AADA

COURSES & CREDITS

2022-2023 Academic Year


First Year — New York
First Term
(12 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting I 8 4
Alexander Technique I 2 1
Dramatic Text in Context I 2 1.5
Movement I 4 2
Singing for the Actor 2 1
Script Analysis 2 1.5
Voice Science 2 1
Voice & Speech I 4 2
Second Term
(12 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting II 8 4
Alexander Technique II 2 1
Camera Technique: Fundamentals 4 2
Dance for the Actor 2 1
Movement II 4 2
Speech Science 2 1
Voice & Speech II 4 2
Third Term
(6 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Dramatic Text in Context II 3 1
Rehearsal & Performance I 20 1
Rehearsal & Performance II 20 1
First Year Subtotal Credits (30 Weeks) 30
Second Year — New York
First Term
(12 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting III 8 4
Camera Technique: Scene Study 4 2
Career Preparation 2 1.5
Movement III 4 2
Styles I: Shakespeare 4 2
Voice & Speech III 6 3
Second Term
(4 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting IV 8 1
Camera Technique: Auditions 4 0.5
Monologues 4 0.5
Styles II 6 1
Voice & Speech IV 4 0.5
Third Term
(7 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Audition Technique I 4 1
Rehearsal & Performance III 20 4.5
Stage Combat I 2 0.5
Fourth Term
(7 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Audition Technique II 4 1
Rehearsal & Performance IV 20 4.5
Stage Combat II 2 0.5
Second Year Subtotal Credits (30 Weeks) 30
Total Credits   60

Courses and hours are subject to change at the sole discretion of The Academy.

First Year — New York
First Term
(12 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting I 8 4
Alexander Technique I 2 1
Applied Voice I 0.5 0.5
Dance I 4 2
Music Theory 2 1
Script Analysis 2 1.5
Voice Science 2 1
Voice & Speech I 4 2
Second Term
(12 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting II 8 4
Alexander Technique II 2 1
Applied Voice II 0.5 0.5
Dance II 4 2
Dramatic Text in Context I 2 1.5
On-Camera Technique Fundamentals 4 2
Speech Science 2 1
Voice & Speech II 4 2
Third Term
(6 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Rehearsal & Performance I 20 1
Rehearsal & Performance II 20 1
Voice Ensemble 4 1
First Year Subtotal Credits (30 Weeks) 30
Second Year — New York
First Term
(12 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting III 8 4
Applied Voice III 0.5 0.5
Career Preparation 2 1.5
Dance III 4 2
On-Camera Technique: Scene Study 4 2
Styles I: Musical Theater Text to Song 4 2
Voice & Speech III 6 3
Second Term
(4 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting IV 8 1
On-Camera Technique: Auditions 4 0.5
Styles II: Musical Theater Scene Study 6 1
Third Term
(7 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Applied Voice IV 0.5 0.5
Audition for Musical Theatre I 2 0.5
Audition Technique I 4 1
Rehearsal & Performance III (Play) 20 4.5
Fourth Term
(7 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Applied Voice IV (continued) - -
Audition for Musical Theatre II 2 0.5
Audition Technique II 4 1
Rehearsal & Performance IV (Musical) 20 4.5
Second Year Subtotal Credits (30 Weeks) 30
Total Credits   60

Courses and hours are subject to change at the sole discretion of The Academy.

First Year — New York

Acting

The acting sequence is divided into two 12-week studio courses and six weeks of rehearsal and performance.

The first studio course, Acting I, concentrates on the achievement of a free, truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Beginning with exercises for relaxation, concentration, and sensitivity to other actors and to internal and external stimuli, the semester proceeds to improvisation and then to scene study in contemporary drama. Applying objectives, activities, and place to their work, students develop trust in a sense of truth and spontaneous moment-to-moment reaction.

The second studio course, Acting II, strengthens the actor’s foundation through more sophisticated aspects of technique, including emotional preparation, moment before, heightened stakes and fourth wall. Scene work progresses to include contemporary comedy, paying special attention to heightened energy and the timing required for this comedic segment of training.

