AMDA | AMDA | BFA Dance Theatre & Creative Content Development

Undergraduate Degree in Performing Arts with a concentration in Dance Theatre and Creative Content Development.

- Now Accepting Applications for Spring 2022
- Offered on the Los Angeles Campus (See Dance Theatre Certificate to BFA for NY Campus Option)
- Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
- Access to AMDA’s Mainstage Production Opportunities
- Create, Produce, or Perform in Original Works Through AMDA’s Artists’ Lab
- Culminates in an Original Showcase Production

Program Description +−

The BFA Performing Arts (Dance Theatre & Creative Content Development) Degree Program is designed for intermediate to advanced dance artists seeking to enhance performance skills while developing original works tailored to an individual’s performance passion. Intensive dance theatre performance training is blended with academic studies designed for today’s multi-disciplinary movement artists. Productions and performances enhance the program’s offerings and provide opportunities for bringing artistic projects to life. Throughout the program students engage and collaborate with artists from multiple disciplines and backgrounds. This community-building approach creates an environment rich with diverse, global perspectives that inspire creativity and learning. In preparation for careers such as performers, choreographers, content creators, directors, and producers, students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, advanced collaboration skills, and an acute understanding of contemporary media literacy. The rich breadth of this program prepares students to compete within the ever-changing demands of the entertainment industry.

Program Learning Outcomes +−

Students completing the BFA Performing Arts (Dance Theatre & Creative Content Development) program should be able to:

- Demonstrate well-rounded development in the performing arts, including critical thinking skills, advanced-level skills in performing arts, and enhanced creativity.
- 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 phenomenon.
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of make-up techniques and materials.
- Apply business practices to the promotion and maintenance of a sustainable career within the performing arts and performing arts adjacent industries.
- Understand and apply multiple theories of seeing, making, and practicing dance theatre in creative performance.
- Apply the principles of dance training, choreography, and dance performance.
- Demonstrate the ability to cultivate an idea from concept to production-ready, finished product.
- Engage in a collaborative production process by applying standard entertainment industry practices regarding preparation, communication, and professionalism.
- Demonstrate an understanding of breadth of the concept of the construction of media, the factors and participants in its negotiated meaning, the various aesthetic forms of media, and its commercial, social, and political implications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of strategic approaches to content development, innovation, and delivery in the performing arts.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the essential business practices that are needed to bring creative projects to fruition.

Curriculum +−

Program Category KeyCredits
Dance Theatre Performance 61.0
Creative Content Development 31.0
General Education30.0
Total Program Credits122.5

Sample Curriculum

Total Credits 15.0
First Semester Sample Curriculum
AC116 Acting Fundamentals 1.5
Select three of the following courses: 3.0
DCB111-113 Core Techniques: Classical Ballet Foundations*
DCO111-113 Core Techniques: Contemporary Ballet Foundations*
DCC111-113 Core Techniques: Contemporary Foundations*
DCJ111-113 Core Techniques: Classic Jazz Foundations*
DN130 Fitness and Injury Prevention 1.5
DN140 Iconic Dance Theatre Pop Culture 1.0
DTP101 Dance Theatre Project I 2.0
CCD210 Introduction to Contemporary Media Industry 1.5
CCD101 Idea Origination 1.5
ENG111 English Composition for the Performing Artist 3.0

Total Credits 16.0
Second Semester Sample Curriculum
DCB111-113 Core Techniques: Classical Ballet Foundations* 1.0
DCH111-113 Core Techniques: Hip Hop Foundations* 1.0
DCM111-113 Core Techniques: Modern Foundations* 1.0
DCZ111-113 Core Techniques: Commercial Jazz* 1.0
DN141 Iconic: Dance Theatre History 1.0
DNB111-113 Ballet 1.0
DNJ111-113 Jazz 1.0
DNM111-113 Modern 1.0
DTP102 Dance Theatre Project II 2.0
CCD201 Art of the Pitch 3.0
SPC210 Communication & Rhetoric for the Creator 3.0
Total First Year Program Credits31.0

