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
Madeline Brewer
Best known for her roles as Janine Lindo in Hulu's Emmy- and Golden Globe-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 on Orange is the New Black, a paranoid schizophrenic on Stalker, a conflicted runaway nursing someone else’s child on Hemlock Grove and a reptilian gang member hell-bent on dominance on Grimm. Critics and fans praised Brewer’s performance throughout the entire Orange Is the New Black series, expressing devastation at Tricia’s tragic death. She has appeared in several feature films, starring as Ali in Hedgehog, Alice/Lola in the Netflix thriller Cam, Dawn in the 2019 summer blockbuster Hustlers, and Wendy in Hulu’s The Ultimate Playlist of Noise. In 2020, Madeline performed in Williamstown Theater Festival’s world premiere of Animals, presented on Audible. She is set to star as Liz in the upcoming film Space Oddity. Madeline has been featured in digital and print publications worldwide including Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and Elle, and graced the cover of Marie Claire as a fresh face making a mark in Hollywood.
Ray Fisher
Ray Fisher sprang onto the Hollywood blockbuster scene as DC universe’s half man/half machine Cyborg in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and The Justice League Part One. He stars as Cyborg in the Zack Snyder cut of Justice League, now streaming on HBO Max. 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 Oregon Shakespeare Festival and playing Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. He starred in the short comedic film The Good, the Bad, and the Confused. Television credits include Henry Hayes in HBO’s True Detective and Captain Edward Dwight in the ABC TV series The Astronaut Wives Club. Ray will star as Gene Mobley in ABC’s limited series Women of the Movement, based on the true story of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley.
Rizwan Manji
Rizwan Manji played recurring real estate agent Ray Butani in the beloved 2020 Emmy-sweeping Schitt’s Creek. Rizwan is perhaps best known for playing Rajiv, the hysterically officious, scheming assistant manager of a call center in the NBC comedy Outsourced. Part of the network’s prestigious Thursday night comedy lineup, this groundbreaking TV show was the first American sitcom to be based in India and feature a predominantly Indian cast. With a prolific career spanning more than 20 years to date, some of Rizwan’s memorable film credits include The Wolf of Wall Street, Charlie Wilson’s War, The Dictator, Transformers, Don Jon, Equals, The Tiger Hunter, Paterson, and the Canadian/Indian co-production Dr. Cabbie. Rizwan starred as Reverend Jax in the comedy Perfect Harmony, and has appeared on many popular TV shows including Mr. Robot, Glee, Arrested Development, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Without a Trace, NCIS and Bones. Rizwan’s other popular recurring role includes royal advisor Tick Pickwick in SyFy’s drama series The Magicians, based on Lev Grossman’s bestselling fantasy novels. Rizwan will star in the drama film Basement, and as Jamil in James Gunn’s upcoming HBO Max series and Suicide Squad spinoff, Peacemaker.
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 roles, Paul has garnered numerous accolades, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Ft. Lauderdale and Rhode Island International Film Festivals. Paul stars in the recently released indie thriller Bad Impulse.
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.
Schele Williams
Director, performer and activist Schele Williams made her Broadway debut in Aida in 2000 originating the role of Nehebka, and will direct the show's revival production premiering in Germany in spring 2022. She recently signed on to bring the feature film Hidden Figures to the stage in a musical adaptation for Broadway. In addition to theatrical productions, Schele notably directs events that push social justice forward, including People’s State of the Union, Uprising of Love, Defying Inequality, and From Broadway to Bourbon Street. She is the director for the NYU Center of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and is Chairperson of the Board of Broadway Inspirational Voices. Schele is one of the founding members of Black Theatre United. Most recently, Schele joined Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Board of Trustees and is the new Artistic Ambassador for TheatreWorks USA. Schele's new children's book Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History was released in September 2021.
Tyne Daly
Tony Award winner, six-time Emmy 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. Tyne’s previous Broadway roles include Katharine Gerard in Mothers and Sons, Maria Callas in Master Class, Nat in Rabbit Hole, Madame Arkadina in The Seagull, and Rose in Gypsy. 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 a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and 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 as Alice Henderson and Judging Amy as Maxine Gray.
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. Official transcripts may be ordered through Parchment and received by mail or electronically.
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.