Six weeks in the First Year are devoted to the rehearsal and performance of “examination plays” chosen from a variety of playwrights. Students are cast to give them every opportunity to integrate what they have learned across disciplines, while permitting the faculty and administration to observe the growth and progress of each student.

Alexander Technique I & II

These courses introduce Academy students to the Alexander Technique, a method that refines body awareness in order to optimize postural support and to reduce physical tensions. First Year students study in small group settings and learn to execute fundamental Alexander practices.

Dance for the Actor

Theatre Dance explores the basic techniques, styles, and terminology used in modern day theatre and the history of specific dances and choreographers. Students engage in a warm-up designed by the instructor to build stamina, strength, proper alignment, and use of rhythm while executing the technical aspects of dance.

Dramatic Text in Context I & II

The courses examine and discuss forms, styles, and practices of performance and dramatic text, relevant to the actor, as it exists within diverse cultures and time. Contemporary and historical performance, both international and domestic, will be studied, compared, and contrasted through assigned plays, texts, and dramaturgical research.

Movement I & II

The purpose of these two courses is to develop The Academy student's awareness of the body in terms of dynamic alignment, flexibility, strength and stamina, and expressivity. Various physical disciplines and basic dance techniques may be introduced to build strength and coordination, and to develop imaginative use of the body in both contemporary and stylized forms.

On-Camera Technique: Fundamentals

Students prepare to work on a professional film and television set. Students learn the jargon of the industry and various roles played by everyone on set. Students work behind the scenes, as well as on camera, and each student is trained to run the camera and the sound equipment. Exercises focus on working in a relaxed and truthful way and on understanding technical adjustments required for working in front of the camera.

Script Analysis

This course examines the structure of dramatic text from an actor's perspective, including theme, plot, scene construction, action, and dialogue, while fostering the actor's ability to create rich and full characters. Students also integrate acting techniques with script analysis principles, which produce effective storytelling.

Singing for the Actor

This course releases and re-coordinates the muscles of respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation as it applies to singing. Both speaking and singing techniques are utilized to develop the voice so that students may start methodically approaching a broad range of challenges in musical repertoire and in spoken text.

Speech Science

This course is an experiential study of the anatomy, physiology, and physics of sound waves of speech. Anatomical structures and physiological functions of the face, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity will be covered. Students will also engage in a self-reflective practice in which they formulate inferences about how to improve their speech practice from the information learned about vocal anatomy and physiology. (Starts Fall 2022).

Voice Science

This course is an experiential study of the anatomy, physiology, and physics of sound waves of the voice. Anatomical structures and physiological functions of respiration, phonation, and resonance will be covered. Students will also engage in a self-reflective practice in which they formulate inferences about how to improve their vocal practice from the information learned about vocal anatomy and physiology. (Starts Fall 2022).

Voice & Speech I & II

These courses develop an open, supported, expressive speaking voice and Standard American articulation as multiple objectives. The physiology of speech and voice production is studied. To facilitate hearing perception and speech production, students learn the International Phonetic Alphabet. In the second term, fundamental principles of breathing, vocal placement, and articulation are reinforced, and the use of the voice as an instrument of interpretation is explored.

Second Year — New York

Work in the Second Year reinforces and builds upon the learning experiences of the First Year. Advanced acting, voice and movement training are combined with rehearsal and performance of both projects and full-length plays. Admission to the Second Year is by invitation. Selection is made on the basis of progress, potential and readiness to benefit from advanced AADA training, as evidenced by classwork and examination plays from the First Year.

Acting III

AADA advanced scene study is undertaken using the principles of relaxation, concentration, objectives, actions and moment-to-moment spontaneity as a base. Roles assigned require more imaginative extensions of technique, greater stretch, specificity, personalization and justification, along with more intensive background research for character work. Scenes assigned may include the works of Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg and Shaw, as well as other modern and contemporary playwrights.

