Accademia dell'Arte is a school for artists who want to be wrapped up within all art forms, even if it is not their own. When I left the Accademia, I felt like I had lived the dream that every artist hopes to live.
- Olivia Wingerath, Muhlenberg College
Dance, Spring 2008

The time I spent at the Accademia was the most important training I've experiences for my work as both an actor and director. It is a profoundly fun and fascinating place for all theatre artists.
- Allegra Libonati, New York University, Carnegie Mellon Graduate Student
Theatre, Spring 2006

I challenged myself every day at the Accademia, and in the end pushed myself to do things I didn't know I was capable of. I learned most of the time, the things that scare us are also the most rewarding.
- Samantha Moorin, Trinity College
Theatre, Fall 2007

Accademia dell'Arte was the perfect semester abroad—the villa in the Tuscan hills, the breadth of performance styles and depth of exploration into each. learning Italian, meeting amazing friends from around the world—the program is unlike any other and I miss it every day!
- Liam Mulshine, Boston University
Theatre, Spring 2006

I didn't know long days until Accademia dell'Arte. It improved my skills greatly.
- Christopher J. Davis, Connecticut College
Theatre, Fall 2006

My experience at the Accademia was unlike any other. I was constantly surrounded with love and support from both faculty and my peers. Because of this, I found myself taking more risks than I might in other circumstances, diving into the work with a true sense of play and exploration. I believe I grew to be a more developed, open artist and human being because of my time at Accademia dell'Arte. I came away with more than enough tools to expand my artistic horizon and memories that I will forever carry with me in my heart. I am honored to have been a part of such a fruitful and dedicated environment.
- Kira Silverstein, Boston University
Theatre, Spring 2008

Accademia dell'Arte was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and a milestone in my life that I will never forget!
- August Levangie, University of Memphis
Theatre, Fall 2004

Studying in the Tuscan mountains, living in an Italian postcard. . . Hard to argue with.
- Joe Martinez, Virginia Commonwealth University
Music, Fall 2007

I discovered my true self and the core of my art.
- Amanda R. Lewis, Howard University
Music, Fall 2006
Theatre, Spring 2007

When I first knew that I would be learning the Tarantella in Italy, I am certain that I did not expect all of the other lessons I would receive along the way. The greatest thing about classwork at the Accademia is that it's nothing like what you get in the States. Not only are you learning a whole new dance form, but you get an entirely new approach, which is very surprisingly refreshing. I went to the Accademia to help myself make a life decision about what I wanted to do with my career; was dance really the direction I wanted to go? I can't say my question was answered, but I did find a new love for my art and fell absolutely in love with Italy to the point that I can't keep myself away. The lessons I learned at the Accademia are ones I will keep with me for a lifetime. Working in a close environment for three months with some of the most talented minds in your field and inspiring teachers is unmatchable in the States. I have discovered that to truly learn to perfect your art, you must first remove yourself and look at it from an entirely different perspective. The Accademia was my perspective.
- Magda Brennan, Muhlenberg College
Dance, Spring 2008

I reference my experiences from the Accademia on a daily basis. Not only did I learn about and explore the mysterious world of Commedia, but I had some serious life lessons thrown in there, as well. It was like a perfectly mixed cocktail.
- Caitlin Reeves, Emory University
Theatre, Spring 2007


If you would like to contribute to the alumni testimonial page please write to ADA Alumni Association President Dory Sibley at dory@dellarte.it.

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