The American Musical and Dramatic Academy
New York, NY
New York, NY
Overview
AMDA provides rigorous, performance-based training and an industry-focused education experience; one that inspires excellence and prepares artists with an appreciation for the universal power of transformation through art. AMDA's educational philosophy is based on close collegial interaction between instructors and students — in class, in production and through active mentorship.
AMDA is committed to providing an unsurpassed performing arts education to a diverse community of creative artists. AMDA serves as both school and stage, where students are given the support and opportunity to define their own personal objectives and to develop and refine their own distinctive artistic voices.
AMDA strives to create an environment for students to develop the skills, confidence, imagination, and power to contribute to their community as artists, entrepreneurs, visionaries, lifelong learners, and conscientious citizens of the world. Above all, AMDA wants to teach students that commitment and passion are the hallmarks of a successful and joyous career.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
AMDA has rolling admissions, which means we accept students throughout the year. It is recommended that you complete your admissions file no later than 60 to 90 days from your intended start date.
Your future in the performing arts doesn't have to be a dream. For over 50 years, AMDA has launched some of the most successful careers in theatre, film and television. AMDA creates industry professionals who don't just wait for life to happen—they stage their own career path. Watched by the eyes of millions, our graduates take the world's stages, film sets and movie screens, changing the way we think about art in the 21st century.
Now it's your turn.
Success requires more than just talent. From the moment you arrive until the day you graduate, AMDA trains you to leave our doors a professional ready to work in today's competitive industry. With over 150 opportunities to perform each year, you'll receive world-class training while living in the beating hearts of the world's entertainment capitals: Los Angeles and New York City.
To become the best, you'll train with the best. You'll receive world-class training from our faculty of successful Broadway directors, choreographers, actors, film directors, TV producers and casting agents who are still working in entertainment. Each day will immerse you in a rigorous and demanding pursuit of excellence, giving you the knowledge and skill set that will last you a lifetime. It's time for your next role—you're ready.
The constant buzz of America's largest city doesn't just come from the lights of Broadway; it comes from the bohemian heritage of the West Village, the underground beats of Harlem and the arias soaring from the Met. Performers from every country and discipline are drawn to Manhattan to pursue their dreams. Now it's your turn.
When you attend AMDA New York, Broadway is your backyard. Our students are a vital part of the creative community here, and the city itself sets the scene for an innovative learning experience. An AMDA education is more than just studio training; it's a backstage pass to New York City's performing arts scene.
AMDA New York has currently three on-site cafés, powered by Cooking with Corey, an independently owned and operated, but full catering and affordable meal planning service:
AMDA recognizes that being a student in higher education can be stressful - and costly - and being hungry may only add on to the stress. We have a solution to ease these concerns: NY's Supplemental Food Plan. While this declining balance plan isn’t meant to cover all your food costs, it’s a great option to ensure that you’re able to have a meal(s) and/or snack(s) on campus throughout your busy day of classes and rehearsals.
The Supplemental Food Plan is a required plan for all first year NY students.
The Supplemental Food Plan costs, per academic year, are outlined below.
$2,520 – 1st Year On Campus SFP Plan ($1,260 per term)
$1,800 – 1st Year Off Campus SFP Plan ($900 per term)
If you divide the pre-loaded money on the card as evenly as you can, you will have approximately $12 per day to spend on food. The Supplemental Food Plan is a required plan for all first year students, and it’s included in the tuition costs.
Given that so much of your day is physically and mentally demanding, it is vital to make sure you are having nourishing meals and snacks. If you eat balanced meals, you will get the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals you need as a performer. Here at AMDA, we aim to provide programs on topics related to health and nutrition. For example, each semester, AMDA provides free optional nutrition sessions with a nutritionist.
Admission to AMDA requires an audition. AMDA offers numerous audition opportunities in locations throughout the United States and the world. You must be a junior or senior in high school or a high school graduate for your audition to be considered for acceptance into the AOS or Certificate and BFA programs and merit-based scholarship
This exciting virtual event combines your audition and interview for entry to AMDA's college level BFA and AOS or Certificate programs and merit-based scholarship during one video conference. Our team is excited to get to know you as a performer and student!
New York and Los Angeles auditions are held on the AMDA campus. Attending your audition on one of the AMDA campuses, gives you a unique look at college life, which will support and enhance your individual development as a performing artist.
AMDA offers a robust schedule of national scholarship auditions.
Auditions in Phoenix, AZ will be held on February 20, 2021, April 25, 2021, June 19, 2021, and August 22, 2021
AMDA Residential Life strives to create a positive living and learning environment by: developing a safe and inclusive community, providing resources and support for all residents, and empowering students through programming and events. Students who wish to live on campus need to fill out a housing license and abide by the campus code of conduct.
Degree Programs: Students have the opportunity to begin any of our programs in either New York City or Hollywood.
BFA Degree choices in Professional Performance Training
Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Theatre, Performing Arts
Associates Degrees and Conservatory Certificates
Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Theatre, Performing Arts
Liberal Arts BA in Theatre
All bachelor's degrees at AMDA can be completed in about two and a half years on an accelerated track. Students also have the option to attend on a traditional basis and complete their degree in four years.
Four semester programs are available in both New York City and Los Angeles, which can be completed in either two years or 16 months on the accelerated track.
Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL 5 steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION+
COMPLETE YOUR AMDA AUDITION+
SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY+
SUBMIT ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION+
SUBMIT YOUR ACADEMIC RECORDS/TRANSCRIPTS
START DATES FOR AMDA PROGRAMS
2020 Summer: July 20, 2020
2020 Fall: Nov 2, 2020
2021 Spring: February 22, 2021
2021 Summer: June 28, 2021
AMDA is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) entity and has been accredited, both institutionally and programmatically, by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) since 1984. NAST has been designated by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation throughout the United States of freestanding institutions and units offering theatre and theatre-related programs (both degree and non-degree granting).
AMDA is licensed to operate in the state of New York by the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) under the New York State Department of Education.
AMDA is licensed to operate in the state of California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
AMDA is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) entity and has been accredited, both institutionally and programmatically, by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) since 1984. NAST has been designated by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation throughout the United States of freestanding institutions and units offering theatre and theatre-related programs (both degree and non-degree granting).