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Study in NY + LA: Integrated Certificate to BFA (Musical Theatre, Acting & Dance)

    Combine the NY Integrated Certificate Program with the LA BFA Music Theatre Degree Program to create a unique bi-coastal Degree track.

    • 4 Semesters on the New York Campus and 4 Semesters on the Los Angeles Campus
    • Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
    • Access to a Variety of Workshop and Performance Opportunities (NY/LA)
    • Access to AMDA’s Mainstage Production Opportunities (LA)
    • Culminates in Original Showcase Productions in New York City and Los Angeles
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Program Description +

The Integrated Certificate to BFA Program begins at AMDA’s NY Campus where a strong foundation in vocal technique, acting, and dance is developed to connect mind and body with each individual’s own creative and imaginative resources. Musical Theatre emphasis includes understanding and interpreting lyrics, musical accuracy, and physically engaged storytelling to create fully realized performances. Throughout the program, individual voice training helps support the breadth of courses provided each term. Experience an introductory level of General Education courses designed to complement AMDA's performance training. This portion of the program culminates in an original showcase experience.

The BFA Degree Program’s final four semesters at the LA Campus provides for vocal explorations beyond traditional Musical Theatre into contemporary vocal styles (Pop, Country, R&B), songwriting, classical voice, instrumental music, composition, music theory, and recording and producing. Additionally, there are a myriad of production opportunities for which students may audition. General Education courses provide for an even broader range of topics, continuing to deepen an actor’s understanding of the world while refining the ability to reason and communicate. Special attention is paid to the use of digital media for performing artists, providing access to visiting industry professionals and a final showcase performance.

Note: By completing the NY Certificate Program, students earn 60 credits towards the 120 credits needed to fulfill the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Students on this track will seamlessly transition from the NY Campus into the remaining four semesters at AMDA’s LA Campus to complete a BFA Degree.

Program Learning Outcomes +

Students completing the Integrated Certificate to BFA 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 sub-genres.
    • 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 music 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 +

  1. Summary of Required Courses

    Course Category KeyCredits
    NY Integrated Certificate (1800+ hours)60.0
    LA Music Theatre Foundation30.0
    LA General Education30.0
    Total Credits Prescribed120.0

  2. Sample Certificate Curriculum

    Year One Sample Curriculum

    clock hours/course ↓
    clock hours/week ↓

    First Term

    1100 Performing Arts Practicum I
    1.7 25.5
    1200 Acting I : Technique
    6.0 90.0
    1300 Musical Theatre I: Techniques
    7.0 105.0
    1320 Musical Theatre Film Lab I
    1.0 15.0
    1340 Sight Singing I
    2.0 30.0
    1400 Voice Production and Speech I
    4.0 60.0
    1500 Dance I: Theatre Dance
    2.0 30.0
    1511 Dance I: Tap
    2.0 30.0
    1521 Dance I: Jazz
    2.0 30.0
    1531 Dance I: Ballet
    2.0 30.0
    1600 Individual Voice I*
    1.0 20.0
    Total Clock Hours465.0
    clock hours/course ↓
    clock hours/week ↓

    Second Term

    2100 Performing Arts Practicum II
    1.7 25.5
    2200 Acting II: Beginning Scene Study
    6.0 90.0
    2300 Musical Theatre II: Performance Styles
    6.5 97.5
    2320 Musical Theatre Film Lab II
    1.0 15.0
    2340 Sight Singing II
    1.5 22.5
    2400 Voice Production and Speech II
    4.0 60.0
    2500 Dance II: Theatre Dance
    2.0 30.0
    2511 Dance II:Tap
    2.0 30.0
    2521 Dance II: Jazz
    2.0 30.0
    2531 Dance II: Ballet
    2.0 30.0
    2600 Individual Voice II*
    1.0 20.0
    Total Clock Hours450.5

    Year Two Sample Curriculum

    clock hours/course ↓
    clock hours/week ↓

    Third Term

    3100 Performing Arts Practicum III
    1.7 25.5
    3200 Acting III: Intermediate Scene Study
    6.5 97.5
    3300 Musical Theatre III: Scene Study, Duets and Ensemble
    9.0 135.0
    3400 Voice Production and Speech III
    4.0 60.0
    3500 Dance III: Theatre Dance
    2.0 30.0
    3511 Dance III: Tap
    2.0 30.0
    3521 Dance III: Jazz
    2.0 30.0
    3531 Dance III: Ballet
    2.0 30.0
    3600 Individual Voice III*
    1.0 20.0
    Total Clock Hours458.0
    clock hours/course ↓
    clock hours/week ↓

    Fourth Term

    4101 Career Preparation
    5.0 hrs / 2 weeks 10.0
    4201 Acting IV: Advanced Scene Study
    6.0 hrs / 4 weeks 24.0
    4200 Drama Performance Showcase**
    27.5 hrs / 5 weeks 145.0
    4260 Acting for Film and Television Workshop
    2.0 hrs / 4 weeks 8.0
    4262 Audition Techniques
    2.0 hrs / 4 weeks 8.0
    4265 Improvisation I: Foundations
    2.0 hrs / 4 weeks 8.0
    4266 Monolouges for Auditions***
    4.0 hrs / 5 weeks 22.0
    4300 Musical Theatre Performance Showcase**
    27.5 hrs / 5 weeks 145.0
    4310 Musical Theatre Preparation for Auditions***
    2 hrs / 8 weeks 16.0
    4500 Dance IV: Theatre Dance***
    2.0 hrs / 5 weeks 12.0
    4511 Dance IV: Tap***
    2.0 hrs / 5 weeks 11.0
    4521 Dance IV: Jazz/Ballet***
    2.0 hrs / 5 weeks 11.0
    4544 Dance Combinations for Auditions***
    2.0 hrs / 5 weeks 12.0
    4600 Individual Voice IV*
    1.0 20.0
    4710 Audition Preperation Seminar
    2.0 hrs / 1 week 2.0
    Total Clock Hours473.0

    *Individual Voice classes are shown as regular weekly hours. Calculations include one Saturday Master Class equaling 4 additional hours plus 1 hour voice demonstration.
    **Showcase hours per week are shown as regular hours. Calculations include Production Week and Saturday Technical Rehearsals equaling 7.5 additional hours.
    ***Class hours shown per week are shown as regular hours. Calculations include Panel Week and/or Final Demonstrations that add additional hours.


