After acting in several middle and high school productions, Amara Nadiga ‘29 has taken her interest in acting to New York City. This past summer, Nadiga attended a five-day intensive called Broadway Artist Alliance (BAA) after completing a rigorous application process.
BAA offers workshops for students who are interested in acting, singing and dancing. Most notably, each workshop comes with several experienced teachers.
“One of my dance teachers, Daisy Oakley, was in the Broadway [production] Chicago as Roxy, one of the main characters,” Nadiga said. “[My teachers] gave super unique and personalized advice about things I’ve never really heard before.
During the five-day intensive, Nadiga took daily coursework she selected herself. Outside of her regular coursework, she attended daily masterclasses related to her acting major, including an improv class.
“My favorite part was getting to be taught by Broadway stars,” Nadiga said. “It was honestly a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me because I’m not gonna meet these people day-to-day outside of this intensive.”
BAA requires applicants to submit an in-person or video audition featuring two monologues. After receiving and reviewing over 2,000 applicants, only about 200 were accepted. The program runs throughout the summer, holding several sessions per week.
Along with that, the masterclasses allowed her to develop her own approach to character portrayal and explore how professional actors embody their characters.
“In one of my masterclasses, we studied character development and how to really lean into the physicality of the character,” Nadiga said. “We really learned how to adapt and become the physical reality of the characters.”
Beyond the classes themselves, the program allowed her to work alongside other students who shared her interest in acting, singing and dancing.
“I met some nice people. I was surrounded by so many talented and passionate people that it kind of scared me,” Nadiga said.
Reflecting on her experience there, Nadiga recommends the program for students with a definite interest in theater and the performing arts.
“This is an intense and special experience, and if you are into dancing, singing and acting, then I would definitely recommend this intensive,” Nadiga said.