Is this school for realz? Anyone one actually studied there beyond the "free class" Can you tell me anything (specific) about the school or its approach?

sorry that's

Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts more specifically

a.k.a AIDA

I am from Australia and have never heard of it are you sure it's not N.I.D.A
(National Institute of Dramatic Art)

The class is actually very good. I studied there and learn some quality techniques that most classes do not teach. I was lucky enough t to study with a master teacher, Robyn Lee, who guest teaches there occasionally. They have a better reputation in LA, here in New York that do not have much of a reputation. Classes vary month to month on quality so keep that in mind.

Most people are beginners.

send2hanna The funny thing is I do not think that the school has a branch in Austrailia. I was refering to the one here in Los Angeles.

ChosenOne thanks for replying. That was one thing I was concerned about. I have been acting for a while and felt like most people thier were begineers. Nothing wrong with being a beginner but I kinda wondered if they were legit or now. They were as vauge as possible when I attempted to ask them to explain what they teach as far as technique. Can you tell me anything about thier technique or approach?

Oh OK cool x

MrFee,
They have a website. You can google AIDA acting and find out more.
Alot of breath work, imagination, layering the script(which I really enjoyed), and big focus on want, actions, etc.

The teachers are good, however my peers were very green so I dipped out.

Take Care,
C

Thanks again for all the information. I did review thier site even before attending the intro oreintation thing. But I thier site is well...pretty mysterious as well as far as what they teach. Thank you for telling me about what they do more or less though. You gave me a good idea of what thier focus is. Sounds interesting. What is layering the script though?

Mr. Free,
I realized you are out in CA. I have friends out in LA who studied with me here in NY at AIDA. They say AIDA is the shit out there. Many casting directors know and enjoy their work. I know Paul attends the Oscars every year. The class talent may be better in LA.

Layering is adding layers to every beat of the scene. A combination of breath work, imagination, intentions, and opposites. They don't memorize, they layer. So the words get into your body and they already have color. So when you do the scene the beats have layers to them. I still use this technique in my work.

Take Care,
C

Ha ha I know Chosen One that you knew I was refering to the school in LA. I think you mistook one of my messeges to send2hanna.

Sounds interesting what you have said. Sounds somewhat--maybe a distant cousin to a technique I expiremented with. I think I will give AIDA a shot and see how it goes. Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated.

I'm Australian and I've never heard of them. I think their marketing is perhaps a little misleading and opportunistic.

If it's on La Brea, it is the American Institute of Dramatic Arts. I have never heard of the Australian one you refer to.

Generally speaking...

...if someone offers a free class to get acquainted, it's not a bad thing.

Those who won't let you audit often have something to hide: lack of quality.

But if any school applies heavy sales tactics or carpet bombs your e-mail box, then avoid such a school absolutely.

Information OK, but when pressure is applied, then it only means, that the school couldn't get enough students.

Again, this is generally speaking, not applied to AIDA (anybody here who sang Verdi?).

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:
If it's on La Brea, it is the American Institute of Dramatic Arts. I have never heard of the Australian one you refer to.

They are Australians.

You can bring your crocodile.

Lame..... But at the American one- you can bring your gun!!!

The thing is that it is based on the Australian Technique, so that is the answer on what their technique is.
The Director of AIDA has studied and worked with Australian teachers from NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts), VCA (Victorian College of the Arts), and Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). So he does come with high regard from several Australian Teachers.