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Bachelor of Arts Degree: Theatre Arts (Performance)

    Undergraduate Liberal Arts Degree in Theatre Arts with a focus in Performance, balanced with traditional general education coursework.

    • Note: This program is currently only offered in the Fall
    • Offered on the Los Angeles Campus
    • Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
    • Create, Produce, or Perform in Original Works Through AMDA’s Artists’ Lab
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Program Description +

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts Program is designed for students interested in pursuing a full range of academic study enhanced by specialized performing arts training. This eight-semester degree program includes access to foundational performing arts courses in acting, music and movement supplemented by varied studies in media and entertainment such as directing, theatre design, critique and analysis, and entertainment history. In this liberal arts degree program, students take dynamic course offerings in areas of study such as Arts and Humanities, the Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. With their acquired knowledge, students are prepared to work effectively in a variety of existing and emerging performing arts environments and related industries.

Program Learning Outcomes +

Students completing the BA Theatre Arts (Performance) program should be able to:

    • Demonstrate abilities to exhibit excellence in preparation, presentation, and credibility, incorporating these in the specific craft of theatre arts.
    • Demonstrate comprehension of the core concepts, processes, history, and theory of theatre and performance.
    • Implement analytical, conceptual and technical skills in a variety of performance practices.
    • Work effectively in groups, to create theatrical moments or events and solve production problems.
    • Demonstrate, across the various sub-fields, skills in personal discipline (organization, focus, energy commitment), effectively applied to theatrical problem- solving and the creation of theatrical moments and events.
    • Formulate constructive critical responses to theatrical phenomena.
    • Compare different theatrical forms, aesthetic values, or cultural contexts, as a way of deepening one’s technical skills and expanding one’s awareness of what is theatrically possible.
    • Ability in areas of performance and production or playwriting appropriate to individual needs and interests, consistent with the goals and objectives of the specific liberal arts degree program being followed.
    • An understanding of procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles.
    • Intermediate to advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations in creation, performance, scholarship, or teaching.

Curriculum +

Admission Requirements +

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL 8 steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

  1. Submit Your BA Application +

    To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.

    AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

    * If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.

  2. Complete Your AMDA Audition +

    Admission and scholarship consideration to AMDA require an audition. AMDA offers a robust calendar of auditions including regional auditions, campus auditions, live-online auditions and video submissions. Scheduling your audition will prompt a phone call with one of our enrollment specialists to help you prepare for a successful audition.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: To better prepare for your AMDA audition, we strongly encourage ALL applicants to review the Audition Instructions page prior to scheduling an audition or submitting a video submission.
  3. SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +

    1. Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it. (500-word minimum)
  4. Submit Letter(s) of Recommendation +

    Please request and submit letters of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

  5. Submit your Academic Records/Transcripts +

    Send an official transcript from your high school and (if applicable) college. Official transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

    The following options are available for submitting your official transcripts:

    1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.

    2. If your high school or college does not use Parchment, please send the transcript request form to your guidance counselor/transcript office and request that they send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the address on the form.


    IMPORTANT NOTE: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for an expedited admissions decision. However, final official transcripts from every attended institution must be submitted prior to enrollment.

  6. Phone interview with Admissions +

    This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.

  7. Submit Two Minute Personal Video (Recommended) +

    We would be delighted to hear more about you! This should be a two minute video to tell us more about yourself. We have listed four topic suggestions as examples below. Feel free to use one or more of these, or select a topic of your choice. We highly recommend taking this opportunity to tell us more about yourself!

    1. What has been one of the best experiences in your life and what made it so special and valuable?
    2. Please describe your interest in theatre.
    3. In addition to theatre, please tell us about one of your other passions.
    4. Please tell us about a meaningful experience you have had participating in your community (school, neighborhood, local organization, etc.)
  8. Provide SAT/ACT Scores (Optional) +

    Although not required for admission to AMDA, we welcome your SAT/ACT scores if you would like to share them with us. Scores may be mailed to:

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023
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