AMDA alumni create. They are artists, professionals in every performance medium. They are creators, inspirers. They're Broadway's side-splitting comedians and Hollywood's up-and-coming action heroes. Watched by the eyes of millions, our alumni take the world's stages, film sets, and movie screens, changing the way we think about art and its intertwining with human nature. To read about our alumni's most recent accomplishments, check out AMDA News.
From charities to platinum-selling records, Broadway veterans to rising stars, our alumni have established themselves among the world's most accomplished artists in their respective fields. Below are just a few highlights of our alumni's incredible careers and achievements, from philanthropy and social awareness to garnering entertainment's most prestigious awards and honors.
They started with a dream. With AMDA, those passions became careers to be celebrated.
AMDA 360Alumni
Featured AMDA Alumni
Paul Sorvino
Best known for portraying serious, powerful roles, Paul is remembered for his standout performances as Henry Kissinger in the 1995 film Nixon and as mafia leader Paul Cicero in Goodfellas. With over 220 credits to his name, Paul began his professional career in the 1960s working on the Broadway productions of Bajour, Mating Dance, That Champion Season, An American Millionaire and Wheelbarrow Closers (which Sorvino directed in 1976). Among his numerous television credits, he has appeared in “Bert D’Angelo/Superstar,” NBC’s “Law & Order,” “Still Standing,” and “The Oldest Rookie.” Notable film credits include Romeo + Juliet; I, the Jury; and The Cooler. With his prolific career encompassing directing and producing, Paul has garnered numerous accolades, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Ft. Lauderdale and Rhode Island International Film Festivals. Paul stars in Bad Impulse, being release in theatres and on demand in December 2020.
Madeline Brewer
Best known for her roles as Janine in Hulu's Emmy-Award winning "The Handmaid's Tale," and as prison inmate Tricia Miller in Netflix’s mega-series “Orange is the New Black,” Madeline Brewer started her career immediately after graduating from AMDA with the lead role in the musical Liberty under director Igor Goldin. Since then, she’s acquired a penchant for playing dark roles on some of television’s hottest shows: Madeline’s played a junkie prison inmate (Tricia, “OITNB”), a paranoid schizophrenic (“Stalker”), a conflicted runaway nursing someone else’s child (Miranda Cates, “Hemlock Grove”) and a reptilian gang member hell-bent on dominance (Billie Trump, “Grimm”). Critics and fans praised Brewer’s performance throughout the entire “OITNB” series, expressing devastation at Tricia’s tragic death. Madeline shifted to feature films starring in Hedgehog, and played Dawn in the 2019 summer blockbuster, Hustlers. Madeline will star in The Ultimate Playlist of Noise.
Caissie Levy
Caissie Levy was cast as Maureen in the U.S. National Tour of Rent just one week after graduating, leading to her Broadway debut as Penny in Hairspray. Cassie’s star continued to rise as she played iconic roles on Broadway such as Elphaba in Wicked, Fantine in Les Miserable, and Sheila in the Tony Nominated revival of Hair. She went on to originate the role of Molly in Ghost: The Musical in London’s West End and on Broadway. Caissie then originated Elsa in the wildly successful Broadway production of Frozen. Wowing audiences with her rendition of “Let It Go,” Caissie has performed the hit song on “The View” and at the 2018 Tony Awards. Caissie will star as Rose Stopnick Gellman in the Broadway revival of Caroline, or Change. In addition to her musical theatre career, Caissie is also an established recording artist across genres. Her debut solo album, With You, includes reimagined arrangements of hit songs from her Broadway shows. Caissie headlined Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, and has performed to sold out crowds across the United States, Canada, and the UK.
Sarah Stiles
Sarah Stiles recently starred as Sandy Lester in the Broadway hit Tootsie, earning her a second Tony nomination, as well as Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Award nominations. Sarah previously starred in the Broadway productions Hand to God (as Jessica, earning her first Tony nomination), On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Avenue Q and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Sarah voiced Spinel in the animated Steven Universe movie and television series. Sarah will star in the upcoming television series The Crew. She currently stars on EPIX’s critically acclaimed series “Get Shorty,” and recurs as Bonnie Barella on Showtime’s hit series “Billions.” In 2016, Sarah performed her solo show Squirrel Heart to sold out audiences at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater in NYC. The show’s finale featured a ukulele number, which inspired her newly released debut EP, You Can Ukelele with Me.
