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
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.”
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.
Tyne Daly
Six-time Emmy winner, Tony Award winner and American Theatre Hall of Fame inductee Tyne Daly recently played recurring character “Phyllis” in the Murphy Brown reboot, and starred as Evelyn in the romantic comedy Basmati Blues. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Tyne’s previous Broadway roles include Mothers and Sons (Katharine Gerard), Master Class (Maria Callas), Rabbit Hole (Nat), Angele Lansbury—A Celebration, The Seagull (Madame Arkadina), Gypsy (Rose), and That Summer—That Fall (1967). She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Gypsy, and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for Rabbit Hole. With over 97 film and TV credits to her name, Tyne won four Emmy Awards for her role in the 1980’s series “Cagney & Lacey,” as well as an Emmy Award for her performances in both CBS’ “Christy” (Alice Henderson) and “Judging Amy” (Maxine Gray).
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.
Ryan Ruiz
Advancing his dancing career on both coasts, Ryan Ruiz performed at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City’s renowned Lincoln Center for the world premiere of PEARL, a Chinese-American theatrical dance tribute inspired by the life of author Pearl S. Buck, the first woman to receive both the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Pulitzer Prize. Moving to the heart of Hollywood, Ruiz now dances professionally as a member of the LA Contemporary Dance Company and has worked with the Invertigo Dance Theatre, Hart Pulse Dance Company, Atlas Obscura and Core Contemporary Dance. “It was time for me to go off into the ‘real’ world, which I was prepared to take on because of my training and education from AMDA.”
Nina Arianda
Known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Vanda (Best Actress in a Leading Role) in the 2012 Broadway production of Venus in Fur, Nina Arianda also received a Tony nomination in 2011 for her portrayal of Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday. Nina received rave reviews as May in the Broadway production of Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love, after which she starred in numerous films including You Were Never Here and Florence Foster Jenkins. Additionally, she landed a role in The Humbling featuring Al Pacino as well as Lucky Them and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him, Her, and Them. Her other film credits include Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, Tower Heist starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, Win Win, and the upcoming animated comedy The Adventures of Drunky. Her television credits include “Billions” (Rebecca Cantu), NBC’s “Hannibal” (Molly Graham), ABC’s hit TV series “The Good Wife,” “30 Rock,” and “Hostages.” Nina currently plays Patty Solis-Papagian in Amazon Studios’ "Goliath,” which was renewed for its fourth and final season.
Kyle Scatliffe
Kyle Scatliffe made his Broadway debut as Enjolras in the Tony Award-nominated revival of Les Misérables. Kyle’s stellar performance was reprised and featured in the CBS broadcast of the 2014 Tony Awards. Kyle’s next Broadway role was Harpo in the 2015 Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple. After touring the country as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the national tour of Hamilton, Kyle reprised his role on Broadway before joining the company of Broadway’s To Kill A Mockingbird as Tom Robinson. The Broadway production of To Kill A Mockingbird went on to play a one-night-only performance at Madison Square Garden for a crowd of 18,000 public school students. Kyle made his West End debut as Haywood Patterson in London’s The Scottsboro Boys, earning a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Additional theatre credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney), Reginald: From Baltimore to Billionaire (Reginald F. Lewis), Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Jim) at the New York City Center, Ragtime (Coalhouse), Oklahoma! (Jud Fry), and A Christmas Carol: The Concert (Marley) with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, which was broadcast on PBS. Kyle has twice appeared in Broadway Unplugged, the critically-acclaimed annual Town Hall concert, and is a recurring guest at BroadwayCon. Kyle’s TV credits include the roles of Aaron Whittles in NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” and Grant in “Bull” on CBS.
Trai Byers
Currently recognized as Andre Lyon, the bi-polar CFO in Fox’s hit drama series “Empire.” “Empire” tells the story of hip-hop recording company Empire Enterprises, where Trai plays Andre Lyon, the business-savvy CFO of his father’s company. Trai also appeared in the powerful film Selma, which received four Golden Globe Award nominations as well an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Glory”). Trai played executive officer of the SNCC James Forman, who worked with the black community in Selma for two years prior to Martin Luther King’s arrival. Trai’s other film credits include Americons and Jayhawkers, with television roles including “All My Children” (Mookie) and “90210” (Alec Martin). Trai stars as Boston in The 24th.
Continuing Education for AMDA Alumni
Looking to continue your education at AMDA? The Los Angeles campus offers the following options:
Graduate Programs
AMDA Bachelor’s Degree Graduates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Theatre or Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Theatre and Media degree.
Apply for Graduate Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts Programs
AMDA Associate of Occupational Studies Degree and Certificate Graduates are eligible to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Theatre or Performing Arts by transferring in 60 performance credits and completing 30 performance and 30 general education credits.
Note: Additional coursework may be required if you are applying for a BFA Program outside of your AOS or Conservatory discipline.
Apply for BFA Degree
Associate of Occupational Studies Programs
AMDA Certificate Graduates are eligible to earn an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Acting, Musical Theatre or Dance Theatre by transferring in 60 performance credits and completing the general education requirements.
Note: Additional coursework may be required as per current degree completion requirements and/or if applying for an AOS Program outside of the original discipline.
Apply for AOS Degree
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.
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.
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) 603-5924 to 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.
