▶ Second Year Courses

Admission to the Second Year is by invitation only to select students who have completed the First Year. It is made on the basis of progress, potential and readiness to benefit from advanced training — as evidenced in the class work and examination plays of the First Year. The work in the Second Year is intended to reinforce and build upon the learning experiences of the First Year. Advanced acting, voice and movement training are combined with rehearsal and performance of projects and full-length plays.

ADVANCED ACTING
In the Second Year, 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, and more intensive background research. Scenes assigned include the works of Ibsen, Chekhov, Strindberg and Shaw.

STYLES II - SHAKESPEARE
New York
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 meter and understanding its importance to the character and the play.

STYLES II
Los Angeles
Styles II begins with 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.

WORKSHOP PERFORMANCE
Los Angeles
In the second semester of Second Year, students are placed in Advanced Musical Theatre or Advanced Shakespeare to further explore the use of heightened styles in performance, or One Person Show to develop and explore playwriting and solo performance. These workshops lead to performances in the theatre.

VOICE & SPEECH III
With the fundamentals of speech and voice production as a base and attention on performance, students explore variation in pitch, rhythm, resonance and pronunciation.

REHEARSAL AND 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 acts or full-length productions.

MOVEMENT III
New York
Movement for the Actor/Fencing: This course includes movement for the actor and an introduction to fencing.

Stage Combat: The purpose of this course is to train students in the basic skills of stage combat, focusing on unarmed combat and emphasizing safety, dynamics, and believability. The exercises and practice are also intended to increase mental and physical strength, flexibility and coordination.

STAGE COMBAT/FENCING
Los Angeles
This course is an introduction to unarmed and armed stage combat as applicable to stage and camera work.

STAGE MANAGEMENT
New York
A non-credit, optional internship in which students serve as Assistants/Production Coordinators for AADA Play Directors.

CAMERA TECHNIQUE
New York
This course is designed to give students complete freedom and confidence when auditioning in front of a camera. It begins with on camera interviews so that students may view their screen images in playback and observe any facial or physical tensions needing correction. Students learn to relax and to project energetic and positive images rooted in truth. It continues with the exploration of different types of audition techniques for film, television, commercials and industrials in which cue cards and actual scripts are used. Students work behind the scenes as well as on camera, and each student is trained to run the camera and the sound and the recording computer.

CAMERA TECHNIQUE: SCENE STUDY
Los Angeles
Building on the work of Camera Technique: Fundamentals, students work on television and film scenes on camera, honing their text analysis and acting skills for media performance. Through rehearsal and taping scene work and viewing final edited scenes, students develop crucial skills for working before the camera. Material from the class becomes the basis for developing each student's show reel.

CAREER PREPARATION
Industry professionals and guest speakers are scheduled for seminars and workshops toward the end of the Second Year to familiarize students with basic procedures of professional employment. Guidance is offered concerning resumes, photographs, auditions, agents, casting directors, unions and other issues related to the development of a career for film, television and theatre. A series of audition preparation workshops is also offered on the selection and preparation of audition monologues from both classical and contemporary theatre. These career counseling courses help provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop personal business strategies and to sustain a professional career.

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.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
New York
This course is devoted to the further development of the actor's use of the Alexander Technique introduced in First Year.

STAGE DIALECTS
This course gives the actor knowledge and practice in researching and preparing dialects for the stage. Students study the International Phonetic Alphabet and a variety of commonly used dialects, including, but not limited to, English (both Received Pronunciation and working class/cockney), Irish and others such as French, German, Russian, Scottish, New York (Brooklyn) and American Southern.

VOCAL PRODUCTION/SINGING
This course continues the work of Vocal Production in the First Year with a greater emphasis on the development of the voice for the demands of the musical theatre. Students will begin to look at repertoire and develop several audition pieces over the course of the semester. In Los Angeles, this course is designed for students who wish to further develop their singing voice.

ADVANCED VOICE AND SPEECH
Los Angeles
Students focus on the enhancing the use of the professional speaking voice in voice over work, narration, and dramatic interpretation. Emphasis is placed on enhancing vocal flexibility, variety and range in spoken word performance.
 
PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS
New York
A limited number of unpaid internships and volunteer positions for qualified Second Year students and Academy Company members are offered by the Academy in entertainment-related fields. They provide excellent opportunities to actively participate in the profession and to make valuable contacts. The positions, which may last for a semester and may or may not provide academic credit, require a recommendation from the Director of Instruction, a resume with a cover letter and an interview. For-credit positions also require regular reports and meetings with an advisor. Students may also arrange their own positions with the approval of the Director of Instruction. For-credit positions offer 1 credit, Pass/Fail only.

PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS
Los Angeles
Students are required to work off-campus for a minimum of 12 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, working in a professional setting in an agent or casting director's office or a professional theatre. Internships may be repeated for a total of 1 credit. Pass/Fail only.

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AADA LOS ANGELES AND LOS ANGELES FILM SCHOOL CASTING COLLABORATION
AADA LA collaborates with its neighbor, the LA Film School, to provide acting talent for LAFS student films every month during term time. Scenes are selected from award winning scripts and produced in the superbly equipped LAFS film studios. AADA student participation is optional and depends upon LAFS casting needs. Rehearsal and shooting schedules vary according to the student's availability.

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AADA TV STUDIOS GO DIGITAL



On both campuses, TV studios have been outfitted with state of the art video, audio, lighting and editing systems.

Click here for information about the Academy Company and Post-Degree Certificate Program

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