The American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Congratulations to the participants of the Academy’s Two-Week Summer Intensive on completing their training in Camera Acting for Film & Television and Musical Theatre.

We loved seeing their creativity, growth, and transformation throughout the program—and celebrating everything they accomplished along the way.

Troy Iwata in the spotlight

On July 29, 2026, the MM Theatre welcomed actor and comedian Troy Iwata for an Industry Insight Series event.

Troy shared his experience working across television, film, Broadway, and comedy, offering students insight into building a versatile career, finding their unique voice, and navigating different areas of the entertainment industry.

Troy Iwata
Actor • Comedian
• Television: The Daily Show (Correspondent), The Perfect Couple, WeCrashed, Dash & Lily
• Film: Summoning Sylvia
• Broadway: Be More Chill
• Soundtrack Vocals: Wicked: Part One & Two, Mean Girls musical film

Moderated by Hunter Froelich

You’re invited!

Join us for our next Industry Insight Series event featuring actor, comedian, and The Daily Show correspondent Troy Iwata.

Moderated by Hunter Froelich

Wednesday, July 29, 2026
7:00 PM
MM Theatre

Troy Iwata
Actor • Comedian

TV: The Daily Show (Correspondent), The Perfect Couple, WeCrashed, Dash & Lily
Film: Summoning Sylvia
Broadway: Be More Chill
Soundtrack Vocals: Wicked: Part One & Two, Mean Girls musical film

Students, Staff & Faculty: Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Troy share insights from his career across television, film, Broadway, and comedy, as well as his experience building a versatile career in the entertainment industry.

Alumni are welcome to attend. RSVP via email or submit a request through
[email protected].

Congratulations to the participants of the Academy’s Summer Evening Program on completing four weeks of Acting Technique and On-Camera Technique.

Here’s to your enthusiasm, commitment to the craft, and willingness to challenge yourselves. You should be proud of all you’ve accomplished!

We’re looking forward to welcoming our next participants and continuing an unforgettable summer of training at the Academy.



Gregory Jafari Van Acker & Jason Styres in the spotlight

On July 6, 2026, the MM Theatre welcomed Gregory Jafari Van Acker and Jason Styres for an Industry Insight Series event.

Together, they shared their perspectives on casting for Broadway, national tours, television, and immersive productions, offering students valuable insight into the audition process, creative collaboration, and building a career in the entertainment industry.

Gregory Jafari Van Acker
Casting Director, Bass/Valle Casting
• Casting: The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience (Netflix & Shondaland)
• Casting Associate: English, Sunset Blvd., The Great Gatsby (Immersive), Stranger Sings: The Parody Musical
• Playwright/Lyricist: NOPLACE, The Price of Saffron, The Newest Newcomer, Sugar Skull

Jason Styres
Casting Director & Creative Director, The Casting Collaborative
• Broadway & Tours: The Lion King, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
• National Tours: Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I
• Television: So You Think You Can Dance, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Moderated by Hunter Froelich

Congratulations to the participants of the Academy’s Five-Week Summer Program on completing an incredible journey of training, collaboration, and artistic growth.

We loved celebrating this milestone together at the certificate ceremony!

While this session has come to an end, the Academy’s summer continues with more programs, more training, and more memorable moments ahead! Limited space is still available for our Two-Week Intensive beginning August 3.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more.

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Lonny Price & Matt Cowart in the spotlight

On July 1, 2026, the MM Theatre welcomed Lonny Price and Matt Cowart for an Industry Insight Series event.

Together, they shared their unique perspectives on directing, producing, and performing, offering students valuable insight into building a career in the entertainment industry and creating work across Broadway, the West End, film, and television.

✨ Matt Cowart
Director, Producer & Emmy Award Winner
• Broadway: Beaches, Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
• West End: Sweeney Todd, Carousel
• Film & TV: The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened, Hal Prince: The Director’s Life

✨ Lonny Price
Director, Producer, Actor & Two-Time Emmy Award Winner
• Broadway: Director of Beaches, Sunset Boulevard, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill; Original Cast of Merrily We Roll Along
• Film & TV: The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (HBO), Dirty Dancing

Moderated by Hunter Froelich

Join us for Open House at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and experience a day of professional actor training

Step inside our historic campus, tour our camera studios and performance spaces, participate in hands-on workshops, connect with faculty, alumni, current students, and staff, and experience firsthand how actors train for film, television, and the stage at AADA.

Featured Workshops:

✨On-Camera Performance
with David Dean Bottrell (Modern Family, Mad Men, FBI: Most Wanted)

✨Acting Technique
with Susan Pilar (Law & Order, One Life to Live, Broadway)

✨Acting for Musical Theatre
with Joe Barros (Gigi, Cagney, Aida)

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Meet our faculty, explore our campus, and get a firsthand look at what it means to train as an actor in the heart of New York City.

Register through the link in our bio.

You’re invited!

Join us for our next Industry Insight Series event featuring Jason Styres and Gregory Jafari Van Acker.

🎤 Moderated by Hunter Froelich
🗓️ Monday, July 6, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 MM Theatre

Jason Styres
Casting Director + Creative Director of the Casting Collaborative
Casting: The Lion King (Broadway & Tour), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Broadway & Tour), Fiddler on the Roof (Tour), The King & I (Tour), Puffs (Off-Broadway), Magic Mike Live
TV: So You Think You Can Dance, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Gregory Jafari Van Acker
Casting Director, Bass/Valle Casting
Casting: The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience (Netflix & Shondaland)
Casting Associate: English, Sunset Blvd, The Great Gatsby (Immersive), Stranger Sings: The Parody Musical
Playwright/Lyricist: NOPLACE, The Price of Saffron, The Newest Newcomer, Sugar Skull
Students, Staff & Faculty: Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from two accomplished casting professionals as they share insights into the casting process, building a career in the entertainment industry, and what they look for in today’s performers.

Alumni are welcome to attend. RSVP via email or submit a request through [email protected].