<p>Hi everyone! I have read through a bunch of these for a while now, and am so indebted to all of the information given here.</p>
<p>I am into straight acting moreso than MT. I would consider myself an actor who can sing very well, so I'm looking to study straight acting. I'm posting here primarily because this seems to be a more active area than the 'Arts Major" section.</p>
<p>I've tried the whole liberal arts, 4 year, BA program already and it's just not for me, so now I'm auditioning for 2 year programs in NYC. I've already auditioned for Circle in the Square's full time acting program and if that doesn't work out I'm going to audition for Atlantic Theatre Company. Others I have been looking at are Stella Adler and AADA as a last resort - I took a summer intensive at AADA, however the school just didn't gel with me. Another option I have is AMDA's studio program.</p>
<p>Now I've read the many posts on here and Broadwayworld.com and they have all been extremely negative in describing the school's integrated (MT) program. But I have not seen much of anything describing the reputation/quality of their studio (straight acting) program. </p>
<p>My only personal qualms with the school are the expenses, the fact that you can't perform while you're there, and the seemingly universal negative reputation of it. However the acting program looks really solid and looking at the faculty (I read everyone's bio) many of the teachers have worked professionally in the field their teaching plus they have taught at some of the top schools in the country (and a few in the UK) for acting. </p>
<p>From what I've heard though, if you're some of the "better" students they accept, you'll get the better teachers. I don't know if I should put much truth to that simply because all the faculty looks good and every school has teachers that have passed their enjoyment of teaching and are now just in it for the paycheck, it happens even in the top schools. I've also heard the horror stories of people being immediately written off at an audition simply because they went to AMDA. But you can't deny the fact that they have many successful alumni, and not just ones that have graduated 10+ years ago, recent ones as well.</p>
<p>So if anyone can give me some real insight on this school/program, I'd be forever grateful simply because this seems like a great program but it's hard not to be scared by what so many people say about it.</p>
<p>i was in the same boat when i auditioned for AMDA. I was using it as a safety, but i know that it really wasnt at all. At my audition there were people from all over the world, and i got a great vibe from everyone at the school. Its in the middle of NYC, their teachers are phenomenal, they have more impressive alumni than most other schools (granted they take a lot more students) so its hard to look at them with the stigma that the theatre world has shunned upon them. Honestly, a school is what you make out of it. If you are talented, no matter where you went, and are most importnantly driven, youll get where you want to be. AMDA is a school that trains people, some good, some bad, but there is no way you can go there and get nothing out of the education. its perfectly located and a legitamately good program from what ive gotten through my own expiriences...and if you are going for musical theatre, you can even go to the new school for two years after amda and get your BFA, so i dont really see any disadvantages except for the reputation.</p>
<p>I've heard mixed things about AMDA as well...does this stigma extend (or is it even worse at) the LA campus? I'm looking at MFA programs but am considering the integrated program at AMDA in case I don't get into my top schools. Since I live in CA, LA is a more viable option than NYC...but I don't know if it's worth it. Anyone have dirt on the west coast program?</p>
<p>I've been reading the boards at Broadwayworld.com, granted it's not the most "reliable" resource. It seems that AMDA LA has a better rep than NYC, apparently (and this is based on what I have read) many former NYC campus teachers moved over to teach in LA when they opened it a few years ago.</p>
<p>I was reading in one of the AMDA facebook groups and a current student said that they've been cutting down acceptance numbers with each new class. I think they're trying to regain their reputation in the industry. </p>
<p>The whole thing really does pose a dilemma and I know no ONE school is gonna get me jobs. It's just it's a huge investment and, like any college student, I'd like to go to one of the better places for my own needs. Granted there is always graduate school.</p>
<p>I have not heard all the negative comments about AMDA. Not that I want to dwell on the negative but my D is thinking of auditioning there so I would like to look at all sides. What is the negative based on? Is it just because they are letting more students in or is there some other issue?</p>
