A Message from Allison
Welcome to my academy page. I enjoy teaching very much and decided to start a pool school in my hometown of Charlotte, NC, with my friend, Gerda Hofstatter. Gerda, or "G-Force," as she is known on the WPBA tour, has been playing pool since her teens. She has won many titles all over the world and was crowned the World Champion in 1995. She is an avid golfer and now attends NYU where is is studying Business. She loves to teach and brings a wealth of knowledge to the academy.
The academy is run over a weekend so that it does not interfere with your work schedule. We ask that everyone arrive in Charlotte on Friday so we can go out for an informal dinner and welcome everyone. On Saturday and Sunday, we start at 10am with a 2-hour seminar. Gerda and I explain everything to you with some demonstrations. From 1 - 5pm each day, we work with you on the pool table and go over everything from the seminar that day.
We
are currently offering a shot selection and strategy class. We start with
the fundamentals including stance, cue actions, eyes, pre-shot routines
(both physical and mental). We break down everything to give you a clear
understanding of how to correct yourself. This course is great for everyone,
regardless of your skill level. This class teaches a deeper understanding
of the game. We then focus on tip position, drills, tangent lines, patterns,
run outs, and strategy, to give you an all around understanding of how
we look at the table and think through the rack. You will walk away with
a better appreciation, understanding and knowledge for the game.
Sincerely,
Allison
Academy 2008 Dates and Availability
| Date | Spots Available |
| April 18 - 20th | 5 |
| July 25 - 27th | 8 |
| October 10 - 12th | 8 |
| November 7 - 9th* | 7 |
* changed from November 14-16th due to WPBA scheduling conflict.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition is $1,900. A $1,000 deposit is required in advance to reserve your spot.
Reservations and deposits made 45 days in advance of the Academy date will receive a $100 discount so book early to save!
NEW Former students receive $250 off tutition cost!
Contact Info
To make reservations or for more information, contact the Academy via email or call (704) 780-1536 / Fax (704) 780-1553.
Note: Please e-mail Allison with serious inquiries only. This is not a format to communicate personally with her.
Academy FAQs
Who
teaches the class?
What is the cost for the Academy?
How do I reserve a spot for one of the Academy dates?
How many people attend each class?
What standard/skill level do you teach?
Where is the Academy?
Where do we stay?
What about transportation?
When should I arrange arrival/departure?
What’s the daily schedule?
How do I travel with a pool cue?
Am I allowed to video-tape the sessions?
Is there a dress code?
Gerda and Allison, November 2003
.....
Allison's Academy 2005
Student Feedback
a multitude of facets regarding the game of billiards. Not only was it interesting to soak in information that was given, Allison and Gerda also give you their undivided attention, and address your needs as a player to gain a broad understanding of all realms of pool. You might as well throw out any skill level when you enter this class because the instruction adheres to ALL skill levels. For example, being a 7 – ranked player in APA 8 ball, I learned more from this academy than I ever thought I would. Gerda and Allison break down the key, imperative fundamentals and work all the way to teaching bank and jump shots. No matter the skill level, there is so much more to be learned and they make it a fun, exhilarating experience. I want to thank Allison and Gerda for the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it. Regarding english on the cue ball, my favorite line from them was “English…….. it’s a can of worms.” -Robbie Deaton
Click here to for more samples of student feedback.
Who
teaches the class?
Gerda Hofstatter, WPBA Professional and World Champion (www.gerdahofstatter.com),
and Allison Fisher. Need we say more! Back
to Questions
What
is the cost for the Academy?
The cost is $1,900 for tuition only. You are responsible for all other
accommodations including transportation, hotel and food. Deposits received
sixty (60) days prior to the Academy date will receive $100 off, so make
your reservation soon!
Back
to Questions
How
do I reserve a spot for one of the Academy dates?
Each session’s availability will be posted on this page (see here)
and is updated immediately once a spot has been taken. Once you’ve
decided on the date you would like to attend, please call (704) 780-1536
or email us to let us know.
Then, send a deposit of $1,000 made payable to Alfie Inc. by check, money
order, or cashier’s check to
Alfie, Inc.
P.O. Box 77202
Charlotte, NC
USA 28271
Once the deposit is received, you are confirmed for that date and will receive an email confirmation that your payment was received and seat is reserved. (Gift receipts are available upon request.) Back to Questions
How
many people attend each class?
There is a maximum of eight (8) students per session.
Back
to Questions
What
standard/skill level do you teach?
The Academy offers instruction for every skill level.
Back
to Questions
Where
is the Academy?
The Academy is held at Bailey’s Sports Bar & Grill, located
in Charlotte, NC. Bailey’s is affiliated with Fox and Hound Pub
& Grille. For more information visit www.fhrg.com.
Bailey's Sports Bar & Grille - Charlotte/Pineville
8500 Pineville-Mathews Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: (704) 541-0794
General Manager: Donna Fennell or Todd Dolinski
Back
to Questions
Where
do we stay?
We recommend the Comfort Suites Hotel, situated near Bailey’s. The
rooms have refrigerators, coffee machines, a wet bar, microwaves, a desk
and a sitting area. Double beds or king size beds are available. The cost
is $75 per night, plus tax, which includes a buffet with hot breakfast.
The $75 is a group rate under "Allison Fisher Academy." Please
mention this when booking and email
us to let us know you are staying there.
Comfort Suites Hotel
10415 Centrum Parkway
Pineville, NC, 28134
Phone: (704) 540-0069
General Manager: Julie Filer
You are welcome to stay anywhere you choose and are responsible for arranging your accommodations. The address for Bailey’s is provided above if you wish to compare other hotels in the area. Back to Questions
What
about transportation?
We will provide transportation to and from the Comfort Suites to Bailey’s;
however, you are responsible for arranging a ride to and from the airport.
Back
to Questions
When should
I arrange arrival/departure?
Please plan to arrive on Friday. You are invited to join us for dinner
at the Lone Star Steakhouse, which is only 2 minutes from the hotel. We
will meet in the hotel lobby at 6.30pm and go together.
The airport is located about 20-25
minutes from the hotel and Bailey’s Sports Bar & Grille.
Session ends at 5:00pm on Sunday.
Back
to Questions
What’s the
daily schedule?
Friday:
• Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm and go to Lone Star Steakhouse
for a Welcome Dinner, which finishes around 8:30pm. Afterwards, students
usually get together at the pool room or relax at the hotel.
Saturday:
• Seminar: 10-12:00pm. Students are encouraged to ask as many questions
as they want.
• Generally break for lunch between 12-1:00pm.
• Seminar/Drills: Instruction from 1-5:00pm.
• Saturday’s session ends around 5:00pm. Afterwards, the entire
group meets for dinner. (Please note that all lunches and dinners are
not mandatory so you are welcome to make other arrangements. )
Sunday:
• Seminar: 10-12pm.
• Generally break for lunch between 12-1:00pm.
• Demonstration/Instruction: 1-5:00pm.
• Farewell…Autograph pictures and photo session.
Back
to Questions
How do I travel
with a pool cue?
Pool cues are no longer accepted as “carry-on” so you will
have to check your pool cues in. Some people pack their cues in their
suitcase and check the empty cue case. We recommend purchasing a separate
travel bag specifically designed for pool cases and cues.
Back
to Questions
Am
I allowed to video-tape the sessions?
Not at this time.
Back
to Questions
Is
there a dress code?
It’s a very casual school so we recommend you dress comfortably.
Be sure to bring your pool cue!
Back
to Questions
Should you need any additional information, please email the Academy or call (704) 780-1536 / Fax (704) 780-1553. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!!