Acting IV

Students continue advanced scene study using extended, multi-character scenes from U.S. plays, requiring a General American accent.

Audition Technique I & II

This course prepares students for professional auditions for stage, television and film through self-taping and live auditions. Industry representatives serve as jurors for final exam auditions.

Career Preparation

Students learn the business of acting, including headshots, resumes, auditions, agents, casting directors, unions and other aspects related to the development of a professional actor’s career in theater, film, and television. Students develop profile casting platforms and a financial and marketing plan to launch professional careers.

Monologues

This course examines the application of acting technique to the rehearsal and performance of monologues.

Movement III

Students learn to use their imagination, body and voice to create, transform and inhabit characters based on truth. Academy students will be able to sustain full body use with breath and sound, grounding, full sensory engagement, physical impulsiveness and emotional availability.

On-Camera Technique: Auditions

Students develop the necessary skills for auditioning for film and television, including analyzing sides, adapting to direction and feedback, self-taping and maintaining professional discipline.

On-Camera Technique: Scene Study

Building on the work of On-Camera Technique: Fundamentals, students work on television and film scenes on camera, honing their text analysis and acting skills for media performance. Through rehearsal, taping scene work and viewing final edited scenes, students develop crucial skills for working in front of the camera.

Professional Internships

The Academy offers a limited number of unpaid internships and volunteer positions for qualified Second-Year students and Academy Company members in entertainment-related fields. They provide excellent opportunities to actively participate in the profession while making valuable contacts. The positions, which may last for a semester and may or may not provide academic credit, can require a recommendation from the Director of Instruction, a résumé with cover letter, a headshot and an interview. For-credit positions may also require regular reports and meetings with an AADA advisor. Students may also arrange their own intern positions with the approval of the Director of Instruction. For-credit positions offer 0.5 credit, Pass/Fail only.

Rehearsal & Performance

Students continue the study and application of basic and advanced acting techniques through rehearsal and performance of roles that may be in projects, one-act or full-length AADA productions.

Stage Combat

This course trains students in the basic skills of stage combat, focusing on unarmed combat and emphasizing safety, dynamics and believability. The exercises and practices are also intended to increase mental and physical strength, flexibility and coordination.

Stage Management

This is a non-credit, optional internship in which students serve as assistants/production coordinators for AADA play directors.

Styles I: Shakespeare

This course is an intense study of performing in Shakespeare’s plays, in which students develop a solid foundation for the appreciation and use of heightened, poetic language. Major focus is given to researching the period, learning iambic pentameter and understanding the importance of text and language to a character and a play.

Styles II

This advanced course examines specific performance styles, ranging from advanced Shakespeare and Commedia dell’arte to musical theatre and web-series pilots. Topics will vary by section and AADA term.

Vocal & Physical Practicum

This supervised course in vocal and physical practice is aligned with Rehearsal & Performance courses. Pass/Fail only.

Voice & Speech III

Students apply advanced AADA principles of voice and speech production to the acquisition and performance of the major dialects of English. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, students may study British Received Pronunciation, Cockney, Southern Irish, New York and two types of American Southern. Students apply these to performed monologues in preparation for theatrical auditions. In addition, students research and present other dialects and various foreign accents from across the globe.

Voice & Speech IV

This course emphasizes text and language analysis, which supports and further develops the integration of voice, speech, and accent/dialect principles introduced throughout the program.

In order to best serve its students, The Academy reserves the right to alter course content and offerings at its sole discretion without notice.

First Year — New York

Acting

The acting sequence is divided into two 12-week studio courses and six weeks of rehearsal and performance.

The first studio course, Acting I, concentrates on the achievement of a free, truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Beginning with exercises for relaxation, concentration, and sensitivity to other actors and to internal and external stimuli, the semester proceeds to improvisation and then to scene study in contemporary drama. Applying objectives, activities, and place to their work, students develop trust in a sense of truth and spontaneous moment-to-moment reaction.

