When the Academy began, to work as an actor meant only one thing: going on stage, in a theatre, before a live audience. Motion pictures and television were still years away.Today, it is likely that much of an actor's working life will be spent before the camera, rather than on the stage. (It should be noted, however, that actors who have had the greatest success in films and television are those who have had stage training and experience.) The Academy's goal is to fully prepare its students for any professional opportunity. Once they have mastered the basic discipline of truthful behavior in imaginary circumstances, students learn to adjust their skills to the needs of the camera.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
The Academy has a rich tradition of inviting distinguished members of the acting profession to share their professional experience and advice with Academy students. In addition to its own programs, the Academy hosts or participates in SAG Foundation events: Roll Film, Conversations, Life Raft and Casting Access Workshops on both coasts. In recent years, guest speakers for these events, as well as graduation ceremonies, have included Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Eve Best, Ellen Burstyn, Danny Glover, Neil Patrick Harris, Dennis Haysbert, Jill Hennessy, John Leguizamo, Alfred Molina, Phylicia Rashad, Lynn Redgrave, Gena Rowlands, Paul Rudd, Susan Sarandon, Kyra Sedgwick, Fiona Shaw, Kevin Spacey, Patrick Stewart, and Richard Thomas, among others.
Alec Baldwin and Roger Croucher
Roberto Benigni and Roger Croucher
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Roger Croucher
John Leguizamo and Roger Croucher
Michael York and Roger Croucher
Jill Hennessey at AADA New York LIbrary
Gil Bellows
Ellen Burstyn
Kim Cattrall
Danny Glover
Dennis Haysbert
Cherry Jones
Phylicia Rashad
Gena Rowlands
Paul Rudd
Fiona Shaw
Kevin Spacey
Patrick Stewart
David Suchet
Alec Baldwin
800-463-8990 (New York)
800-222-2867 (Los Angeles)
