After Paris and London, what’s next for New York Film Academy? Our admissions team hopes to find the next generation of Fellinis, De Sicas, and Sofia Lorens in Italy’s center of performing arts, Milan, and the Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy. We had a chance to speak with our fellow Florentine and head of NYFA’s Florence Department, Diana Santi, about our upcoming trip.

Can you tell us what the audition process was like the last time you went to Italy?

The auditions and the Open Houses we did in Italy last year were amazing! Many prospective Italian students showed up to audition for our Acting Director, Roger Del Pozo. We also had a great turnout for my Filmmaking orientation session. The prospective students who participated were fantastic, very well prepared, talented, and ambitious.

Can you tell us about some of the talent you found there?

We found many talents! Not only in acting, but also in filmmaking, producing, and screenwriting. I think of Alexia Oldini, who just shot her first feature film here in New York and Jacopo Sarno who is currently a working actor in Italy.

Tell us why NYFA chose Florence as a location for its study abroad in Italy?

Florence is a beautiful city – very “international” and surrounded by a gorgeous country side. Florence is the perfect place to study filmmaking and acting for film. The city is extremely inspirational for students and its locations and monuments are ideal backgrounds for student films. Also, NYFA will give a free Vespa to all the students who apply for one year programs… a fantastic perk for scouting locations!

Do you feel it’s important for aspiring actors to come to the US? 

I truly believe that acting is a constant research and an international experience can help the candidate grow as a person and as an artist. Also, the acting training we offer in New York City is totally different from the acting programs in Italy.

Want to meet up with us in Milan or Florence? Here is where we’ll be!

Email Italy@nyfa.edu for more information.

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