Lee Tergesen
Lee Tergesen has over 100 television, film and stage credits under his belt, including Point Break (starring Keanu Reeve and Patrick Swayze) and cult-classic Wayne’s World films (Terry). Lee’s prominent TV roles have included such shows as “Desperate Housewives,” “Generation Kill,” “Army Wives,” “The Big C” and “Copper.” He starred in ABC’s “Red Widow” as Mike Tomlin, “Longmire” as Ed Gorski, and made appearances in “Person of Interest” and “Drop Dead Diva.” His first regular parts included Weird Science and the role of Officer Chris Thormann on the Fontana-produced Homicide: Life on the Street. Fontana would go on to create the celebrated role of Tobias Beecher in the groundbreaking HBO series “Oz” specifically for Lee. Lee has also starred roles in acclaimed television series like “The Americans” (Andrew Larrick), “American Horror Story” (Vince), “Castle” (Marcus Gates), and “The Purge” (Joe Owens.) He plays “Agent Don McCorkle” in the new HBO mini-series, The Plot Against America.
Christopher Jackson
Emmy-winning actor/composer Christopher Jackson is best known for his Tony-nominated starring roles as Benny in In the Heights and George Washington in Hamilton. His performance as George Washington is not just remembered on Broadway, but in the filmed version on Disney+. Christopher has also starred in Broadway productions After Midnight, Bronx Bombers, Holler If Ya Hear Me, Memphis, Freestyle Love Supreme and The Lion King. His collaboration with Lin Manuel Miranda extends into film, voicing Chief Tsui on Disney’s Moana and appearing in the Hulu documentary We are Freestyle Love Supreme. Other film projects include roles in After Life and Tracers. As a composer, he was nominated for his 3rd Daytime Emmy Award for Best Original Song for “Queen of Nacho Picchu” for Sesame Street. Chris took home the 2011 Emmy for writing “What I Am,” also for Sesame Street. Chris released a R&B solo album In the Name of Love and has written music for LL Cool J, Ne-Yo, Mario and Sean Kingston. Christopher currently stars as Chunk Palmer in the CBS drama Bull. His other television work includes roles in the When They See Us, the HBO drama Oz and guest appearances on Gossip Girl, Nurse Jackie, and The Good Wife.
Emily Padgett
Emily Padgett starred in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Bright Star (Lucy Grant), and in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mrs. Bucket). She also starred in the Broadway revival of Side Show, where she shared the stage as conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton. Other Broadway credits including the role of Sherrie in Rock of Ages, Grease (u/s Sandy Dumbrowski) and Legally Blonde (Cece; u/s Brooke Wyndham). Emily has also performed in the national tours for Flashdance the Musical, Grease and Cats. Emily was nominated for an Astaire Award for Best Female Dance (Side Show), and starred as the lead role in the premiere of musical Waterfall, a story of forbidden love in 1930s Thailand. In addition to her many theatrical credits, she has appeared on television in “Louie,” Shall We Dance On Ice? and the television series “Step It Up and Dance.” Emily recently starred in the world premiere of the musical Last Days of Summer at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and performed in the virtual concert, Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Ray Fisher
Ray Fisher sprang onto the Hollywood blockbuster scene as the half man/half machine Cyborg in the series of movies based on the DC universe: Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and The Justice League Part One. He stars as Cyborg in the upcoming television mini-series, “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.” Before this major blockbuster break, Ray made his mark on the stage, receiving critical acclaim as Muhammad Ali in the Off-Broadway play Fetch Clay, Make Man at the New York Theatre Workshop. His additional theatre credits include The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, where he played the role of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He starred in the short comedic film The Good, the Bad, and the Confused. Television credits include Freddy Burns in "True Detective," and Captain Edward Dwight in the TV series "The Astronaut Wives Club." In 2019, he played Henry Hays in “True Detective.”
Alumni BFA Programs
Do you want to apply your AMDA two-year experience toward a new BFA? An AMDA Bachelor of Fine Arts degree provides you with additional tools to help you master your craft and technique, giving you the artistic foundation to open new doors. It's easy to get started, and we streamline the acceptance process, ensuring that all of your AMDA credits transfer to your new BFA program.
How To Apply
Distinctive Programs
AMDA offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance Theatre and Performing Arts, all of which are offered at AMDA College of the Performing Arts, LA. Get more information on each of these programs.
The Benefits of the AMDA BFA
As a graduate of one of our prestigious AOS or Certificate Programs in New York City or Los Angeles, you'll enter with 60 out of the 120 credits required for graduation. You'll begin your BFA curriculum at the Performance Immersion level combined with concentrated General Education courses designed to be immediately relevant to the working performer. You'll work directly with AMDA's acclaimed faculty of professional performing artists and experienced educators in an environment that inspires creativity, demands active participation and provides the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
Transfer other Credits
Have you completed additional education at another institution since graduating from your AMDA AOS or Certificate Program? If so, you may submit up to 30 General Education credits for consideration toward the AMDA Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Career Services
Since 1964, AMDA's mission has been to fully educate students in all aspects of the performing arts. To realize this goal, AMDA has opened its doors to the best and the brightest performing arts professionals to train our students in acting, voice and dance.
