Australian Academy of Dramatic Art???

I'm getting sick and tired that there's a worry about this institution. I'm a professional actor. I've worked with actors that have come from a number of institutions (NIDA, WAAPA, AADA, VCA) etc.... Even some who have trained overseas (e.g. RADA, Tisch, American Academy, etc...). The bottom line is, once you are out there, no one gives a hoot where you trained from. They might think, 'oh, thats good', but in the end its you they want. There is a common factor between all these acting institutions, and that is, you learn your craft, technique, etc.... You learn how to network, stay in business, etc.... They are similar that way, but also differ in perhaps curriculum, teachers, what is on offer, etc... When you are out there in the professional world, you know that it is only you, and no one else that can determine how good an actor you can become. The Australian Academy is a good college. It offers people a good number of professional tutors, has a theatre space, works in conjunction with the Australian Film and Television School and gives actors a great environment to work in. I would say it is foolish to compare acting schools, because the essential person is yourself. If you feel comfortable in an acting school, then, regardless of its name, go for it. Obviously costs, etc.... are in consideration, but in the end, you are there to learn. Also, in addition, when you come out of acting school, you still learn your craft (when you go into the professional world) - many actors would discard some of the things they may have learnt in acting school, for something they could only have learnt when working with others. Its an unprofessional, childish, and amateurish feeling to compare acting schools. Of course schools are going to say, "we are the best" - because they are also businesses, HELLO! The show of famous alumni, only displays the success of the people. But in reality we all know that that is really the famous person's doing, not the school. The school gave the tools. Mel Gibson is a classic case. He went to NIDA because it was one of the ones he knew about. If history changed its course, Australian Academy could have been there, h could have chosen that, and because of his acting - most likely would have ended up famous, anyway. Use your common sense. Use your logic. Use your gut feeling. Don't be so wrapped up by things that are unrelated to you. You cannot be a Mel Gibson, you cannot be a Cate Blanchett, but you can have the perseverance as they have and the determination, that has nothing to do with the school name. So, trust your gut feeling, is the main place. You dont want to waste three or four years at an acting school that felt uncomfortable to you. Money would be wasted, interest depletes, a sense of negative feeling can take place and can even make you want to quit acting altogether. If you find NIDA is the place, then go to NIDA. If you find WAAPA, AADA, VCA, even your own private acting tutors to be the ones, then travel that way. In the end, it is you and you alone. Many can support, but none can spoon feed. Be wise.