The second studio course, Acting II, strengthens the actor’s foundation through more sophisticated aspects of technique, including emotional preparation, moment before, heightened stakes and fourth wall. Scene work progresses to include contemporary comedy, paying special attention to heightened energy and the timing required for this comedic segment of training.

Six weeks in the First Year are devoted to the rehearsal and performance of “examination plays” chosen from a variety of playwrights. Students are cast to give them every opportunity to integrate what they have learned across disciplines, while permitting the faculty and administration to observe the growth and progress of each student.

Alexander Technique I & II

These courses introduce Academy students to the Alexander Technique, a method that refines body awareness in order to optimize postural support and to reduce physical tensions. First Year students study in small group settings and learn to execute fundamental Alexander practices.

Applied Voice

This course includes intensive individual study and development of the student's vocal instrument. The content will include exercises that develop the instrument at the respiration, phonation, and articulation levels of the instrument within the context of singing. Topics of physical release, breathing coordination, laryngeal settings, resonance, and vowel shaping may be discussed depending on the needs of the specific student to coordinate these elements for the application on various musical styles. Personalized repertoire of the musical theatre cannon, as it stands and as it develops, will be developed. A weekly studio hour will be required of all applied voice students. This course is repeatable for up to 2 credits.

Dance I

Dance I provides a foundation for students to understand traditional musical theater styles, basic partnering technique, and the value of moving with dynamic specificity. Students will engage in a warm-up practice designed to align breath with movement, release physical tension, and increase strength and flexibility. Each class will contain rudiments designed to develop technical prowess, musicality, physical articulation, and rhythmic precision. Students will also learn combinations of musical theater repertoire in the style of Broadway’s most celebrated choreographers.

Dance II

Dance II continues to develop students’ understanding of traditional musical theater styles, partnering technique, and the value of moving with dynamic specificity to an intermediate level. Students will engage in a warm-up practice designed to align breath with movement, release physical tension, and increase strength and flexibility. Each class will contain rudiments designed to develop technical prowess, musicality, physical articulation, and rhythmic precision. Students will also learn combinations of musical theater repertoire in the style of Broadway’s most celebrated choreographers.

Dramatic Text in Context I & II

The courses examine and discuss forms, styles, and practices of performance and dramatic text, relevant to the actor, as it exists within diverse cultures and time. Contemporary and historical performance, both international and domestic, will be studied, compared, and contrasted through assigned plays, texts, and dramaturgical research.

Music Theory

This course explores the fundamentals of music theory including but not limited to musical notation, scales, intervals, ands chords. Ear training and sight singing are also major skills practiced within the course to apply the theory into practice.

On-Camera Technique: Fundamentals

Students prepare to work on a professional film and television set. Students learn the jargon of the industry and various roles played by everyone on set. Students work behind the scenes, as well as on camera, and each student is trained to run the camera and the sound equipment. Exercises focus on working in a relaxed and truthful way and on understanding technical adjustments required for working in front of the camera.

Script Analysis

This course examines the structure of dramatic text from an actor's perspective, including theme, plot, scene construction, action, and dialogue, while fostering the actor's ability to create rich and full characters. Students also integrate acting techniques with script analysis principles, which produce effective storytelling.

Speech Science

This course is an experiential study of the anatomy, physiology, and physics of sound waves of speech. Anatomical structures and physiological functions of the face, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity will be covered. Students will also engage in a self-reflective practice in which they formulate inferences about how to improve their speech practice from the information learned about vocal anatomy and physiology. (Starts Fall 2022).

Vocal Ensemble

This course re-coordinates the muscles of respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation as it applies to singing in an ensemble. Both speaking and singing techniques are utilized to develop the voice so that students may start methodically approaching a broad range of challenges in musical theatre choral work.

Voice Science

This course is an experiential study of the anatomy, physiology, and physics of sound waves of the voice. Anatomical structures and physiological functions of respiration, phonation, and resonance will be covered. Students will also engage in a self-reflective practice in which they formulate inferences about how to improve their vocal practice from the information learned about vocal anatomy and physiology. (Starts Fall 2022).