<p>I might be wrong, but most of the negatives I hear are due to the fact that they have a lot of "transient" faculty- people work there until they get their next "real" gig- performing. That can make some students uneasy. The other REAL negative is the condition of the dormatories which I have heard are appalling. Perhaps someone here can comment on that?</p>
<p>A search of previous discussions on AMDA might be helpful for those of you seeking information. One that I found gives links to a few other discussions:</p>
<p>I agree with your sending the search to CoachC's comment- I was just hoping to avoid an argument! With respect to the dorms, does anyone know WHY they have allowed the place to go downhill so badly?</p>
<p>I, too, didn't (and don't!) want this thread to turn into an argument and that is why I've hesitated to reply until now. There is an abundance of opinion on AMDA, both here at CC and on every theatre forum known to man! I agree with what CoachC said in that post, and that's why I posted the link. </p>
<p>As to the dorms? We helped the son of a friend of a family friend move into an AMDA dorm back in '99 and they were appalling back then. I haven't seen one since then but if they're even worse now, I just can't imagine it.</p>
<p>I am nearing the end of my junior year here on a military base in Germany. I don’t have the oppertunity to visit the AMDA New York campus before my freshmen year of college. It is extremely important to me that I attend a school wholly focused on the arts (Performing, acting, singing dancing). I have been looking at AMDA for a while and I am recieving many diffeent opinions. I am told that I have a future in Musical Theater and I would like to persue it. Is AMDA a school that would help me acheive my highest potencial? If not, what should I be looking at in New York City?</p>
<p>Tori: there are many programs in NYC and the surrounding area, some of them include:</p>
<p>University Programs
Marymount Manhattan (MT Minor)
New York University: Tisch School of the Arts (BFA)
New York University: Steinhardt (BM)
Pace University (BFA)
Wagner College (Staten Island) (BA)
Montclair State (New Jersey - across the river) (BFA)
Hofstra University (Long Island) (BFA in Theater Performance, MT Minor)
Long Island University - C.W. Post (Long Island) (BFA)</p>
<p>Professional Programs
CAP21 Professional Musical Theater Training Program (2 year Certificate in MT)
Circle in the Square Theatre School (2 year program)</p>
<p>You may want to consider one of the many fine programs outside of NYC as well. You can find lists of programs here:</p>
<p>Thank you EmsDad! That is very helpful :)<br>
One more thing I would like to ask is scholarship searches.
My dad is a teacher and I have a fifteen year old brother who will be graduating two years after me. My dad cant afford to help me with college savings becauce he is concerned with having money for my brother. I am looking for at least enough scholarships to get me into one of these programs. Could you help me start my search?</p>
<p>If you could assist, I would be very greatful.</p>
<p>Tori, if your dad is thinking of retiring from the military soon there’s an opportunity for you called The Yellow Ribbon Program. If your dad’s service fits the requirements, it would be an amazing gift for you. If he’s not retiring soon, I suggest your dad talk with a Veteran’s Administration representative about transferring his GI Bill to you if he hasn’t used it. I’m not sure if AMDA would qualify under the Yellow Ribbon’s guidelines - worth checking into. If the scholarships do not cover AMDA, EmsDad listed some GREAT options. [Welcome</a> to the GI Bill Web Site | The Home for All Educational Benefits Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs](<a href=“http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/yellow_ribbon_program.html]Welcome”>http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/yellow_ribbon_program.html)</p>
<p>Tori - every college in the USA offers scholarships and financial aid. However, you have to research each college individually to find out what you can qualify for and apply to receive. A good way to begin would be to look for at “Financial Aid” and “Scholarships” sections of the website for each school. Since you are overseas, calling may be expensive but I am sure every school would be able to set up a Skype chat or some similar no-cost web chat/call for you to learn more about financial aid and scholarhips from an admissions counselor.</p>
<p>AMDA has a very slick web page and markets their program aggressively, not a criticism, more power to them. However, I would caution you against applying “laser-beam” focus on only one program and only in NYC before you research several or many programs around the country. There are many great schools for MT. You may find that Northern Kentucky or Sam Houston or Coastal Carolina or Ohio Northern or Wisconsin Stevens Point (and on and on…) are worth considering. They, along with lots of other schools, offer training programs that are similar, but with some interesting differences, to AMDA. Since many of the programs are audition-based and very competitive for admission, you will want to think about building a “balanced list” of programs to apply to described the thread:</p>