The American Academy of Dramatic Arts: Josh Opper

Josh Opper studied acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, located in New York and Los Angeles.

Why did you choose the Academy?

After my three years of training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As soon as you start your classes you begin to transform into, not just an actor, but also into a more well-rounded and thoughtful human being. I chose the Academy after looking into many different acting programs. When I saw the deep-rooted history of this school, I wanted to be a part of it. However, I knew that I couldn’t just depend on the school’s discipline to grow. I needed to allow myself to develop over time and trial.

What have you liked best about the Academy?

With the one-on-one help from the teachers, who really take their time to get to know and care about you, you can only grow. As a student, you come to class excited to see what you’ll be working on next. You read plays that change your life and make you really see what opinions you have. You realize how special you are based on your essence, beliefs and talents. Sinking your teeth into your work, you grow intimate with the material and take risks. You feel this euphoria of communicating thoughts and ideas that can change an audience’s life.

You start to be treated like a professional, but know that if you need help that it is there beside you. Your classmates become your colleagues, your teachers become your mentors, and you become a storyteller.

How has the Academy prepared you for your career?

The training at the Academy prepares you for more than just the craft. The faculty, who are working actors themselves, break down how to be a part of the business and stay in the game by using marketing tools, audition techniques and tips that you couldn’t learn anywhere else. You meet important guest speakers from the industry. The best part is that you are surrounded by students, of all different ages from around the world, who are here for the same reason that you are. Everyone says that this business is challenging, and it can be, but the people you meet at the Academy become your family who believe in you and will help push you farther than you will ever imagine. I have made a family here and I wish for their success as much as my own.

What’s happened since you graduated?

Since graduating from the Academy, I have made friends and worked with students from other schools. I have worked on professional sets, and have met casting directors, agents, and managers. I was given tools at the Academy to help me move forward in the industry. I use at least one thing everyday that I learned from this school, and for that I am eternally grateful.

I can say that I feel more prepared than ever to really take hold of my career and to seize every opportunity that comes my way. I have made a family that I know I will work with in the future. In fact, I ran into one of my friends on set the other day and it made me feel ecstatic. Acting is an exciting and thriving business and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts makes it possible to make it your career.