What truly sets AMDA graduates apart is that their training goes beyond performance. BFA students spend their senior year immersed in advanced courses educating them in entertainment administration, production, budgeting and entrepreneurship. This specialized curriculum transforms our students into business-savvy professionals, who possess the knowledge, poise and work ethic to confidently face the demands of the entertainment industry.
AMDA Legacy Scholarship Program
AMDA is so pleased to announce the AMDA Legacy Scholarship Program which will offer special tuition scholarships for the children and grandchildren of AMDA Alumni.
For further information, contact AMDA's Legacy Scholarship Advisor, MaryAnn Saenz, at 323-603-5941 or mwillett@amda.edu.
Note: the amount of the AMDA Legacy Scholarship award will vary based upon a number of factors including the student’s audition, application, letters of recommendation, and financial need.
Alumni Benefits
Generations of outstanding alumni have proven that success is the rule at AMDA, so you're in great company. From the silver screen to the stage and beyond, the possibilities for your future are boundless. As a member of the AMDA alumni community, you are also eligible for a number of specific benefits that will help you as a professional performing artist.
Get More Exposure Through the Alumni Directory
By registering for an AMDA 360Alumni Account, you will make yourself more visible to casting directors, agents and other industry professionals, giving them one more way to find you.
Network Through Our Social Media Community
Through AMDA's official Twitter Alumni and Facebook Alumni accounts, you can connect with your fellow alumni across the country and world, and learn about their most recent updates and career moves.
ATTEND ALUMNI WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
Through these intensive workshops sponsored by the Alumni department, you can return to AMDA virtually and in-person (when applicable) to refresh your skills and take classes in additional specialty areas, increasing your versatility as a performer. Workshop opportunities will be released via email throughout the year.
AMDA ON-DEMAND
Access a newly expanded library of video content created exclusively for AMDA students and alumni. The AMDA On-Demand library includes content regarding athletic performance, mental health, open fitness, open dance, and vocal heath. New videos will be uploaded weekly, so check back regularly.
Access to Practice Space
Frequently, AMDA is able to provide practice space for alumni to prepare for auditions. Alumni with valid Alumni ID may visit campus on the day-of to find out if space is available. Reserve space and view on-campus policies.
Alumni ID Request
Obtaining a Transcript
Your Student Portal can be used to print unofficial transcripts of your coursework and grades. For an official transcript from AMDA, please submit a Transcript Request form to the Education Department as directed on the form.
Get Career Guidance When You Need It
As you begin to transform your unique talents into a rewarding career as an AMDA graduate, we'll be there for you every step of the way. On our website, you can find many career resource links to help you make the most of the artistic foundation you worked so hard to build at AMDA.
Young Adult Health Insurance Benefits
Previously, graduation day was the day when millions of young adults lost their health insurance, making them one of the most vulnerable groups of Americans in the health insurance market. The new health reform law allows most young adults to join or remain on their parents' health care plan until their 26th birthday. Learn more at HealthCare.gov.
TheaterMania
Broadway, Off B'way, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, comedy, dance, drama, concerts, and more for only $4.50 a ticket. How? Theaters and producers need to fill up seats with excellent, attentive audiences to help build buzz and word of mouth. Theatermania's Gold Club proudly offers the AMDA community an exclusive 40% discount to join: $59 for an entire year! (regularly $99). For more information, and to join, log on or call 212-352-0255, ext. 105, for more information.
Take advantage of this offer and redeem the special rate.
AMDA NY Performance Request
You may request a digital link to your desired performance video.
Performance Request
AMDA NY Library
- Alumni may visit the library during the following days/times. The library is subject to close during school breaks and holidays. You can call the library at (212) 957-3315 to check current times.
- Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9:30pm
- Friday: 9am - 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 12pm - 7pm
Please note, only current AMDA students are eligible for circulation privileges.
The library also underwent a major renovation in Summer 2016 and any new guests or visitors should allow adequate time to familiarize themselves with new policies and procedures. AMDA NY now uses the Papercut ID system for current students and alumni. Alumni must obtain and bring this new ID card to the library in order to print or copy material in the collection. The new pricing for printer and copier services is $0.05/page in B&W and $0.10/page in Color. To request a Papercut ID for use at the AMDA NY Library, please email Stephanie Andersen one week in advance of visiting the library. In the email include 1) term and year of graduation, 2) current address, and 3) a recent headshot.
AMDA LA Library
- Alumni may visit the library during the following days/times. The library is subject to close during school breaks and holidays. You can call the library at (323) 603-5924to check current times.
- Monday - Thursday: 8am - 9pm
- Friday: 8am - 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 1pm - 6pm
Please note, only current AMDA students are eligible for circulation privileges.
