AMDA | BFA Acting for Camera | Performance Arts School in Los Angeles

Undergraduate Degree in Acting for Camera.

- Offered on the Los Angeles Campus (See Acting for Camera Certificate to BFA for NY Campus Option)
- Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
- Access to AMDA’s Mainstage Production Opportunities
- Culminates in an Original Showcase Production in Los Angeles

Program Description +−

AMDA’s BFA Acting for Camera program offers a wide range of training for film, television, stage, and new media, with numerous opportunities to gain production and performance experience. Students are immediately immersed in technique-building coursework that provides for facile adaptation between camera and stage performance. Early coursework provides for imaginative and creative exploration while developing essential vocal and physical skills expected of professional working actors. The study of various historical and contemporary periods of film and television provide students contexts that help inform and shape their identity as a performing artist. Training includes development in skills considered integral to on-camera performance such as: improvisation, movement, combat, voice acting, as well as explorations of classical text and various film and TV acting genres.

A thoroughly prepared on-camera professional must understand and navigate all facets of the Film/TV industry, which is why advanced curricula is designed to expand the actor’s depth of knowledge, skills and confidence through courses in Screenwriting, Content Creation, Editing, and Filmmaking and Production. Complimenting performance training, AMDA’s General Education courses increase the actors' understanding of their worlds, their critical reasoning, and their abilities to express themselves in an informed and effective manner. The program’s final semester is designed to prepare students for an exciting transition into the professional performing arts industry. Through curricula focused on Industry and Networking, Sample Performance Reels, Audition Preparation and a culminating Capstone Production blending live stage and filmed performances, AMDA helps prepare students to launch their careers as artists, content creators, visionaries, lifelong learners, and conscientious citizens of the world.

Program Learning Outcomes +−

Students completing the BFA Acting for Camera program should be able to:

- Create convincing, compelling characters performed with vocal, physical, and emotional specificity.
- Demonstrate the use of objectives, obstacles, actions, subtext, and text.
- Speak in a supported manner, free of tension and appropriate for the demands of film and television.
- Stand and move utilizing an aligned spine, free of unintended physical tension and mannerisms.
- Apply historical insights and critical analysis to the performance of a screenplay from a variety of periods, styles, and genres.
- Apply standard entertainment industry business practices regarding preparation, communication, and professionalism.
- Engage in a collaborative production process.
- Develop original projects within the paradigm of the film and television industry.
- Demonstrate technical knowledge of equipment and processes used for filmmaking, including pre-production, production and postproduction elements.

Curriculum +−

Sample Curriculum

Total Credits 15.5
First Semester Sample Curriculum
AC122 Improvisation I: Foundations 1.5
CM100 On Camera Acting I: Technique 2.5
CM102 Acting I: Techniques 2.5
CM104 Screenwriting I: Technique 1.5
DN150 Dance & Movement for the Performing Artist I 1.0
GE Foundational College Writing 3.0
FL150 TV History Survey 1.0
FS100 First-Semester Seminars 0.5
VP140 Voice Production and Speech I: Foundations 2.0

Total Credits 15.5
Second Semester Sample Curriculum
AC110 Acting II: Contemporary Scene Study 2.5
AC123 Improvisation II: Techniques 1.5
CM110 On Camera Acting II: Scene Study 2.5
CM114 Screenwriting II: Development 2.0
GE Foundational Communications 3.0
DN170 Dance & Movement for the Performing Artist II 1.0
FL151 Film Styles 1.5
VP141 Voice Production and Speech II: Techniques 1.5

Total Credits 15.0
Third Semester Sample Curriculum
CM200 On Camera Acting III: Genre and Styles 2.5
CM202 Screenwriting III: Screenwriting for Performance 3
CM220 Introduction to Filmmaking and Production 2.5
CM230 Introduction to Auditioning for Film & TV 1.0
GE Foundation Critical Thinking 3.0
SC100 Stage Combat I: Unarmed 1.5
Select one of the following courses: 1.5
AC234 Improvisation for the Camera
MT338 Ensemble Singing