Voice & Speech I & II

These courses develop an open, supported, expressive speaking voice and Standard American articulation as multiple objectives. The physiology of speech and voice production is studied. To facilitate hearing perception and speech production, students learn the International Phonetic Alphabet. In the second term, fundamental principles of breathing, vocal placement, and articulation are reinforced, and the use of the voice as an instrument of interpretation is explored.

Second Year — New York

Work in the Second Year reinforces and builds upon the learning experiences of the First Year. Advanced acting, voice and movement training are combined with rehearsal and performance of both projects and full-length plays. Admission to the Second Year is by invitation. Selection is made on the basis of progress, potential and readiness to benefit from advanced AADA training, as evidenced by classwork and examination plays from the First Year.

Acting III

AADA advanced scene study is undertaken using the principles of relaxation, concentration, objectives, actions and moment-to-moment spontaneity as a base. Roles assigned require more imaginative extensions of technique, greater stretch, specificity, personalization and justification, along with more intensive background research for character work. Scenes assigned may include the works of Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg and Shaw, as well as other modern and contemporary playwrights.

Acting IV

Students continue advanced scene study using extended, multi-character scenes from U.S. plays, requiring a General American accent.

Applied Voice

This course includes intensive individual study and development of the student's vocal instrument. The content will include exercises that develop the instrument at the respiration, phonation, and articulation levels of the instrument within the context of singing. Topics of physical release, breathing coordination, laryngeal settings, resonance, and vowel shaping may be discussed depending on the needs of the specific student to coordinate these elements for the application on various musical styles. Personalized repertoire of the musical theatre cannon, as it stands and as it develops, will be developed. A weekly studio hour will be required of all applied voice students. This course is repeatable for up to 2 credits.

Audition for Musical Theater I & II

The goal of this elective course is to prepare those students who are interested in auditioning for the professional musical theatre upon graduation. Taught by professionals with a working understanding of what is expected in today’s business of casting, Academy students learn how to find auditions, read a breakdown, prepare material (traditional and contemporary musical theatre repertoire and rock/folk/pop music), select appropriate cuts, and what to expect in the audition room. Emphasis is placed on guiding the actor to select the very best material to market their unique self, culminating in building a professional audition book.

Audition Technique I & II

This course prepares students for professional auditions for stage, television and film through self-taping and live auditions. Industry representatives serve as jurors for final exam auditions.

Career Preparation

Students learn the business of acting, including headshots, resumes, auditions, agents, casting directors, unions and other aspects related to the development of a professional actor’s career in theater, film, and television. Students develop profile casting platforms and a financial and marketing plan to launch professional careers.

Dance III

Dance III develops students’ understanding of musical theater styles, partnering techniques, and the value of moving with dynamic specificity to an intermediate to advanced level. Students will engage in a warm-up practice designed to align breath with movement, release physical tension, and increase strength and flexibility. Each class will contain rudiments designed to develop technical prowess, musicality, physical articulation, and rhythmic precision. Students will also learn combinations of musical theater repertoire in the style of Broadway’s most celebrated choreographers.

On-Camera Technique: Auditions

Students develop the necessary skills for auditioning for film and television, including analyzing sides, adapting to direction and feedback, self-taping and maintaining professional discipline.

On-Camera Technique: Scene Study

Building on the work of On-Camera Technique: Fundamentals, students work on television and film scenes on camera, honing their text analysis and acting skills for media performance. Through rehearsal, taping scene work and viewing final edited scenes, students develop crucial skills for working in front of the camera.

Professional Internships

The Academy offers a limited number of unpaid internships and volunteer positions for qualified Second-Year students and Academy Company members in entertainment-related fields. They provide excellent opportunities to actively participate in the profession while making valuable contacts. The positions, which may last for a semester and may or may not provide academic credit, can require a recommendation from the Director of Instruction, a résumé with cover letter, a headshot and an interview. For-credit positions may also require regular reports and meetings with an AADA advisor. Students may also arrange their own intern positions with the approval of the Director of Instruction. For-credit positions offer 0.5 credit, Pass/Fail only.

