The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-12-04
In New York
BY GEORGE ROSS
G l93s NEA /

New York, Dec. 4Eager but for lorn letters occasionally reach your correspondent inquirtng about the chances for would-be actors or Broadway.
 T am young, my friends re- mark upon my close resemblance to Kay Francis and I am desper- ately anxious to get 8 part"-the pleas generally read, and your corr respondent has steadily rendered the same line of advice. If the stagestruck must risk their car fare to New York, they'd better head for the reliable dramatic schools and get an honest estimate of their ability, instead of warm in gthe leather chairs in the wait- ing rooms of producers offices. There are tuition fees, of course, but it is cheaper in the long run and saves wear and tear on shoe heel and the soul.
 At the American Academy oi Dramatic Arts, the faculty con- sists of famous actors and actress es, decides whether 8 pupil has any talent or is hopeless, after the first semester. If hopless, the pu- pill will be politely stricken from the rolls and urged to try some- thing else for a living. If talent is in evidence, the student will be promoted to the senior year and sent out to the Broadway mana agers with good references. This system has worked out pretty well at the American Academy for the past Al years.
 Tn the Academy's proud club of alumni are Walter Abel, Roy Att well, Sally Bates, Jane Cowl, Ce- Gil B. DeMille, Owen Davis, Jr., Guthrie McClintic Gan honor pu- piD, Grace George (class of '95), Margalo Gilmore, Pat O'Brien, Spencer Tracy, Grant Mitchell, Warren William and Helen Vest ley. They've all made names for themselves after commencement. Producing Results
 E A pupil is put through the paces at the American Acad- emy over the period of 8 year. During the first six months - the trial period newcomers stay close to the classroom to learn about Voice culture, makeup and the history of the stage.
 They are put to work the lat ter part of the year acting in pulp lie performances, under the super vision of their tutors. These shows are put on at the Empire Theater on Friday afternoons, and in the audience there generally are a couple of Broadway producers on the hunt for talent.
 Rival School
 Lucy Feagin's School of Dra- matic Art is another institu- ton for stagestruck youngsters that has great prestige on Broad way. Like the American Acad- eny, it is run on the same prin- ciples of eliminating backward ty- ros after the first term is over. And every year, Miss Feagin, the schools headmistress and princi- pal presents a gift scholarship to any applicant who, in an amateur performance, shows promising talent for the stage. veree Teas dale, of the movies. is one of Miss Feagin's proteges.
 Grand Finale
 The graduation exercises of both dramatic schools have al- ways been imposing occasions. A famous actor or actress is usually invited to hand out the diplomas and to send the young people out in the cold, cold world. Not that the diplomas will be of any prac- tical use; try and hang sheep skin on a hard-boiled Broadway manager when applying for a job. But they are of considerable as- sistance. Producers always see the aspiring alumni of these col- leges-for-acting upon the recom- mendation ftheir teachers.
 Their teachers, by the way, may be Jane Cowl or Margalo Gilmore or Philip Merivale. Leslie How ard has also shown up a one time or another as guest lecturer. The last time he addressed them, heard him telling the senior class. T can't tell you the best way to get upon the stage. I only know that the person who really ought to be there invariably gets there |. We'll. maybe.
 If you want something in the way of better government. you must send fhA Rnnka n8 a 11eIn nartsl