American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) summer program?

[it'sjustshowbiz]

Posted: 11/15/07 at 9:35am

Hi,

I'm considering auditioning for the AADA summer program in NY. Has anyone had experience in it? I'm still somewhat of a beginner. How difficult is it to get in?

Any info is appreciated.
Thanks!
Updated On: 11/15/07 at 09:35 AM

[Little-Lotte]

Posted: 11/15/07 at 8:52pm

I did the program in the summer of 2006. The school itself really didn't gel with me personally, it was very Miesner focused and that's not my personal acting technique of choice. But some of the people in my group really loved it and applied for the full time program afterwards.I don't think it's all that difficult to get into the summer program. I had no acting training before I went to the program and I was basically told at my audition that I was already in.

They break you up into groups of around 16 and you take classes with those same people your time there. We tried to figure out how they broke the groups up, but we honestly couldn't tell if it was by talent or anything like that. My group's age range was from high school senior to a 25 year old. In particular my group was extremely mixed. We had a few people from the south with strong accents, three brits, a girl who was raised in Asia, and the rest of us were from varying places like Jamacia, Pennyslvania (Me), Indiana, Jersey, etc. We were the most diverse group. I would have rated my group from beginner to at least intermediate. Three out of the four people from my group that auditioned for the full time program were accepted.

You take Voice and Speech twice a week, Movement once a week, Voice Techinique (which is basically singing) once a week and then acting every day. My acting teacher was all about Miesner, however the other teachers weren't necessarily focused on that, so obviously neither were their groups. You don't get to choose the teachers you get, so it can be hit or miss. Overall it was a good learning experience and I'm glad I did it. Even though I'm not a Misener actor, my acting did improve.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask me, I'd be happy to help you out!