_1.jpg)
_.jpg)
_.jpg)
.jpg)
_.jpg)
I participated in a workshop in the Outside/In project at Stella Adler studio this summer, and was absolutely blown away by the competence, community and will to create. I am an actor myself, and seeing and engaging with other people form all walks in life, was so special to me. Stella Adler Studios mantra is; "Growth as an actor and as a human being are synonymous", and I can't think of anything more beautiful and more describing of the work they do. Suzy, who is leading the project, was so friendly and you could really just feel how everyone felt like they could share and play, including myself. Something very special happens when people get to play around with theater, no matter who they are, where they're from and what their story is, and that's what happens at Stella Adler Studio.
This school is an integral part of who I am today. It is not only a place where you are training to become a better actor. But in essence of that, it is a place to deepen who you truly are first and find ways to become a better human. The key is to practice "Awareness Without judgement". I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to literally grow up here, it is a space filled with so much love for humanity and theatre. Theatre, can change lives and it changed mine. I started training here in 2010, in an Adler Youth summer shakespeare program for inner city youths. If not for that program, I would not have any means, to study here. Not by luck, but by hard work I was able to train here on scholarships through out the years and graduated the Evening Conservatory Class of 2018. There is no other school like this, because it's Home.
I am an alumni of Stella Adler and currently now on the board and can confidently say I am not where I am in my career or my personal development without this institution.
The ethic of the center being one of growth as a person and growth as an artist are synonymous sets the stage for a space of caring about the whole person. But it doesn’t stop there. The Stella Adler Center for the arts understands that growth as a person and artist is also only possible if growth happens in the community. Which is why their program is Arts Justice sets it apart. Arts Justice is a set of programs in Rikers, rehabilitation centers and schools that brings arts education to those whose value society thinks is less and gives tools that empower them to see their own humanity. And by seeing their own humanity they are encouraged to share that. The center is founded upon a belief that that rippling impact can change the world. I’m proud to serve this place.
Being a part of the Stella Adler Arts Justice division has been such a wonderful experience. Being able to work with such an amazing group of dedicated, vulnerable and kind artists is always the highlight of my week. Suzy PetchEam is an absolute superhero and the perfect example of what a teacher should be.
Outside In is such a positive healing space for artists and people a like. It has become one of my families in New York. A healthy space that is consisten and very well organized. People from all walks of life come here to do something really cool. Improv and scene work. But it’s not just about doing theater games. Outside In has somehow managed to bring large groups of people together who drop ego and fear, and devote three hours of brilliant play. I love coming to Outside In l, especially on a bad day. It is a safe space that makes me feel seen and less alone. Super flexible come when you can.
Receiving arts instruction while I was incarcerated on Rikers Island, a transformative experience that made me feel human again. In a place where we often felt less than, ostracized, and where I voice didn’t matter, Stella Adler staff cared about us, never judged us, and treated us like students. Participating in the program enabled me to have the courage to tell my story on the stand while at trial, because I had regained a sense of dignity and the belief that my voice mattered. After my release, I was welcomed with open arms at the studio, and I have participated in many of the programs they have available for their students.
This environment is great and helps a lot of individuals in many different ways. I'm more than grateful to had met Suzy and the people who make this time happen
The arts justice program at Stella Adler is an amazing program that helps so many people reenter society whether from the military incarceration or rehabilitation facilities and if it wasn't for Stella Adler and the arts Justice program my life would be in a totally different place than it is right now I am extremely grateful for the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the arts Justice program.
Stella has been such a wonderful safe space to explore acting. The instructors are working actors and give such useful and up to date insights. I would recommend Stella to any new and experienced performers. There is something for everyone.
Stella Adler has played an integral role in my recovery, by letting me tap into my talent. It allows me to freely explore a new version of myself and the ability to be creative. Such an honor and privilege to be part of an amazing community. Angelo
Stella Adler Studio of Acting has been a home for me for the past two years. I remain amazed by the care and love that the faculty takes, and I am specifically impressed by the Arts Justice division of the studio. I am an arts ambassador for a weekly arts reentry acting class, which I look forward to attending every week. Stella Adler Studio of Acting is a nonprofit that shows up for its students, alumni, supporters, and those looking to further their recovery and education through theater.
