<p>American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NOT AMDA, people tend to get confused) I am auditioning on March 10, and I was just wondering if I can get some info before I go to the open house.</p>
<p>Do a search – I think there is a fair amount of info on past threads. </p>
<p>My daughter at one time was seriously leanding towards non-college training as a first prioririty. She’s already gotten some acting work and did not want to wait 4 years. So I’ve looked quite a bit at non-acting programs.</p>
<p>AADA certainly appears more reputable than AMDA from what I read. I think in its day it was probably one of the best places to find acting training anywhere. I get a sense that its day has passed somewhat and current reviews of the program are a mixed bag. I think there are better training options in NYC if you are pursuing a non BFA program – Circle in the Square, Atlantic, Stella Adler, William Esper Studio among others</p>
<p>AADA is still one of the best places to get conservatory training, and it is still very much “in it’s day,” producing several working actors in each graduating class. I graduated from the Los Angeles campus in 2005 and have a pretty long list of working classmates. Some of those alums include Casey LaBow (07) who is in the ‘Twilight’ series, Ary Katz ('05) who was directed by Clint Eastwood in ‘J.Edgar.’ Paul Rudd and Adam Scott work constantly. Every time I turn on the TV, I see someone I graduated with.
It is a lot of work and a very intense program, but with training that is very specific to your needs as an actor. You walk away with so many great tools that will help you to become a working professional, plus you’ve got an extremely extensive alumni network that will just keep expanding as you get further into the industry.</p>
<p>my mother went to the Los Angeles AADA (back when it was in Pasadena) in the early 1980s. Even she says that if you are interested in it, the New York school is a better option. It seems to have dropped in prestige since the 70s-80s but still pretty okay</p>