<p>I've been accepted into the following 2 programs:
*. The BA Theatre Program at the University of Southern California (USC)
*. The Integrated Program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York (AMDA)</p>
<p>What I really really wanted to do was a BFA in Acting and I applied to several other places including Julliard and Purchase SUNY as well as for the BFA Acting program at USC - but the 2 programs listed above are all I finally got. </p>
<p>I've got to make a decision by this Friday the LATEST, as I have to pay a deposit to AMDA this weekend if I decide to go there. But I'm having trouble deciding!! On one hand, the focused training at AMDA is appealing, coupled with the fact that it's right in the center of New York just minutes away from Broadway. AMDA accords me the possibility of going to the New School University, after I complete the 2 year "Integrated Program" at AMDA, to get a B.F.A degree. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I realize that USC is a very prestigious university and the B.A. Theatre Program is most comprehensive from what I gather - plus, I'll also be able to do a minor or even a double major. However, this program apparently does not train one for FILM ACTING, from what I believe - it is almost exclusively THEATRE, as the name of the degree implies, I gather. And as someone who one day wishes to build a profession out of acting, I would like to be able to take on film roles as well as stage roles!!! (The performance-based program at AMDA will also provide training in Music/Singing and Dancing - but it will be almost COMPLETELY devoid of the theory upon which the USC degree is based. Two extremes, it seems!)</p>
<p>So if anyone of you folks could PLEASE weigh in and offer your insights and opinions, and thus help me to pick wisely between the 2 options at hand, I will be eternally grateful!!!!! :)</p>
<p>PS - I'm 18 years old, about to graduate from high school.</p>
<p>My son went to UNLV (Las Vegas) last year but they made changes and put their Music Theatre program under Theatre. He liked the school but felt the program wasn't strong enough in Music Theatre. He was one of 19 accepted back for his Sophmore year. However, he is at AMDA this year and he loves the school. Most of the staff are performers, directors, etc. and know their stuff. It is extremely demanding though and some kids leave after the first semester. They also want you to do a lot of "outside the school" classes such as additional dance, voice lessons, etc. In other words, if you aren't in class, you are taking a class so It can get expensive but he feels it has really helped him. The down size is that their housing isn't the greatest. Their "dorm" is old apartments about 100 years old, not anything like a nice regular university. They also do not have a dining hall so you have to be self reliant as far as feeding yourself. But I guess if you want to be on Broadway, you might as well get used to cheap New York apartment living early - especially if you can't afford the high rents. My son has met several people who went to AMDA and are doing well on stage now and they loved the school. I guess you just have to decide for yourself.</p>
<p>One thing to consider about USC is that, with the film school there, you will have lots of opportunities to act on film in the student films. They are always looking for actors in their projects! Also, the rich background provided by a BA gives you a lot of fodder for acting roles in the future. When my D was a film major at Loyola Marymount, they always encouraged the kids to get the broadest education they could to better inform their work. Good luck as you decide!</p>
<p>LA is a much better location for film actors anyways. I know people in AMDA in New York and believe me, they aren't great actors (they were in high school drama with me and were just ok but they went to AMDA because they didn't get in anywhere else). I know like 6 people going there and none of them have gotten any good acting jobs) It's not that hard to get in. USC would be much better. Theatre acting is different than film acting but a good actor is a good actor. Plus like moltian pointed out, lots of student films are being made that you can be in to get experience/exposure. Those students will be future directors who might come back and cast you for the tv shows/movies they make when they graduate.</p>
<p>AMDA is just like any other program. Once you get in, you have to work to stay in. Because they specialize and do not have the other regular students in the mix like regular universities, they accept a larger number of students. After the 4 semester program, you transfer your credits to get your degree. If you look up the girl that was in Hairspray, her resume will tell you what the college is - I think it is New School or something like that. You definitely want to get a degree. Also, some people go to a university first, and then go to the integrated programs to get the hard core training. At this point I believe you can specialize with a particular instructor. Of course, I only know about New York. If you want to be on live stage, you should visit New York and check out some of the other schools there. Also, you might want to look at the School of the Arts (I think that is what it is called) in Philadelphia. However, these 4 semester schools are extremely expensive compared to regular universities so that is another thing to look at. USC is a terrific school and if you want to stay close to home plus get the "college experience", try that for a year - you won't get it at a 4 semester school.</p>