisenberg.

Students at the Professional Performing Arts School engage in intensive study of dance, drama, or vocal and instrumental music.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.