The Academy of Dramatic Art (ADA) was a 2-year professional acting program offered by Oakland University from 1967 to 1977. The collection covers the entire span of the ADA's life and includes: Administrative files; John Fernald files (the first Artistic Director); Jerry Dahlmann files (executive director); Curriculum materials; Press files; Studio Company materials; Photographs and scrapbooks.

Papers of Curtis Armstrong, an OU alum, documenting Armstrong’s life and career as a theater, cinema, and television actor and as a screenwriter and author from 1968 to 2021. After a debut in the theater Armstrong launched a successful movie career in “Risky Business”. Materials from his days at Oakland University’s Academy of Dramatic Art are also included. Of particular interest are diaries, correspondence, photographs, AV materials, scripts (some annotated), and press books.