  3. Sample Additive Certificate to BFA Curriculum

    Fifth Term

    _SELECT ONE:2.0
    MT307 / MT307L Mastering the Musical Callback
    MT309 / MT309LFundamentals Comm'l Music Perf.
    IV301 Independent Voice0.5
    VS301 Vocal Coaching0.5
    AC226Wardrobe, Hair, Make-Up1.0
    _SELECT ONE:1.0
    MU141 Piano Fundamentals
    MU237 Large Ensemble: Broadway
    MU145 Songwriting: Piano Based
    MU150-1-3Guitar: Intro, Fundamentals
    VS200Vocal Anatomy & Physiology
    MU231Small Vocal Ensemble: Barbershop, Doo-Wop, Motown
    DN_111-113SELECT ONE:
    Ballet, Tap, Jazz
    1.0
    ENG101English Composition3.0
    _Select ONE:3.0
    SPC205Fundamentals of Oral Communication
    MAT200Problem Solving
    CRT200Applied Logic and Critical Thinking
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    HUM306 or 310Visual Art or
    Classic American Literature
    SOC203 or 207Intro to Psychology or
    Intro to Performance Psychology
    SCI214Health and Wellness
    Total Credits15.0

    Sixth Term

    MT327 /
    MT327L
    Creating new MT Character3.0
    MT329 /
    MT329L
    Comm'l Music Performance Techniques
    IV301Independent Voice 0.5
    VS301Vocal Coaching 0.5
    _SELECT ONE:1.0
    MU145Songwriting: Piano Based
    MU150-1-3Guitar: Fundamentals, Technique
    MU239Adv.Jazz Harmonies
    VS202Vocal Pedagogies: Classical & Contemporary
    MU237Large Ensemble: Broadway
    _SELECT ONE:1.0
    DN_111-113Ballet, Tap, Jazz
    _SELECT ONE:1.5
    SC100Stage Combat 1
    VP300IPA/Intro to Dialects
    AC122Improv 1
    PI___Assorted Finding Your Voice courses
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    SPC205Fundamentals of Oral Communication
    MAT200Problem Solving
    CRT200Applied Logic and Critical Thinking
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    HUM306 or 310Visual Art or Classic American Literature
    SOC203 or 207Intro to Psychology or
    Intro to Performance Psychology
    SCI214Health and Wellness
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    SOC304Intro to Sociology
    HUM332 or SOC300Politics & Plays 60's, 70's or
    Archetypal Psychology
    HUM312 or 318Creative Writing or
    Gender in Performance Arts
    Total Credits16.5

    Seventh Term

    MT417 / MT417LMT Company Rep. Roles3.0
    MT419 / MT419LMT Proj: Comm'l Music Proj.
    PI244Original Content Creation1.5
    FL418Media for the MT Performer2.0
    IV401Independent Voice0.5
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    SPC205Fundamentals of Oral Communication
    MAT200Problem Solving
    CRT200Applied Logic and Critical Thinking
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    HUM306 or 310Visual Art or
    Classic American Literature
    SOC203 or 207Intro to Psychology or
    Intro to Performance Psychology
    SCI214Health and Wellness
    _SELECT ONE:3.0
    SOC304Intro to Sociology
    HUM332 or SOC300Politics & Plays 60's, 70's or
    Archetypal Psychology
    HUM312 or 318Creative Writing or
    Gender in Performance Arts
    Total Credits16.0

    Eighth Term

    MT430BFA MT Sr. Showcase4.0
    MT404 / MT404LMusic Business Essentials1.5
    MT406Music Media2.0
    _SELECT ONE:1.0
    MT412MT Auditions: Essential Repertoire or
    MT410Comm'l Rep: Collaborative Songwriting
    _SELECT ONE:1.0
    MT413MT Auditions: Mock Panel or
    MT416Comm'l Music: Session Singing
    _SELECT ONE:1.0
    MT414MT Audtions: Specialty Categories or
    MT418Comm'l Music Home Studio Prod. For Vocalists
    IV402Independent Voice0.5
    _CHOOSE ONE:1.0
    MU231Small Vocal Ensemble: Barbershop, Doo-Wop, Motown
    DN_111-113Ballet, Tap, Jazz
    PI___Assorted Finding Your Voice courses
    _CHOOSE ONE:3.0
    SOC304Intro to Sociology
    HUM332 or SOC300Politics & Plays 60's, 70's or
    Archetypal Psychology
    HUM312 or 318Creative Writing or
    Gender in Performance Arts
    Total Credits15.0

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.

Female dancer in purple dress poses with support from two male dancers
A performer sings a solo as solemn cast, evenly spread about a stage remain silent
A singer in a tuxeduo sings with eyes closed into a condenser microphone
A group of performers in a variety of pastel-colored dresses sing in unison
A vaudevillian actress takes center-stage singing while the rest of the cast, both hands raised, sing backup
A singer in a black and white patterned dress and a red flower in her hair sings into a stand microphone
Two performers with suitcases in front of them, belt out notes with arms wide