<p>WARNING! For anyone in the least bit interested in attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts...</p>
<p>I attended AADA in NYC last year and was not invited back for the second year of study. Some might think that what I am about to say is because I am bitter... the truth of the matter is that I was relieved to receive that letter at the end of the year. I had gone to the Academy to make my dad and grandmother happy. My grandmother's mother had a very successful acting/directing career (as did my grandmother)... so when she learned of my interest in acting, she told me the only place to go was the Academy. </p>
<p>So, being the good granddaughter that I am, I headed off to NYC and began study. </p>
<p>I was immediately turned off by the condition of the school... you would think that a school that brings in approx. 150 kids/year and charges them approx. 15 grand for tuition could take care of their facility. Not the case at all!</p>
<p>Secondly, I was surrounded by tons of bitter acting/movement/voice teachers who were obviously jealous of all of the first year students' zest for the art. This created a rather suppressive environment... not the safe one young artists rely on to grow.</p>
<p>Thirdly, I can't understand why the communication between the administration and the student body was so poor. While there, we probably met with the admin. twice.</p>
<p>Also, the Academy uses a cut system after the first year of study to "weed out those students who don't seem to be benefiting from the curriculum". If you ask me, this "cut" system is purely political. Apparently, at the end of the year, the teachers gather in a room and, one by one, talk about each student. After the discussion... they vote. The vote has to be all one way or the other. If there is a split... they talk about it more until everyone agrees. A horrible way of doing things if you ask me!</p>
<p>The Academy prides itself on its legacy... but don't be fooled. Some of the alumni they take credit for may have only taken Saturday courses... not the actual Academy program. And some weren't even invited back for their second year of study (i.e. Robert Redford and Stephen Baldwin).</p>
<p>In any case... I hope that this serves to education everyone on the Academy. As for me... since the Academy sends out the "cut" letters in the summer... one has no chance of transferring into another program by fall. I am stuck at home for a year and have been applying/auditioning for MT programs like mad.</p>
<p>This is only a taste of my thoughts on the Academy Leaving AADA was the BEST thing that could happen. I can now find the perfect place for me.</p>