Total Credits 15.0
Fourth Semester Sample Curriculum
AC220 Introduction to Shakespeare 2.0
CM210 On Camera Acting: Crafting the Role 3.5
CM251 Introduction to Editing 1.5
CM324 Script Analysis 2.0
GE Foundational Quantitative Reasoning 3.0
GE Arts & Humanities (Lower) 3.0

Total Credits 15.5
Fifth Semester Sample Curriculum
AC342 Acting for TV: Procedural Dramas 2.0
AC333 Shakespeare on Camera 3.5
CM226 Wardrobe, Makeup and Hair for Film and TV 1.0
AC318 Career Preparation 1.0
GE Foundational Physical & Biological Sciences 3.0
GE Social & Behavioral Sciences (Lower) 3.0
FL260 Shoot for the Edit 2.0

Total Credits 15.5
Sixth Semester Sample Curriculum
CM320 Advanced Filmmaking and Production
AC334 Reality & the Actor: Structured Technique of Reality Television 2.0
CM314 Screenwriting IV: Short Films 2.0
FL251 Streaming, the New Golden Era of Film & TV 1.0
GE Information and Digital Literacy 3.0
GE Social & Behavioral Sciences (Upper) 3.0
AC313 Voice Acting 1.5

Total Credits 15.0
Seventh Semester Sample Curriculum
AC347 Performance Techniques for Interviewers, Hosts and Spokespeople 1.5
CM351 Editing: The Invisible Art 2.0
GE Arts & Humanities (Upper) 3.0
CM420 Creating Short Films 4.0
AC410 Relevant Roles 3.0
AC345 Audiobooks, Podcasts and Voiceover 1.5

Total Credits 15.5
Eighth Semester Sample Curriculum
CM412 Industry and Networking: Business Essentials 1.5
CM415 Sample Performance Reels 3.0
CM330 Mock Auditions for Film, TV, and Stage 2.0
CM430 BFA CAM Capstone Production 4.0
AC435 Acting for Mockumentary 2.0
AC434 Acting for Half Hour Television Comedy 3.0

Admission Requirements +−

Domestic

International

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL 6 steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

Submit Your Application +−

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

AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp and Royall VIP. 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.
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.
Schedule Audition
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.
SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Towards the bottom of the application, space is provided for you to write a personal essay (500 words minimum) on the following topic: "Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it." Remember, this is an important part of your application, so answer thoughtfully!

If you submitted your application but still need to submit your essay, click the button below.

Submit Your Essay
Submit One Letter of Recommendation +−

Please request and submit one letter 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.

Recommendation Form
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. Please select one of the following options for submitting your official transcripts:
1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.
  
  Parchment Request
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.
  
  Transcript Request
Important Note: 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.

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL 7 steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

Submit Your Application +−

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

AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp and Royall VIP. 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.
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.
Schedule Audition
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.
SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Towards the bottom of the application, space is provided for you to write a personal essay (500 words minimum) on the following topic: "Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it." Remember, this is an important part of your application, so answer thoughtfully!

If you submitted your application but still need to submit your essay, click the button below.

Submit Your Essay
Submit One Letter of Recommendation +−

Request a Letter of Recommendation from your teacher, guidance counselor, director, coach or anyone familiar with your work and potential as an actor, singer, or dancer. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated by the person making the recommendation. AMDA has a recommendation form that you can send to your reference to facilitate the process. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