Rehearsal & Performance

Students continue the study and application of basic and advanced acting techniques through rehearsal and performance of roles that may be in projects, one-act or full-length AADA productions.

Stage Management

This is a non-credit, optional internship in which students serve as assistants/production coordinators for AADA play directors.

Styles I: Text to Song

This course applies both spoken and sung vocal technique within the context of acting. The focus of the course is mostly vocal as skills like using song as action and smooth transitioning between spoken and sung dialogue will be explored.

Styles II: Musical Theatre Scene Study

This course continues to apply both spoken and sung vocal technique within the context of acting in the study of musical scenes. Skills like using song as action and transitioning between spoken and sung dialogue will be further explored and build upon the skills developed in Styles I: Text to song. This course puts acting at its top priority and teaches music as a form through which acting can be channelled.

Vocal & Physical Practicum

This supervised course in vocal and physical practice is aligned with Rehearsal & Performance courses. Pass/Fail only.

Voice & Speech III

Students apply advanced AADA principles of voice and speech production to the acquisition and performance of the major dialects of English. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, students may study British Received Pronunciation, Cockney, Southern Irish, New York and two types of American Southern. Students apply these to performed monologues in preparation for theatrical auditions. In addition, students research and present other dialects and various foreign accents from across the globe.

In order to best serve its students, The Academy reserves the right to alter course content and offerings at its sole discretion without notice.

First Year — Los Angeles
First Term
(12 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting I 8 4
Camera Technique: Fundamentals 4 2
Movement I 4 2
Physical Acting 2 1
Vocal Production I 4 2
Voice & Speech I 4 2
Second Term
(3 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Rehearsal & Performance I (Drama) 20 2
Stage Management (optional)
Third Term
(12 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting II 8 4
Improvisation (6 Weeks) 2 0.5
Movement II 4 2
Script Analysis (8 Weeks) 2 1
Styles I 4 2
Theatre History 2 1.5
Voice & Speech II 4 2
Fourth Term
(3 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Rehearsal & Performance II 20 2
Stage Management    
First Year Subtotal Credits (30 Weeks) 30
Second Year — Los Angeles
First Term
(12 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting III 9 4.5
Advanced Vocal Production / Vocal Power 2 1
Movement III 4 2
Period Movement & Dance 2 1
Professional Internship
Styles II 4 2
Voice & Speech III: Dialects 4 3
Second Term
(3 Weeks / First Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Rehearsal & Performance III 20 2
Stage Management* 20 2
Third Term
(8 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Acting Professionally 2 1
Audition Technique 4 1
Camera Technique: Scene Study 6 2
Intensives 4 1
Make-Up 2 0.5
Workshop Rehearsal & Performance 8 2.5
Fourth Term
(7 Weeks / Second Semester)
Hrs/Wk Credits
Rehearsal & Performance IV 20 4.5
Second Year Subtotal Credits (30 Weeks) 30
Total Credits   60

*May be taken in any semester prior to final semester
Semesters may vary
Courses and hours are subject to change at the sole discretion of The Academy.

First Year — Los Angeles

Acting

The acting sequence is divided into two 12-week studio courses and six weeks of rehearsal and performance.

The first studio course, Acting I, concentrates on the achievement of a free, truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Beginning with exercises for relaxation, concentration, and sensitivity to other actors and to internal and external stimuli, the semester proceeds to improvisation and then to scene study in contemporary drama. Applying objectives, activities, and place to their work, students develop trust in a sense of truth and spontaneous moment-to-moment reaction.

The second studio course, Acting II, strengthens the actor’s foundation through more sophisticated aspects of technique, including emotional preparation, moment before, heightened stakes and fourth wall. Scene work progresses to include contemporary comedy, paying special attention to heightened energy and the timing required for this comedic segment of training.

