Houston Academy-Dramatic

There are a few good instructors but they keep leaving for some reason. Steve Fenely is great and should start his own academy.Thier was a lady teaching us who left and thier was also a great male teacher who left in an instant. It's kind of sad because the one who runs the whole Academy is actually the worst teacher there. Michelle Coopwood is almost to the point of being overbearing with her skills. The students tend not to feel comfortable around her. Also when other instructors are teaching, she interrupts and underminds the instructor teaching the class. I actually took a few semesters and learned alot about acting but they are in serious need of new management. One time I even heard her yelling at a young man who I beleived to be her husband or something. Hopefully there will be other insrtuctors who will stay this time but unfortunately who they need to get rid of is Michelle. if you are a beginner then this may be the place for you but if you are loking for good, no BS training then go to any of the agencies in town and pick up a few Acting teacher ads for private coaching. I guarentee that they will serve you best.

Posted 12/30/08 | Report Abuse

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I am basing my review on my experiences during a three-week audit of Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Pros:
- Class size is small (4-6) people.

Cons:
- Student shows up for private but teacher does not.
- Staff say they will do something but then never do it.
-Students consistently show up to class 30 minutes late and some do not show up at all so class does not start on-time.
- HADA is a bit spammy in their promotional activities, sending me the same advertisement via email several times a week.

I decided to visit because of the good reviews. I called and spoke with Michelle Coopwood, the director of HADA, who said she it would be ok to visit class.

At first I was impressed by the teaching and tended to brush off some of the negative experiences, but as certain things turned into patterns, I became more concerned and ultimately left HADA disappointed and frustrated.
The thing that really got me was the apparent disorganization of the place. There was no hesitation on their part to send me multiple emails, daily, pertaining to their seminars, but when it came time for them to follow through on a simple promise of calling back to confirm a date or making an appointment, they offered many assurances but, in reality, little action.
I really wanted to do a private lesson with Steven so I asked them to set up an appointment. "Sure, no problem" was always the reply, but a week would go by and no answer, so I basically had to do their job for them and call Steven personally to set up an appointment. The first appointment had to be changed to a later date and I only found this out because I came in person to confirm. The second private went off well but he did not show up for the third and did not bother calling in to let us know. HADA staff said they would call me the next day to confirm new date but never did. The excuse is that Steve is hard to get a hold of.

Posted 07/10/08 | Report Abuse

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The Houston Academy is amazing. The instructors are so insightful. I've taken a lot of acting classes and this is the best by far. I feel like I'm back in NYC. I would tell anyone I know to check out the Houston Academy of Dramatic Arts.

PROS: Great Instructors, you work every class on stage!, you hear about auditions
CONS:

Posted 10/16/06 | Report Abuse

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I've been at the Houston Academy for 2 semesters and it is very rewarding! The teachers are great and they push me to be a better actor. Thank you Michelle!

PROS: Classes are kept small and teachers are very knowledgeable!
CONS:

Posted 05/12/06 | Report Abuse

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The Houston Academy has not only helped me on stage but also off stage with my everyday life. The improvisation, voice & speech, monologue, and acting classes that are offered in the Part-Time Adult Program are wonderful! I am very pleased with the instructors and their professional way of teaching.

PROS: Affordable & top of the line instructors
CONS:

Posted 05/01/06 | Report Abuse

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I am very satisfied with the Houston Academy. I have found the classes to help me with my acting but also with my day to day life. Improvisation class is great!
The Instructors are helpful, insightful and always help each student to individually develop and enhance their craft.
I highly recommend the Academy and look forward to continue taking classes there.
Best in Houston, by far!

PROS: Affordable, classes are kept small and is conveniently located
CONS:

Posted 04/11/06 | Report Abuse

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I am currently a student attending the Part-Time Program for the Houston Academy and I love it! Master teachers are great and the prices are VERY affordable.

PROS: Master teachers work intensively with students & affrodable prices
CONS:

Posted 03/13/06 | Report Abuse

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