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Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree: Music Theatre

    Undergraduate Degree in Musical Theatre, Acting, and Dance.

    • Offered on the Los Angeles Campus (See Integrated 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
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Program Description +

T he Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music Theatre program offers an essential blend of music, acting and dance training for aspiring Music Theatre artists. This immersive, performance-based degree program gives students the tools necessary for a career in contemporary music theatre performance blended with a range of academic studies, resulting in a well-rounded theatre arts education. Fundamental curriculum includes individual voice instruction, piano and sightsinging to help establish a strong musical foundation. AMDA’s clearly defined approach to vocal performance encourages a genuine union of music and lyrics that students then apply to a variety of musical genres. Companion courses in acting techniques, scene study, acting for the camera, music for the individual artist and voice production and speech help students forge the skills needed for creating transcendent performances on stage, screen and in the recording studio.

Program Learning Outcomes +

Students completing the BFA Music Theatre program should be able to:

    • Create convincing, compelling characters performed with vocal, physical and emotional specificity.
    • Perform a variety of musical styles with a synthesis of acting, singing and movement skills.
    • Present a professional audition music portfolio, containing historical and contemporary styles and a variety of music theatre subgenres.
    • Utilize healthy vocal techniques.
    • Demonstrate competency in musicianship, keyboarding and aural skills.
    • Perform harmonies based on professional ensemble work.
    • Identify historical and cultural dimensions of musical theatre, including the works of leading musical librettists, lyricists and composers.
    • Apply standard entertainment industry business practices regarding preparation, communication and professionalism.
    • Engage in a collaborative production process.

Curriculum +

Admission Requirements +

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.

  1. 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*.

    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. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

    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: 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.

Multiple dancers in matching white costumes frolic in synchrony
Two dancers share an intimate interpretive dance
A dancer strikes a triangular pose with his elbow and gaze towards the sky as he is filmed
A dancer moves into the embracing support of another while a third dancer walks past in the background
A dancing duet with one dancer supporting the standing splits of the foremost of the pair
A dancer in a long white dress dips backwards with the assistance of another's embrace
A dancer wearing an unmarked jersey strikes a pose with arms lifted and both palms pushing outwards the ground