Congratulations!

Congratulations! Both casts performed twice to full houses. The energy of the group was sky high all day long. All deserve to commended for wonderful performances. Congrations again!

The following are excerpts from student feedback forms:


Before coming here I didn’t really have a goal. My focuses were not on things that would improve my life. Coming to this program made me realize if I set my mind on something I want and work hard for it I can achieve way more than I thought. It has put more fuel on pursuing my career in acting and the adrenaline rush of getting into a character I absolutely love. I’ve made friends that have the same passion as I do. Teachers that I thought would be snobby know it alls that think low of us because we couldn’t afford classes. To teachers who I could see are very passionate about acting and the beauty of this great art. This program has kept me out of A LOT of trouble and has let me mature and grow. I would never have thought there was ever a free acting program like this but I am sure glad I came. All good things come to an end, but for me I’ll make sure it never does. – Camila

I learned a great deal since beginning…This program is my first brush with the acting world. It’s what I call my primary acting experience – Yaya

The Summer Shakespeare program was a big experience and a challenge for me. At the beginning of the program I was a little shy but I got to know the people and learn more and more about acting. Now I have new friends that I learned from and shared with. – Erick

While at the Summer Outreach of Stella Adler I came to appreciate the worth of craft for actors. I learned that being an actor or actress is more than what you see it as, more than about you. It’s about serving the people… - Lee

I came to this program not knowing anything about anything when it came to acting. I think I have grown so much. Before I came to this program I was an irresponsible fifteen-year-old looking for something to do for the summer. I’m still an irresponsible fifteen-year-old, but now I’m also a grateful one. – Jamaal

Stella Adler has helped me grow…I have met so many great people that I will forever remember. This program has been the best thing that happened to me…These five weeks have given me the opportunity to grown not only as an actor but as a human being also. – Isaac

There are so many little things I didn’t know: like the way you stand, the way you breathe. These things have a great affect on how you are as an actor. I learned how to present myself to the world. – Andy

Stella Adler Studio of Acting has changed me both as an actor and a person. I started this program with the hopes of bettering myself. The talent that surrounds you is amazing and overwhelming. Just knowing that others have the same talent and passion is incredible….I love Shakespeare! – Tori

I deeply want to thank (everyone) who helped to create a carefree acting environment so that everyone can feel comfortable doing what they love…Being that this program began with exercises helping to discover one’s self, I have learned that he who chases their dream must do so without a care…Thank you for giving me the opportunity to find myself… - Daysha

Being accepted to Stella Adler has been a wonderful experience…it has given me the confidence to go for what I want. – Krystal

I started the Stella Adler Studio of Acting with curiosity. I questioned myself as if I should really go through with this…I began the program as a shy but willing student. Ending the program I can say that I am no longer shy, but, of course, I am still willing. Willing to do more because I am no longer shy. – Jabari

The things I have learned over the past five weeks cannot be explained. I have exploded out of my thick protective shell which I had since I was very young. The program changed my life drastically. I have made friends and for the first time I have done what I always dreamed of doing…Before I came here I didn’t see myself with an opportunity to be someone. But now I actually see myself as something or someone in the future. Even if this is only the start. – Nicole

It was the happiest July of my life. I was acting every day except weekends. I was having a lot of fun. I grew a lot and changed because of this program…In the beginning I was a little shy but nor I am open. – Paul

I learned so much in only a month. I was taught about William Shakespeare; I never knew how deep the language was and now I understand why he is considered one of the greatest playwrights….This program meant a lot to me because I have not had any art class since elementary school. I am grateful for this opportunity. – Anthony

I have gained a lot from this program over the past five weeks. Before starting here at Stella Adler, I’ve always had problems interacting with others as I’m a very creative and dramatic person. Coming here I’m surrounded with like-minded individuals I’m proud to call my friends. I’ve found myself a community of driven teens who aren’t afraid to be silly or dramatic. I’m always going to remember Stella Adler and all the special people I’ve met who I consider my Acting family. – Joeline

From Stella Adler I learned a lot…It has proved that maybe one day I can become something bigger and achieve bigger goals. At the beginning of Stella I was doubtful about myself. Now I know that deep down nothing is too hard to accomplish down the road. – David

I learned to connect fully to the character I am playing. The character you play needs to become a fully developed person in your mind in order for you to connect with them. I also learned how simple words can become a full scene if you use your body to its fullest potential. This program meant everything to me and I would love to return. I have grown so much in the program. Before the program I always thought too much body movement or a loud voice is too much sometimes and I was afraid to express myself….I’m not afraid to get in front of a group of people like I was before. Thank you so much for allowing me to open up and find myself. – Amanda

Being in this program taught me a lot…Before this program I was stuck in my ways…I have allowed myself to change by opening up to this experience. – Josh

This program taught me that hard work really pays off. – Alec

This experience means the world to me…I’ve gained confidence to get on stage and act freely and give it my all. When I first started this program I was scared and shy and very nervous to get up in front of my peers. But I’ve gotten comfortable with myself and the stage and I love going up there and acting. I love every moment of it. – Yainis

I’ve learned how to let go and not to judge myself. – Bianca

Beyond my growth as an actor I’ve taken on skills that will help me later on in life. I’ve learned how to focus and block everything out to achieve my immediate goal – a lesion that my scatter-brain needed a long time ago. This five-week program has made me more open to new ideas, new people and new experiences and I am so glad I did it. - Razghiem

Forty Hours Left and Counting Down!

With only one rehearsal remaining until the performance, the heat is turning up! Carlos, Tom and Nina worked individually with cast members on text rehearsals, refining and clarifying ideas with each actor. Tom introduced new sound and light cues to which the actors had to immediately adjust. Steve implemented a fight call before each rehearsal, running through the movement at half the time it takes in the actual show. Chris served as fight assistant and ran the fight calls with humble expertise. Actors were asked to wear simple black clothing that will serve as costumes to every rehearsal this week.

The show continues to get tighter, but the team is pushing for more improvement. It is very possible at this stage of the work to continue to layer in more details. Tom encouraged the cast to begin to play within the form, to improvise, to have fun and participate whole-heartedly the way children do. With just a little over 40 hours until the opening, actors continue to work intensively in preparation to share their Romeo and Juliet with an audience.