Application to The American Musical and DramaticAcademy is a two-part process to determine the potential of the applicant as a performer and as a candidate for AMDA's concentrated program of study.
APPLICATION: Applications for admission and complete instructions may be obtained from the AMDA Admission Office. The application reviewing fee is $50 (payable in U.S. funds only) and is non-refundable.
All applicants must submit official high school transcripts and official academic and financial aid transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (if applicable). High school seniors must submit a final official high school transcript verifying date of graduation prior to beginning AMDA classes. This transcript must have an official signature or seal of the school. Students may not enroll at AMDA without a high school diploma or an official recognized equivalent of a high school diploma.
Each applicant must submit two AMDA Recommendation Forms, completed by teachers and/or directors, which comment on the applicant's work as an actor, singer, and/or dancer. Character references may be substituted if professional recommendations are not available.
Although standardized tests are not required, students may submit their test scores. Our ACT code is 2671. Our SAT code is 2103.
"The teachers at AMDA go all out to ensure the progress of their students. I've learned more in one day's class at AMDA than I learned in a semester of theatre in High School." Lannette Pierre (Los Angeles, CA), graduated October 2008
__________________________________________________ NEW YORK / LOS ANGELES:Conservatory applicants may apply to attend either the New York or Los Angeles campus, or to attend one year in each location. BFA applicants may apply to Los Angeles. New York applicants will confer their degree in Los Angeles after graduating the two year Conservatory program in New York.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: All applicants must audition for admission to AMDA. Auditions are held at AMDA on a regular basis. In addition, regional auditions are held annually throughout the country. An appointment is required for all auditions. Audition schedules and information regarding an audition appointment may be obtained from the Admission Office. Applicants from abroad may audition by videotape.
The audition requirements follow:
BFA in Acting ·Two-Year Studio Conservatory:
Two 2-minute contrasting monologues (contemporary or classical).
BFA in Musical Theatre · Two-Year Integrated Conservatory:
One 2-minute monologue (contemporary or classical)
Two minutes or 32 bars of a song from the musical theatre or classical repertoire. Applicants are required to bring sheet music in their key to the audition, and should be prepared to meet with an accompanist. Please indicate where you start and end your song on your sheet music.
BFA in Performing Arts:
Depending on the preferred focus of study, applicants must be prepared to perform either:
Two 2-minute contrasting monologues (contemporary or classical)
OR
One 2-minute monologue (contemporary or classical) and two minutes or 32 bars of a song from the musical theatre or classical repertoire.Applicants are required to bring sheet music in their key to the audition, and should be prepared to meet with an accompanist. Please indicate where you start and end your song on your sheet music.
The audition performance should not exceed 4 minutes in total. Monologues should be from published plays. Original materials should not be used. The use of props during your audition is not permitted.
BFA in Dance Theatre ·Two-Year Dance Conservatory:
Applicants will prepare a solo piece 60-90 seconds in length in the style of their choice.
Applicants will be taught, learn and perform two contrasting combinations which may include (but are not limited to) any variety of styles such as: Classical Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, or Broadway. Applicants must bring all appropriate dance shoes and attire and provide a CD accompaniment for the solo piece.
ENROLLMENT SEQUENCES Students may begin the BFA or Conservatory program in: Summer (June) Fall (October) Spring (February)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: AMDA is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Candidates for admission from non-English speaking countries are required to submit a TOEFL score (AMDA's code: 8571) and may be asked to complete level 107 at an ESLLanguageCenter to satisfy the English language requirement for admission. International Students must also include certified English translations of all submitted transcripts and documents. The Certificate of Eligibility (1-20 form) will be issued after the student has been accepted, paid the tuition deposit, and submitted an application for I-20. The application for I-20 will be sent upon receipt of the tuition deposit. All payments from abroad must be made in U.S. dollars. As a provision of the I-20, International students can only work for AMDA. Student employment is based on an application and interview process and the availability of job openings. International applicants should be realistic about living expenses in the U.S. as student employment at AMDA is not guaranteed.
HOUSING: AMDA offers housing to all enrolled students. Although students are not required to live in housing facilitated by AMDA, many do choose to take advantage of this service. Students are placed in fully furnished residences, which are in the school's neighborhood or, in Los Angeles, immediately on campus. New York students are placed in dormitory-style residences and LA students are placed in apartments.
AMDA ~ New York
Stratford Arms Amsterdam Residence
AMDA ~ Los Angeles
Los Angeles Bungalows Los Angeles Apartment Housing
STUDENT HEALTH: The training at AMDA is highly demanding. All accepted applicants must submit a completed health report attesting to his/her ability to meet the rigorous nature of the program before enrollment. The form may be obtained from the Admission Office. AMDA may require an accepted applicant to address specific health concerns or issues before enrolling in classes. STUDENT SERVICES: The faculty and staff at AMDA are committed to assisting students. Students may make appointments with staff in the Student Services Offices or with faculty members at any time. VETERANS: AMDA is approved by the New York State Education Department for the training of veterans. For additional information, call or write the Financial Aid Officer.
AUDITION LOCATIONS: Auditions for admission to AMDA are held in cities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and the UK and include: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Mexico City, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Sydney,Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington DC.
Featured Graduate - Darius de Haas Recently portrayed Langston Hughes in the musical biography, Langston in Harlem. Performed in concert with Vannessa Williams, his co-star in Kiss of a Spider Woman. Broadway credits: Rent, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Fascinating Rhythm and Carousel. Click Here to check out Darius' website! "The AMDA faculty encouraged me to take chances to really investigate the text of a scene or song. I use that in my work to this day."
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"I graduated in 2000 and have been working a lot! I have been all around the country. I did a European tour when I got out of school and the Hairspray both on Broadway and on tour. I replaced a girl from AMDA in Hairspray that I went to school with.My roommate, who was also in the show with me, is from AMDA.About nine people in our cast - all from AMDA."