Six weeks in the First Year are devoted to the rehearsal and performance of “examination plays” chosen from a variety of playwrights. Students are cast to give them every opportunity to integrate what they have learned across disciplines, while permitting the faculty and administration to observe the growth and progress of each student.

Improvisation / Physical Acting

In this course students gain an experiential understanding of improvisational acting and develop a strong moment-to-moment perspective, essential to looseness and creativity in scripted work. Through theatre games and improvising scenes, they develop tools to make them more trusting of their own impulses, more generous with their fellow actors and more creative in developing roles. The course covers the importance of saying "yes" in scenes, to go for the most "active choices," to play those "at the top of their intelligence," and how to be at the service of the scene while listening and responding honestly.

Movement I & II

The purpose of these two courses is to develop The Academy student's awareness of the body in terms of dynamic alignment, flexibility, strength and stamina, and expressivity. Various physical disciplines and basic dance techniques may be introduced to build strength and coordination, and to develop imaginative use of the body in both contemporary and stylized forms.

On-Camera Technique: Fundamentals

Students prepare to work on a professional film and television set. Students learn the jargon of the industry and various roles played by everyone on set. Students work behind the scenes, as well as on camera, and each student is trained to run the camera and the sound equipment. Exercises focus on working in a relaxed and truthful way and on understanding technical adjustments required for working in front of the camera.

Theatre History

This is a survey course in the historical background of drama, tracing its growth and development from the dawn of theatre in ancient Greece. Each of the major periods is examined as a context in which dramatic literature is developed. Plays representative of each period are read and discussed, and additional reading and specific research are assigned.

Script Analysis

This course examines the structure of dramatic text from an actor's perspective, including theme, plot, scene construction, action, and dialogue, while fostering the actor's ability to create rich and full characters. Students also integrate acting techniques with script analysis principles, which produce effective storytelling.

Stage Management

Each student serves as stage manager or co-stage manager for an examination or one-act AADA play, learning blocking notation and coordination of production elements. Serving as the assistant to the play director, students gain an important perspective on the rehearsal process that serves them as actors.Students are required to take 1 credit, but may repeat the course for up to 2 credits.

Styles I

The purpose of this course is to develop the student’s awareness of the history and traditional techniques of Commedia dell’arte and the theatre of William Shakespeare. Through practical use, students then relate these techniques to that of the modern actor. Truthful, spontaneous response to internal and external stimuli, breaking down and interpreting unfamiliar language and broad presentational material, use of scansion, and comprehension of the text in terms of historical contexts, themes, conflicts, and character relationships are all aspects of this course.

Vocal Production I & II

These courses are designed to open, strengthen and release the actor’s vocal instrument, utilizing both speaking and singing techniques to meet a broad range of challenges in musical repertoire (songs) and in spoken text. The first part of this training focuses on the efficient and effective physical mechanics of voice and how to apply technique expressively through the practical application to songs or monologues. The second part of this training is designed to allow the actor to further explore “storytelling through song” through various musical styles – traditional musical theatre, contemporary musical theatre, and the rock/folk/pop genres.

Voice & Speech I & II

These courses develop an open, supported, expressive speaking voice and Standard American articulation as multiple objectives. The physiology of speech and voice production is studied. To facilitate hearing perception and speech production, students learn the International Phonetic Alphabet. In the second term, fundamental principles of breathing, vocal placement, and articulation are reinforced, and the use of the voice as an instrument of interpretation is explored.

Second Year — Los Angeles

Work in the Second Year reinforces and builds upon the learning experiences of the First Year. Advanced acting, voice and movement training are combined with rehearsal and performance of both projects and full-length plays. Admission to the Second Year is by invitation. Selection is made on the basis of progress, potential and readiness to benefit from advanced AADA training, as evidenced by classwork and examination plays from the First Year.

Advanced Acting: Acting III

AADA advanced scene study is undertaken using the principles of relaxation, concentration, objectives, actions and moment-to-moment spontaneity as a base. Roles assigned require more imaginative extensions of technique, greater stretch, specificity, personalization and justification, along with more intensive background research for character work. Scenes assigned may include the works of Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg and Shaw, as well as other modern and contemporary playwrights.

