Student Testimonials

In the words of current Adler students

Leo Wyndham
Conservatory, class of '09
"My experience at the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory has been a wonderful journey where I now feel I have developed into a confident and well rounded Actor. I definitely now feel positive about entering the acting world and know I have the skills and techniques that I have learnt to apply to my work productively. The teaching staff are some of the most brilliant in their field and are more than well equipped to sculpt a fine actor out of the even the most new and inexperienced actor. One of my highlights at the school has been having the opportunity to perform on an Off-Broadway stage at The Connelly Theatre for a Charity event. It was an amazing experience to be given the chance to 'tread the boards' at a proper theatre.

As an Englishman coming to New York to study at the school, I was somewhat nervous of attending a school in another country. However I learnt that there are people of many different nationalities at the school so felt at home almost immediately. My time at the school has been so valuable to me as a person and an actor, and I will miss it tremendously when I leave in November. I cannot recommend this school enough: it has everything an aspiring actor wants and you will undoubtedly leave with bags of confidence and enthusiasm for your next step into the acting world."

Jennifer Radigan
Evening Conservatory, class of '09

"As we stood in our circle for the last time together I gazed around the room. I wanted to pause time and hold onto that moment. It was bittersweet and I felt so alive and present. Such a unique mix of students from all different backgrounds and cultures joined together for a common purpose. And once more we ask ourselves, "Why are we here?" I can hear Alithea's voice and I feel her eyes gazing in on our souls. Two years ago I might have had a different answer to this question but now I can't help but to feel that as Actors we have a purpose that seems larger than ourselves, a task that is ever-changing and consuming. We are responsible for bringing people the Truth.

In these past two years here I have spent countless nights together with a group of amazing Actors. I can't pretend like it has always been easy but I know I wouldn't trade it in for the world. We have laughed, cried, fallen on our faces, been inspired and put our hearts and souls on the line together each night in order to come closer to a truth within ourselves and our work and all along the way we have grown and changed. The concept of truth seemed so much larger than me but the actuality of it is that in its simplicity it's all around me all the time. Each of us different and unique embodied a sense of self that was so simple in form but rich beneath in truth and meaning. To say the least, I feel humbled by all that I've learned from my classmates and teachers and lucky that I was able to be a student here at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting."

Allyson Briggs
NYU, class of '11

"My experience as a student in the Stella Adler Studio has been nothing but pure joy, from morning 'til night, and all through the night on many occasions. From the moment I entered two years ago, the atmosphere made me know that I was in a place where unimaginable creations would begin and where beautiful, passionate artists could safely convene (to grow)... The faculty has never ceased to inspire through their complete and utter commitment to the cultivation of this next generation of actors who, in turn, I have seen blossom into rich, loving human beings with the voices and messages to compel any audience. I consider myself eternally indebted to the studio for the person they have helped me discover I am and the actress I never dreamed I could be."

Tom Kemnitz
Evening Conservatory, class of '09

"I came to the studio looking to understand acting. But the rivers of understanding that resulted have spilled far beyond a stage or camera. What has changed in me was a process of observing the outside world with an eye to the inner and outer cases originating from need and their seemingly inevitable effects. From this, the true dance between conflicting forces and the delicate balance of influences became illuminated in the work of Tennessee Williams, the formatter of education policy in New York City, conflicts in the Middle East and my Monday morning subway commute. It is in fact present in every moment of every day if we only choose to look. This crazy thing called "acting" is merely making this dance visible for all to see. Walking these halls for the last two years has undoubtedly made me a better actor, a better writer and a better human being."

What the class of 2010 is saying about Adler:

"The best thing about this Studio is the emphasis on development as a person as well as an actor. (Instructors) have so much to teach and I have been able to experience all the truth of what they say. They are all very aware of our strengths and weaknesses."

"One of the greatest pleasures about training at Adler is that I feel like the overall quality of my life is improving. I am more aware of my life …it's just fantastic… what a blessing."

"I adore the fact that (Adler) wants us to become involved in all aspects of art and surround ourselves with poetry, music, dance, and all forms of theatre and the like. They are tough here but it is crucial for me to grow."

"(Adler) feels like home in only one or two weeks. The teachers are brilliant…I love that they encourage us to "be aware without judgment" and to break out with who we are as individuals. The technique works so well for me and I love that I carry it with me into every day life…Growth in theater being synonymous with growth in life really applies."

"All of the classes inspire students to expand, improve and learn both as actors and human beings dealing with life and art. I adore my group. and the teaching is complete, not imposed but rather open to discussion."

The class of 2009 feels that…

"The studio provides me with a nurturing and challenging atmosphere where I can learn and grow. The teachers are so invested in each person's individual journey."

"Adler provides fantastic instruction from experienced and knowledgeable staff and a community very conducive to creative work."