Stella Adler is such a great program! It has made me more confident and creative. There’s so many things I’ve learned here, that I apply to my everyday life. And there’s so many amazing people!
I discovered the acting class a few months ago, and it has been a transformative journey. The experience has been nothing short of exceptional, broadening my mental horizons and filling my days with genuine enjoyment. Being part of this class has not only helped in my daily life but also nurtured my creativity and self-expression. The anticipation of participating in this project adds a layer of excitement and purpose to my lifestyle commitment. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the positive impact it has had on my life.
One of the most important parts of living in a big city is connecting with a community, and becoming a part of something bigger than we could ever be alone.
For the past three years, Stella Adler Studio of Acting has held space for me - both on stage and off - to become both a better performer, and a better person.
Stella Adler Studios has taught me that being part of an ensemble is an opportunity to exercise mindfulness - and that knowledge has changed the way I interact with people while navigating these moments we call life.
My experiences volunteering with "Outside In", Stella Adler's Arts Justice Division, have truly transformed my understanding of healing in the arts. The Summer Intensive program, "Self Generated Theater", gave me an outlet to express very challenging life concepts in artistic form.
All of these experiences have helped me find community, friends, and a more solid understanding of my place in this world, and on stage. Thank you, Stella.
Stella Adler Conservatory SAVED MY LIFE! As a person in recovery, I was always searching for a deeper meaning and purpose. Through the outreach program and subsequent workshops, I was able to find that in Stella Adler. As an actor, I am able to express myself the way I need to... vulnerable and without reservation. I was never able to do that before Stella. The outside/in program helped me to understand who I was in this universe in a way I never thought possible... and then later on, through technique 1,2,3... scene study, improvisation and acting for TV and film... I was able to hone the craft I had grown to love and look forward to. I'm now celebrating over 10 years of sobriety... and it's no coincidence I've been connected to the Stella Adler Studio for the same amount of time... it's a place I like to call home. My artistic home... where my artistic family lives. I wasn't kidding when I said that Stella Adler SAVED my life... like Stella says "Growth as an actor and growth as a human being are synonymous "... I am a direct reflection of that. I used to call myself an addict.... an alcoholic. Now I call myself an actor. Thank you Stella Adler for giving me a place to call home.
I first encountered the Stella Adler Studio ten years ago. I was a client at a long term drug treatment facility and I was lost. I had no real engagement with the world and my desire to continue living was slim. Despite being a trained actor, I had not been involved in the arts for over 15 years due to severe drug addiction and alcoholism. When I discovered that the Stella Adler Studio was offering a free acting class at the rehab I was in, that's when my life changed. I started interacting with others again. I started writing and acting again. I started believing in myself again. Essentially, I started to live again. For the first time in a really long time, I started to hope again. The Studio continued to support and believe in me even after this class was over. They offered me an internship and then they even hired me. They trained me to be an Instructor in the arts and an Arts Administrator. Today, I now serve as the Director of Arts Justice Field Programs and I 100% credit the Stella Adler Studio for saving my life. They gave me a career, an artistic home, and a family. They gave me a purpose and an opportunity to serve the very same population that I came from. I will eternally be grateful for what the Stella Adler Studio has done in my life and for every bit of impact they continue to make in our community and in the world around us.
When I first walked into Stella Adler for my interview for the summer Shakespeare outreach program, I felt like I walked into an amazing historic place where many great actors have been in before. All of the walls were covered with pictures of the past succesful alums. That was all the inspiration I needed. After my four incredible weeks spent that summer surrounded by the best teachers I had to re-apply for the year long outreach program. I can not explain how thankful I am to the Stella Adler Studio of Acting Outreach program. It has become my home away from home. I will always treasure my expieriences there and the ones I am going to have in the future.