Advanced Vocal Production

This course is designed to continue the exploration of human expression, strengthen The Academy actor’s vocal instrument, sharpen the students’ musical skills, and increase their repertoire. All receive instruction in style, phrasing and interpretation, how to select appropriate cuttings, and are introduced to complex harmonies and more advanced literature in addition to duets with accompanying scene work. Participation in a mock audition is required and is adjudicated by professionals with a working understanding of what is expected to make the student competitive in the industry.

Audition Technique

This course prepares students for professional auditions for stage, television and film. A series of audition preparation workshops is also offered on the selection and preparation of audition monologues from both classical and contemporary theatre.

Career Preparation

Students learn the business of acting, including résumés, headshots, auditions, agents, casting directors, unions and other aspects related to the development of a professional actor’s career in film, television and theatre. A number of industry professionals and guest speakers are scheduled for seminars and workshops during the course of the Second Year to familiarize students with the basic procedures of professional employment.

Make-Up

Basic materials of stage make-up are introduced and students are trained to use them effectively. Individual facial structure is studied, as well as the principles of characterization, creating realistic scars and wounds, the effect of lighting and specific practices of historic periods.

Movement III: Stage Combat & Fencing

Students develop the skills needed for unarmed and single sword theatrical combat and apply each to theatrical and cinematic use. While gaining strength, stamina, coordination, balance and flexibility, students develop and integrate imaginative characters into choreographed stage fights, learning strategies, technique and safety.

On-Camera Technique: Scene Study

Building on the work of On-Camera Technique: Fundamentals, students work on television and film scenes on camera, honing their text analysis and acting skills for media performance. Through rehearsal, taping scene work and viewing final edited scenes, students develop crucial skills for working in front of the camera.

Period Movement & Dance

This course is intended as an introduction to and instruction in dance/movement styles and social deportment in European societies since the 16th century.

Professional Internships (optional)

Students may work off campus for a minimum of 24 hours in a professional setting. Internships may be arranged through The Academy, or may be designed by the student and approved by the Director of Instruction. Internships available include working as actors at professional film training schools for classes and projects, volunteering for community arts outreach programs, and working in a professional setting in an agent or casting director's office or a professional theatre. Students can earn 0.5 credit for the internship and it can be repeated for a total of 1 credit, Pass/Fail only.

Rehearsal & Performance

Students continue the study and application of basic and advanced acting techniques through rehearsal and performance of roles that may be in projects, one-act or full-length AADA productions.

Stage Management

Each student serves as a stage manager or co-stage manager for one-acts, workshop performances or Academy Company productions. Serving as assistants to the director, students notate blocking and coordinate production elements, which help them gain an important perspective on the rehearsal process. Students may not receive more than 2 credits combined for First and Second Year in the area of Stage Management.

Styles II (including Shakespeare)

This course begins with a review of Shakespeare and moves forward with scene study of 17th and 18th century French and English playwrights, concluding with 19th century comic and romantic European drama. Particular attention is paid to the linguistic and physical complexity each era presents.

Voice & Speech III

Students apply advanced AADA principles of voice and speech production to the acquisition and performance of the major dialects of English. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, students may study British Received Pronunciation, Cockney, Southern Irish, New York and two types of American Southern. Students apply these to performed monologues in preparation for theatrical auditions. In addition, students research and present other dialects and various foreign accents from across the globe.

Vocal Power

This course focuses on advanced development of the speaking voice. Students enhance core support, flexibility, range, resonance, stamina, variety and vocal power. Students apply advanced vocalization to individual and group pieces in preparation for the vocal demands of the professional theatre.

Workshop Rehearsal & Performance

In the second semester of the Second Year, students are placed in Advanced Shakespeare, Musical Theatre or One-Person Show to further explore heightened styles of creativity and increase the capacity to fulfill the demands of our multi-faceted industry. These workshops lead to evening performances on AADA's main stage.