Help us Help the Community

Read this important note from the president of our board, Andi Allen, about the importance of our scholarship fund. 

As part of our mission statement, Academy for Dramatic Arts is a place to learn and grow in the theatre arts in safe, nurturing environment, no matter the family’s financial status. Scholarships are available for participation in our productions.  We do ask that a portion of the fee be paid, with the amount being determined on a case by case basis.  At this time, we do not have a separate “scholarship fund” as part of the budget.  Any scholarships given come out of our general budget, which in turn, gives us less resources for other expenditures.  We do get donations throughout the year which go into the general budget to help with expenditures other than production costs. However, it would enhance our program if there was a specific line item for scholarships.  It is our plan this year to establish a separate Scholarship Fund line item that is designated solely for scholarships.  This would be a great way to support AFDA in a specific manner.   Please encourage your friends, family and business contacts to consider supporting the Scholarship Fund. For more information or to sponsor a child's scholarship, please email me personally at aallen47@yahoo.com.

Thank you in advance!
Andi Allen
Board President, Academy for Dramatic Arts

New for 2017-2018

The end of the summer is upon us and as another school year starts AFDA’s new season is ready to start off with a “HONK!” Academy for Dramatic Arts is excited to introduce our new schedule for artists who are just beginning to those seasoned with many experiences.

We start of our season with a NEW experience for our youngest artists. Our Kids theatre is for boys and girls 8-12 years of age of any experience. Our fall show is a musical retelling of the well know fable,  “The Ugly Ducking” written by George Stiles and Anthony Drew (composers of the Broadway hit musical Mary Poppins). “Honk Jr.” encourages kids to celebrates what makes each of us special. Auditions are September 10 from 4-6 pm. Performances are November 17 and 18.

Our spring show 13 is just for teens ages 13-18. This popular rock show written by Jason Robert Brown (Bridges of Madison County and Last Five Years) is a hilarious look at what it’s like to come of age in today’s world. With a great score, witty dialogue and fun dance numbers your teen will have a blast while being challenged to create great art!

Lastly, our adult main stage is Andrew Lippa’s Big Fish. This bigger-than-life musical is full of colorful character and memorable songs and will have you following the tall tales of Edward Bloom as he finds out “what’s next?” for his life. Full of singing, dancing and creative storytelling, Big Fish will surely be another memorable summer main stage production.

Letter from the Director

When we started AFDA three years ago, I could never have imagined our growth would be so swift and great. It was only from the support and help of families of our amazing families and actors, giving their all and sharing our story. Now as we enter into our third season I’m excited for a few new things:

1. We’re starting our Theatre for Beginning Artists. This is a chance for our newest children and teen performers to learn the basics of theatre while performing in a safe, welcoming environment.
2. We’re providing new educational experiences. In partnership with the Recreational Department of the City of Berea, AFDA will run four classes this Spring and more in the fall. These classes are for beginning and seasoned actors.
3. Our fall production will be our first intergenerational production. We’ll be putting seasoned performers with teens and children for our the seasonal favorite, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

The 2016-2017 season is crafted to keep the AFDA family growing both in number and in skill. We hope you’ll join us as we transformation to Cleveland through creativity.