About

Upholding Excellence in the Performing Arts

AMDA was founded in New York City in 1964 as The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Renowned theatre director, producer, teacher and Shakespeare scholar, Philip Burton served as the academy's first director. The cornerstone of AMDA’s program was based on the belief that the actor, the singer, and the dancer would each greatly benefit from attending an intensive conservatory training program in which all were taught the same integrated, multi-disciplinary curriculum. AMDA’s philosophy was that the actor would develop stronger techniques by studying singing and dance alongside traditional acting courses, and that the singer and dancer would both greatly benefit from in-depth acting study in addition to dance and vocal training.

AMDA received recognition for being the first institute of higher education devoted to theatre training in which the “Broadway musical comedy” was not only accepted as a legitimate art form, but celebrated and included in the curriculum. Faculty members were theatre professionals working on Broadway—actors, singers, dancers, directors, musical directors and choreographers. After graduating, AMDA students went on to perform on Broadway, around the country and around the world as actors, singers and dancers; alumni also starred in television shows and films. AMDA’s unique program was a success.

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy has remained at the forefront of performing arts higher education and continues to flourish under David Martin and Jan Martin’s singular devotion and passionate leadership. Under their leadership, AMDA has grown exponentially in both size and scope, developing innovative programs of study while achieving national accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). In 2003, AMDA opened its Los Angeles campus as AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in the center of Hollywood, fulfilling the Martins’ long-term vision for the school to be rooted in the two entertainment capitals of the world. Both campuses offer training in Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Theatre, and Performing Arts. AMDA New York offers two-year Certificate programs. The Los Angeles campus offers four Bachelor of Fine Arts programs and three Associates of Occupational Studies programs.