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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Jason Derulo
Multi-platinum selling recording singer, songwriter, dancer, and Tik-Tok sensation Jason Derulo has sold over 50 million singles, having written songs for such international artists as Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Diddy and Sean Kingston. He is a five-time award recipient at the BMI Pop Awards, was crowned Songwriter of the Year in 2011, won three Teen Choice Awards, and was nominated for an iHeart Radio Music Award for his collaboration with 2 Chainz on the song “Talk Dirty.” He released his fourth studio album Everything is 4, whose single “Want To Want Me” immediately went platinum. “Want to Want Me” broke the world record for most-added track in Top 40 radio, winning the 2017 Performance of the Year with Luke Bryan at the Country Music Television Music Awards. In 2020, Jason guest hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and headlined the 2020 Wawa Welcome America Concert. Jason’s latest hit "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" with Jawsh 685 and BTS soared to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Jason recently made his movie musical debut as Rum Tug Tugger in the film adaptation of Cats.
Christopher Sieber
Two-time Tony Award nominee Christopher Sieber has performed in 14 Broadway productions in just over 20 years, including Matilda the Musical (Miss Trunchbull), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Chicago (Billy Flynn), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon), Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), the revival of Pippin (King Charlemagne), and The Prom, where he originated the role of Trent Oliver. Christopher stars as “Harry” in the Broadway revival of Company. He received his first Tony Award nomination for his role in the original Broadway cast of Monty Python's Spamalot, earning his second Tony nomination for originating the height-challenged monarch Lord Farquaad in Broadway's Shrek the Musical alongside Sutton Foster and Brian D'Arcy James. On television, Christopher's prolific credits include ABC's Two of a Kind and It's All Relative, as well as guest star roles in Pushing Daisies, Sex and the City and The Good Wife. Recently, Christopher starred as “Count Dracula” in the podcast Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors, and premiered his RadioFree Birdland show, The Christopher Sieber Special.
Krystal Joy Brown
Krystal Joy Brown stars as Eliza in Broadway’s Hamilton. Previously, Krystal starred on Broadway as Diana Ross in Motown the Musical, receiving an Astaire Award nomination for Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show. Additional Broadway credits include Big Fish (Josephine Bloom), Leap of Faith (Astaire Award nomination), and Hair (Dionne, Abe Lincoln). She appeared Off-Broadway in Falling for Eve (Eve), the national tour of Rent (Mimi), and regionally in Calvin Berger (Rosanna), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), and High School Musical (Taylor at Paper Mill Playhouse). On television, she can be seen in the new Hallmark movie “One Royal Holiday,” and has been on “Law & Order: SVU,” “Deadbeat,” “Storyforia!” (Nickelodeon), “Castle” (ABC) and the 68th Annual Tony Awards. Krystal voices "Netossa" in Netflix's She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. As a songwriter, Krystal released her track “Shuffling and Looking Dumb,” and has had two of her works appear in NBC’s shows “The Neighbors” and “Mistresses.”
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.