Recommendation Form
Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−
The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's 2-year and 4-year programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent on other grading systems. The following requirements are effective as of November 30, 2018.
1. Official transcripts and academic records or certified copies of your academic records MUST be mailed to AMDA at the address below in an unopened, sealed envelope.
2. International applicants who have already graduated from high school and/or who have taken any post-secondary college-level course work must send their Academic Records (transcripts and diplomas from all educational institutions attended) with proof of graduation.
3. International applicants who have not yet graduated from high school must submit an in-progress academic record (transcript) up to and including the most recent term or year that they have completed, along with an official letter from their high school stating the applicant's intended graduation date, and including a notarized translation if the records are not in English.
4. If your transcripts and academic records are not in English, you must submit an official, notarized, word-for-word, literal translation for all academic records (transcripts and diplomas). Translations can be done in your home country by a bona fide translator.
5. Final, official academic records must be received by AMDA in a sealed envelope before the start of classes-along with any translations-as noted above. Documents can be received by registered mail or by courier, to ensure there is a tracking number, sent electronically via Parchment by the school, or hand-delivered at AMDA's class registration. Official certified copies of all academic records can be submitted in lieu of original records.
AMDA mailing and email address:
AMDA – Records Department
211 West 61st Street
New York, NY 10023
docs@amda.edu
- If your academic transcripts follow a different grading system from the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−
  1. Contact an approved international credential evaluation agency and request a complete evaluation for all your academic records (transcripts and diplomas) from every educational institution that you listed in your application. AMDA accepts official evaluations done by any of the following NACES-approved credential evaluation agencies: myiee.org, spantran.com, gceus.com, ierf.com, wes.org or ece.org. Students are responsible for all fees associated with NACES-approved evaluation services.
    
    If you choose Spantran to do your evaluation, please use the Spantran Application For AMDA
    
    If you choose IEE to do your evaluation, please use the IEE Application for AMDA
  2. You will also need to follow any specific translation instructions the agency may require on their website.
  3. Completed evaluations MUST include proof of graduation, graduation date and a calculated U.S. GPA equivalent.
  4. Once the evaluation is completed, it must be sent in an unopened, sealed envelope to the address indicated above or emailed directly by the evaluation agency to docs@amda.edu.
- If your academic transcripts follow the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−
  Transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. You can do this in either of these 2 ways:
  1. Contact your guidance counselor or your school's transcript office and have them send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the transcript request form.
  2. Request your transcripts free of charge via Parchment Service if your school is a participating member.

Submit Proof of English Proficiency +−

English is the language of instruction for all AMDA programs. The better your command of English, the more likely you are to succeed. Therefore, all international students from non-English speaking countries are required to provide proof of an acceptable level of English proficiency. This can be done in one of several ways:

You may provide proof of English language proficiency by passing any one of the following 11 AMDA -approved English language proficiency examinations +−

Testing must have been completed no more than two years prior to the date of your application to AMDA. Test results must be received by AMDA directly from the testing service. Below is a list of the approved examinations and minimum scores for "Direct Admission" into AMDA's 2-year AOS or Certificate programs and 4-year degree granting programs.

Test Name	Minimum Score for AMDA's 2-Year AOS or Certificate Programs	Minimum Score for AMDA's 4-Year Degree Granting Programs
Duolingo English Test	95	100
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) AMDA New York School Code for TOEFL is C064 AMDA Los Angeles School Code for TOEFL is 8571	70 iBT	79 iBT
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)	6	6.5
Cambridge English Language Assessment	B2	C1
EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency	Pre-1	Pre-1
Elash 2 Test	137	150
International Test in English Proficiency (iTEP)	3.7	3.9
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)	73	76
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)	50	53
SAT: (previous Sat)	500 on the SAT Critical Reading	500 on the SAT Critical Reading
SAT: (redesigned SAT)	550 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam	550 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam
ACT	20 on the ACT English exam	20 on the ACT English exam
Cambridge Certificate of Education in one of the following exams: GCSE, IGCSE, CSEC, O-Levels, AS-Level, or A-Levels	"C" or Better in English	"C" or better in English
International Baccalaureate (IB)	"5" or better on the "English A" Higher Level (HL) Examination.	"5" or better on the "English A" Higher Level (HL) Examination.

