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Stella Adler Studio: A Day in the Life
Theater student gives glimpse into conservatory
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If you’re reading this, you’re artistically savvy. I even hazard a guess that you’ve most likely tried painting, playing an instrument, dancing, or even acting at some point and taken to it well. Surely, this cultivated a desire to be the best at your art within you. You want to be the best artist you can be. But, this also means being the best individual you can be; the best artistic training will teach you about yourself. That school of thought is prevalent at where I study, New York City’s Stella Adler Studios.
This summer’s conservatory program was my first taste of the studio. I enjoyed it so thoroughly that I auditioned for the current Evening Conservatory program. To be a part of this conservatory is to be part of a carefully chosen group: a large number of applicants ensure that the studio can be selective. The result? Forty-seven talented artists who wish to become professional actors.
First year Evening Conservatory students take classes in Adler Technique, improvisation, mime, scene study and voice and speech in the first semester. An explanation of Adler Technique, developed by the studio’s founder, Stella Adler, says it all: “Through challenging exercises that involve giving gifts to loved ones, to creating a story using only movement on a Vermont porch, it becomes abundantly clear: an Adler actor must stand alone in their ability and understanding of the human condition. Consequently, if one does not live life outside the studio as an actor should, it will show. Much is expected of us all.”
The studio’s curriculum enthuses yet terrifies all of us. However, we are each other’s support group. I found myself bonding with my assigned class of fifteen other students very quickly. They are the most open and welcoming classmates I could have asked for. On a bad day, I receive one hug and/or kiss and only about three smiles. On a horrible day, my eyes might widen only several inches in admiration of their talents.
I hope you enjoyed this look into a large part of my life. I just couldn’t bring myself to call myself an actress or theater blogger without mentioning the acting studio and the technique that have made the performing arts an unforgettable highlight of American culture for over half a century.
To read more about the studio, visit www.stellaadler.com.