<p>I understand this is the Musical Theater Major section, but I've noticed that a lot of the Theater posters have moved here. I was wondering if the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (not AMDA, AADA) is worth applying to for a post high school education, or even for the summer program? Thanks!</p>
<p>Several of my professors at CSUFullerton taught at AADA and they were wonderful (but I'm still transferring). I don't know much about the program, so I don't know how much help I can be</p>
<p>My S applied and was accepted there. We visited the LA campus and once inside, it was really impressive. And the students seemed happy and very committed to their art. The administration was helpful as well. He ultimately decided to go with a degree program, but my S and I were impressed and very interested. I don't know about the NYC program, but LA would have been a really nice choice for my S. </p>
<p>Since you're at Fullerton, you can easily go over there for a tour, see for yourself. But we liked it a lot!</p>
<p>OK, I misread the thread! Sorry, LizMT, you weren't the one asking... I'm tired! jypas91, the answer (minus the Fullerton part!) is for you.</p>
<p>Jypas91 -</p>
<p>My son went to AADA in NYC for two years and was very happy there. He is now transferring to a BA Theatre program that is accepting all of those AADA credits - so he will be going in as a junior. If you are not going directly into a BA/BFA program and want to do a two year program first, I think AADA is a good option. PM me if you want more specific info.</p>
<p>thanks everybody! :)
i'm only a sophomore, so i have a little bit...but the sooner the better, right? thanks again.</p>
<p>Re AADA, Im a grad[loooong ago] and can tell you that I believe it's still a down to earth, real-world approach. No "method " was taught, one's own process was respected. Very disciplined, it was drilled into us that we had to be READY, no excuses and the standard for reaching emotional depths was high. You will find very serious students there, many are fast tracking to the professional world, not interested in taking other academics, though now the ability to go on to a BA without lost time is great, as you can feel differently about things by the time you've been there two years.
The NY program long had the rep for being the most pro, just look at a list of the working grads for proof. I think the LA branch is gradually establishing it's own reputation. NY is also good for it's long associations with agents and casting directors, their second year productions are well attended.</p>
<p>When I was there for the summer intensive in 2006, we were taught only Misner technique. So I don't know if that's something that has changed over the years but the whole school now has a Misner influence. It will depend on your acting teachers how strict they are about it but I know that it is the dominate approach taught there now.</p>
<p>Hm, I had heard something about Meisner recently. Of course when I went there I had teachers born before Meisner, so...
If it's that consistently Meisner it's disappointing. Though it obviously works well for some, my personal opinion is that young actors should be exposed to eclectic approaches. I"m pretty sure most actors with long careers would agree that one winds up with a very personal approach that combines a number of influences.</p>