Total Credits 15.0
Third Semester Sample Curriculum
DCB111-113 Core Techniques: Classical Ballet Foundations* 1.0
DCJ111-113 Core Techniques: Classic Jazz Foundations* 1.0
DCO111-113 Core Techniques: Contemporary Ballet Foundations* 1.0
DCS111-113 Core Techniques: Broadway Styles/Theatre Dance* 1.0
DNB111-113 Ballet 1.0
DNJ111-113 Jazz 1.0
DNT111-113 Tap 1.0
DTP201 Dance Theatre Project III 2.0
CCD315 Kinetic Storytelling 2.0
CCD307 Introduction to Transmedia Narratives 1.0
HUM228 Introduction to Ethics: Through the Lens of Modern Film 3.0

Total Credits 16.0
Fourth Semester Sample Curriculum
DTP202 Dance Theatre Project IV 2.0
Select two of the following courses: 2.0
DCB111-113 Core Techniques: Classical Ballet Foundations* (Choose 2 of 4)
DCH111-113 Core Techniques: Hip Hop Foundations* (Choose 2 of 4)
DCM111-113 Core Techniques: Modern Foundations* (Choose 2 of 4)
DCZ111-113 Core Techniques: Commercial Jazz* (Choose 2 of 4)
CCD310 Digital Tools for Creating Content 1.5
CCD306 Introduction to Content Marketing Strategy 1.5
Select one of the following courses: 3.0
CCD301 (Choice) Writing Narratives for Performance I
CCD305 (Choice) Score/Song Writing I
DN406 (Choice) Choreography I
SOC207 Introduction to Performance Psychology 3.0
FIN200 Finance for the Creator 3.0
Total Second Year Program Credits31.0

Total Credits 15.0
Fifth Semester Sample Curriculum
AC226 Wardrobe, Make-Up and Hair 1.0
DTO301 Dance Theatre Company V 2.0
DC_11_ "Core Techniques* (choose 1 of 4)
DN_11_ Ballet or Jazz 1.0
DN_11_ Dance Specialty (Latin Jazz or Haitian Dance) 1.0
Select one of the following courses: 3.0
CCD301, CCD401 (Choice) Writing Narratives for Performance I/II
CCD305, CCD405 (Choice) Score/Song Writing I/II
DN406, DN407 (Choice) Choreography I/II
HUM312 Creative Writing 3.0
ANT210 Anthropology of the Performing Arts 3.0

Total Credits 15.0
Sixth Semester Sample Curriculum
DNO302 Dance Theatre Company VI 2.0
DC_11_ "Core Techniques* (choose 1 of 4)
DN_11_ Ballet or Jazz 1.0
DN_11_ Dance Specialty (Tap, Bollywood, Heels or Hip-Hop) 2.0
DN342 Dance Theatre: Kinetic Storytelling for the Camera I 3.0
ART307 The Art of Visual Branding 3.0
SCI215 Health and Wellness for the Performer 3.0
Total Third Year Program Credits30.0

Total Credits 15.0
Seventh Semester Sample Curriculum
AC422 Art of the Monologue 1.0
DNO401 Dance Theatre Company VII 2.0
DN_11_ Ballet or Jazz 1.0
DC_11_ "Core Techniques* (choose 2 of 4) 2.0
DN_11_ Dance Specialty (Ballroom, Latin Fusion, Song and Dance or Street Jazz/Jazz Funk) 2.0
CCD410 Digital Tools for Creating Content II 1.0
DN310 Career Prep for Dance Theatre 3.0
HUM318 Gender in the Performing Arts 3.0

Total Credits 15.5
Eighth Semester Sample Curriculum
DC_11_ "Core Techniques (choose 1 of 4) 1.0
DN303 Dance Theatre: Audition Techniques 1.0
DN410 Dance Theatre: Reels 1.5
DN430 Dance Theatre Production Showcase 4.0
DN_11_ Ballet or Jazz 1.0
DN_11_ Dance Specialty (Tap or Contemporary Partnering) 1.0
CCD420 Media for the Performer 3.0
DN420 Industry and Networking: Business Essentials for Dancers 3.0
Total Fourth Year Program Credits30.5
Total Program Credits122.5

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 specialist (or another term for call center) 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, and for you to tell us about your educational background, and your interest in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts at 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 two 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.

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 specialist (or another term for call center) 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, and for you to tell us about your educational background, and your interest in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts at 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, even if you have emailed us your unofficial transcripts.
2. Unofficial transcripts are ONLY accepted to facilitate making an expedited decision on your application. Unofficial transcripts can be emailed to docs@amda.edu.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 five 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: Performing Arts (Dance Theatre & Creative Content Development)

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 five 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 +−