To Be The Best, Train With The Best
THE AMERICAN MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ACADEMY (AMDA) is a not-for-profit higher education institution devoted to training the actor, singer and dancer for stage, film and television. It is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the only accrediting body in the US for performing arts institutions.
AMDA has two campuses – one in each of the entertainment capitals of the world: Los Angeles and New York City. AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, located in the heart of Hollywood, California, confers four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and offers two-year certificate programs. The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, the New York City campus on the prestigious Upper West Side of Manhattan, offers two-year certificate programs with an option to transfer to the AMDA Los Angeles campus to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.
AMDA provides seven distinct degree and certificate paths for Acting, Music Theatre and Dance Theatre, with opportunities to study on both campuses.
A Rich History
Founded in 1964, AMDA pioneered the innovative concept of training actors, singers and dancers to be triple threats: actors learn to sing and dance; singers learn to act and dance; dancers learn to act and sing. More than a half century later, AMDA continues to create innovative and unique performing arts programs in response to the ever-changing needs of the entertainment industries.
An AMDA education prepares students for success. During the past three years, more than 60 alumni have performed on Broadway; countless others have starred in films and television shows throughout the world, as well as danced on the world’s premiere stages. AMDA’s faculty is comprised of professionals regularly working in the performing arts. Through these connections with their faculty mentors, AMDA students begin to build their professional networks from the moment they enter the classroom.
Join an Elite Group
AMDA’s training prepares students for stage and screen. Each year, more than 1,400 students from around the world engage in AMDA’s rigorous curricula. With 30 to 35 hours of weekly coursework, plus additional time for rehearsal and preparation, the experience is intense, creative and competitive.
There are a multitude of performance opportunities both on stage and on camera at AMDA, allowing students to build a performance resume throughout their training. Students also may participate in industry panel nights, giving them exposure to industry professionals – such as casting directors for Broadway, television, and film, as well as talent agents, directors, producers, and record producers.
Mission Possible
AMDA provides an unsurpassed performing arts education to a diverse community of creative artists, creating an environment for students to develop the skills, confidence, imagination and power to contribute to their communities as artists, entrepreneurs, visionaries, lifelong learners and conscientious citizens of the world. Above all, AMDA teaches students that commitment and passion are the hallmarks of a successful and satisfying career.
A College and a Conservatory All In One
Whether students choose a professional Conservatory Program or a traditional Bachelor of Fine Arts Program, they’ll receive intensive, hands-on instruction from the best and brightest professionals in the industry. Emphasizing professional excellence, every program AMDA offers is designed to help them reach their full artistic potential through a strong foundation in the performing arts.
AMDA’s curriculum includes the major performing arts disciplines of acting, music theatre and dance theatre. There are three semesters in each calendar year, with the option to complete the certificate programs over four continuous semesters in sixteen months, and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in less than three years. Scholarships are available for international students.
AMDA’s training has led graduates to success in multiple arenas. Their performing artists can be seen on Broadway, in national and international theatre tours, and in television shows and films. They can also be found performing stand-up comedy, improvisation, one-person shows, music videos, pop/rock tours, and commercial concerts. In addition, many of our alumni have created outstanding careers in directing, choreographing, composing, writing for stage, film and television, stage managing, technical theatre, and as talent agents and casting directors. The opportunities are endless.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Programs
Designed to transform talented individuals into well-rounded artists, the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Programs combine a comprehensive college education with rigorous conservatory-level artistic training. BFA Degrees are conferred at AMDA’s Los Angeles campus, with an available option to do a portion of your training at AMDA New York. Studying at both AMDA campuses provides students a greater understanding of the television, film, theatre, dance and popular music industries – not only in New York City and Hollywood, but around the world.
Professional Conservatory Programs
AMDA’s professional Conservatory Programs focus on training that provides a solid foundation for a successful career in the performing arts. All Conservatory Programs are offered at both AMDA’s New York City and Los Angeles campuses.
High School Summer Conservatory
At both campuses each summer, AMDA offers a unique, rigorous, two-week intensive program for high school students. The High School Summer Conservatory provides world-class performing arts training. Visit www.amda.edu for more details.
Get Started
Visit their website www.amda.edu today and begin a performing arts journey by completing an online application and scheduling an audition. AMDA offers in person auditions all over the U.S. and throughout the world. Alternatively, prospective students may film and submit their auditions electronically. For more information on AMDA’s international admission and audition requirements, please visit https://www.amda.edu/admissions#international.