By successfully completing an ESL pathway program at one of our partnering institutions or at another accredited ESL pathway program* +−
*Please note: All independent ESL pathway programs must be accredited by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA) or by the American Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). This does not apply to ESL programs affiliated with regionally or nationally accredited institutions of higher education.
- If you choose to enroll into an ESL pathway programs, you should apply to both the ESL school for "Direct Admission" and to AMDA for "Conditional Admission". Conditional Admission is also known as "Conditional Acceptance". Your initial I-20 for the F-1 visa will be issued by the ESL school.
- To obtain Conditional Acceptance at AMDA, you must complete all other components of the admissions process, except for the proof of English language proficiency. Your personal essay and audition may be submitted whenever you believe you are adequately fluent in English to prepare them competently. This will most likely be in the final months of your English language training at the ESL school.
- To obtain Direct Acceptance at AMDA, you must submit a certificate of completion or official transcript from the ESL pathway center confirming that you have successfully completed your English language training for academic purposes. This will also allow you to obtain a new AMDA I-20 and successfully transfer your SEVIS record to AMDA for F-1 visa and U.S. immigration purposes. Once you complete this part of the process, you will be able to begin taking classes at AMDA as a full-time international student.
- AMDA's 2-year AOS or Certificate programs require the successful completion of an "Intermediate Advanced" level of ESL training for academic purposes. AMDA's 4-year degree granting programs require the successful completion of a "High Advanced" level of ESL training for academic purposes.
You may also offer proof of English language proficiency by providing any one of the following +−
- A high school diploma from a four-year U.S. high school with a letter from the institution verifying that you graduated without ESL support. Please note, GED Diplomas are not accepted.
- Completion of a transferable non-ESL English composition course- with a grade of "C" or better-from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S institution of higher education (a 2-year college or a 4-year college or university).
- An official transcript from an international/non-U.S. high school, college or university which you attended for a minimum of three years. The institution must be accredited by its home country's Ministry of Education (MoE) or Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). The transcript must also be accompanied by a letter from the institution verifying that the language of instruction was English.
- An associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from the U.S. or overseas campus of an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
- A high school diploma or post secondary degree from one of the following countries:
  - Anguilla
  - Antigua & Barbuda
  - Ascension
  - Australia
  - Bahamas
  - Barbados
  - Belize
  - Bermuda
  - Bhutan
  - Botswana
  - British Virgin Islands
  - Canada (Except Quebec)
  - Cayman Islands
  - Dominica
  - England (UK)
  - Eritrea
  - Fiji
  - Gambia
  - Ghana
  - Gibraltar
  - Grenada
  - Guyana
  - Ireland (Northern) (UK)
  - Ireland (Republic of)
  - Jamaica
  - Kenya
  - Kiribati
  - Lesotho
  - Liberia
  - Malawi
  - Marshall Islands
  - Mauritius
  - Montserrat
  - Namibia
  - Nauru
  - New Zealand
  - Nigeria
  - Papua New Guinea
  - Puerto Rico (US Commonwealth)
  - Rwanda
  - Saint Helena
  - Saint Kitts & Nevis
  - Saint Lucia
  - Saint Maarten
  - Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
  - Scotland (UK)
  - Sierra Leone
  - Singapore
  - Solomon Islands
  - Swaziland
  - Tanzania
  - Tonga
  - Trinidad & Tobago
  - Turks and Caicos Islands
  - Tuvalu
  - Uganda
  - US Virgin Islands
  - Wales (UK)
  - Zimbabwe

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Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree: Acting for Camera

Program Description +−

Program Learning Outcomes +−

Curriculum +−

Sample Curriculum

First Semester Sample Curriculum

Second Semester Sample Curriculum

Third Semester Sample Curriculum

Fourth Semester Sample Curriculum

Fifth Semester Sample Curriculum

Sixth Semester Sample Curriculum

Seventh Semester Sample Curriculum

Eighth Semester Sample Curriculum

Admission Requirements +−

Submit Your Application +−

Complete Your AMDA Audition +−

Phone interview with Admissions +−

SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Submit One Letter of Recommendation +−

Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−

Submit Your Application +−

Complete Your AMDA Audition +−

Phone interview with Admissions +−

SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Submit One Letter of Recommendation +−

Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−

If your academic transcripts follow a different grading system from the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−

If your academic transcripts follow the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−

Submit Proof of English Proficiency +−

You may provide proof of English language proficiency by passing any one of the following 11 AMDA -approved English language proficiency examinations +−

By successfully completing an ESL pathway program at one of our partnering institutions or at another accredited ESL pathway program* +−

You may also offer proof of English language proficiency by providing any one of the following +−