Your opinions on SFT & AADA NY

[annlafferty]

Posted: 5/12/07 at 2:21am

Hey guys, I live overseas and recently got accepted to both the School for Film & Television and American Academy of Dramatica Art in New York. However, since I'm not even living in the States right now and these schools are amazingly expensive, I've been trying to figure out if they are really good, reputable conservatories that are worth the money or are they just scam schools? One thing that sort of raised a red flag for me was that SFT claim to have Matthew Fox from Lost as a part of their alumni, but then I went to another acting school website (can't remember which but I know I saw it) and they claim he attended their school at pretty much the same time he supposedly went to SFT????? I really don't know what to think of that ...

I haven't accepted either of their offers as yet ... can anyone advice me? Would you recommend going to either of these schools? Or would you recommend that I just come to the States and take some acting classes? I thought of doing this in the beginning, but I've heard that the industry is a lot more receptive toward you when they see that you've had two years of training? For you guys who are actually living in either NYC or LA, is this true? Do you think SFT and AADA are worth the 18000-21000 dollars a year that they're asking? And what are your opinions on NYFA (NY Film Academy)?

Any info/advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks a lot guys!

Ann L

Updated On: 5/12/07 at 02:21 AM

[lovelyspotlight]

Posted: 5/12/07 at 11:27am

I have absolutely no idea about AADA, but I went to SFT's "Summer in the City" program two years ago and absolutely loved it. It was hands-down the best experience I've ever had. The two-year program is basically a MUCH more in-depth version of the summer program, so I'll tell you what I got out of it.

First of all, the instructors are fabulous. They are all so talented at their craft. Some of them are strict and expect you to be well-disciplined (or at least learn to be), and some are completely laid-back (yet still amazingly effective). Whether strict or laid-back, they all truly care about each individual, both personally and professionally. When I say personally, I mean that they are open to have one-on-one sessions after class if you've got something weighing heavily on your shoulders that you really need to just pour out to somebody neutral. One instructor in particular, Julia Carey (who teaches Voice and Shakespeare), is a phenomenal woman. She is the type who everybody wants to impress and please...because she's so dang amazing. I'm not sure how to describe the wonders worked in her classroom, so just rest assured that Julia Carey is my favorite teacher I've had in any class throughout my entire schooling career. That's a difficult feat. Anyway, you take classes in a bunch of different areas, from Stage Combat to Acting for the Camera. In the regular Acting class, you really dig down deep into yourself to find inner truths which are sure to help with your role portrayal. We did one exercise in Acting that had the entire class crying in each others' arms because we felt so exposed and therefore so much closer to one another and to ourselves.

Speaking of classmates (and I just got chills thinking of this), you will grow to love them SO much. Over a MONTH, I developed such a bond with the twelve other people I shared all my classes with...that I almost feel like I've known them longer than I've known half of the people I've known my entire life! I suppose what I'm trying to get at is that there is a great, supportive working environment...and that you will likely be surrounded by wonderful (yet disciplined and encouraging) people at most times. As for residence, you can either live on Clark Street in the place where we stayed for the summer program (I completely forget what the place is called) or you can get an apartment or...they've probably got other options. Whatever your options are, the living arrangements are pretty sweet.

I'm rambling. But, I had an amazing time...and I STRONGLY recommend SFT to anybody who's looking into it. Plus, they've got agency connections in NYC and other major work areas...and that's great!

If you have any further specific questions, feel free to ask! And if they're personal for any reason, message me. And congratulations on getting in!

[annlafferty]

Posted: 5/12/07 at 6:03pm

Hey lovelyspotlight, you certainly are lovely for giving me such a thorough n in depth answer. Thank you! It really does give me a lot more to consider and that's a good thing because at least now I have something to go on regarding SFT. I guess any other question I would have is have you gotten any work since you took the programme? I know you went there just for the summer, but do you feel your attendance has enhanced your prospects in the business? Thanks again for being the first to reply. I really appreciate it! Oh and thank you so much for the advice about where to live! I hadn't even considered that until you brought it up! Thanks!

Ann

[lovelyspotlight]

Posted: 5/12/07 at 11:41pm

I'm actually a graduating high school senior now. I went there to explore my acting opportunities and such. I will say that I grew a tremendous amount as an actor at SFT. The instructors are people who have been involved in the business in many ways. The Acting for Commercials teacher I had, for instance, has been in TONS of commercials and knows JUST how you need to market yourself to get jobs, etc. They really know what they're doing. They're not a scam or anything silly like that (I thought they might be before I attended the program). The people I know from my summer program who are now actually attending SFT are graduating soon...so I don't know about work out of the program yet, but they've been loving the two-year program. I'm sorry, I really don't have any statistics or anything regarding exit statuses in the profession. =/

[Melody2]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 11:38am

I have applied and been accepted to AADA NY, but have decided not to go. AADA is a two year conservatory which you recieve an Associate's Degree of Occupational Studies. There is a third year--that you have to audition and apply into. It's like a performing tour. After finishing that you get a certificate.

For the sceond year of AADA, you have to be invited to come back.

I was not very impressed with the school. Yes, they have many alumni who are famous, but they don't really have much space. The theatres are tiny! They are smaller than the theatres I've seen broadway shows on.

Hope this helps.

[RockyRoad]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 1:36pm

AADA will be changing this year and offering a degree program through a major big name university that is discussed here frequently.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 1:50pm

I wouldn't judge a school just beacuse their theatres are tiny. Some of todays greatest shows started out in 50 seat moldy theatres way off off off Broadway.

[willact4food]

Posted: 7/2/07 at 2:13pm

Let's put it this way...

I've never heard of anybody being rejected from the School for Film and Television...

Nor have I heard of anybody having a successful career after graduating...

[annlafferty]

Posted: 7/2/07 at 3:57pm

Thanks to everyone who has posted an answer so far. I'm scheduled to arrive in NYC at the end of August and I'm really excited. I've been to NY before, many times actually, but never to pursue acting. I'm so terrified you wouldn't believe. I keep wondering if I'm making a COLOSSAL mistake. At the moment, I have a good (but admittedly a little boring) job that pays well. I've been planning to buy an apartment, but I ditched that idea and will use the money for the move instead. I dont have any unrealistic dreams of fame and fortune, I just have an insatiable desire to perform and unfortunately where I live there aren't much opportunities in the performing arts otherwise I would have gladly stayed here.

Anyways, it seems like a lot of ppl I've spoken to aren't fond of either of these schools. Does anyone then have any recommendations about where in NY I can take some acting classes?

Thanks again! Ann