<p>I have students who have become very interested in AMDA. I've searched to forum, but there isn't a lot of updated information. Do they have a good program? Is it selective? I ask, because I have heard it called an unattractive name (scamda) by students from other musical theatre programs, and I wonder if it's jealousy. Can anyone give me some info about the current quality of the program?</p>
<p>If you go to the main Musical Theatre page and use the search feature -"Search This Forum" - there is quite a bit of info about AMDA. There is a fairly recent thread about their new BFA program (at AMDA in L.A.)</p>
<p>Great. Thanks. I must have missed it, somehow.</p>
<p>
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and I wonder if it's jealousy
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<p>You'll hear strong opinions about AMDA but I've never seen a case of those opinions being a result of jealousy.</p>
<p>Ah, got it. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>PLease check out what has been written previously. No, I would not say the opinions of AMDA are related to "jealousy", I would say they are rather "cautionary". Most folks here try to avoid negativity - so if you do hear some, it is probably well-considered.</p>
<p>AMDA tends to be the underdog of MT schools, but I can quite honestly say that it really should not be. People who call AMDA SCAMDA tend to not know much about the program at all. I've read through all the posts here on CC and Bwayworld and all over, and if you notice - the vast majority of those calling the school SCAMDA have absolutely no relation to it whatsoever. They didn't go to AMDA, they've never sat in on classes at AMDA, most didn't even audition at AMDA. There are a few former AMDA students who may caution others to not bother, but most of them are students who were cut from the program because they're not dedicated.</p>
<p>Students like myself go to AMDA to get rigorous training. We generally aren't looking for a fabulous liberal arts background, we want to improve our skills and land jobs, and that is what AMDA is great for. We have students that can play all sorts of roles, and that is something that definitely makes AMDA different from most other MT schools, conservatory or not. We have large people, really short people, dancers who can sing, students from all over the world, plain Janes, triple threats, performers who can play 12 year olds, romantic male types, leading ladies... we have absolutely everything. Because AMDA knows that the only jobs out there aren't just for the chorus boy that one school may tend to accept or the leading man that another school focuses on bringing into their next class. </p>
<p>AMDA's training is incredible. It is absolutely up to par with that of all my other friends who are in other programs that may be more reputable to the CC community. No other schools, to my knowledge, have such an accomplished faculty list - and while yes, it can certainly be rewarding learning from a dance teacher who's owned a studio for years and is a great dancer, I'd say that it's equally - if not more - rewarding to be learning from one who's been in five Broadway shows, who has danced with handfuls of professional ballet companies all over the country, who has auditioned singer/actor/dancers for shows in NYC. A great thing about our teachers here is that the huge majority of them are or were at one point working professionals. Not only do they actually know how the business works, they're still in it. A lot of them who don't perform any longer still direct or cast - in NY and all over the US in regional theatres. They get calls from casting directors in NY asking if they have any students who looks like such and such and can do this and that, and they will get students auditions. </p>
<p>People who claim to know business professionals who will toss away a resume because it has AMDA on it are full of bull****. No director or CD would ever do that based on what school an auditioner went to. They judge the person based on their audition (which is usually pretty goddamn good - that is a HUGE emphasis that all teachers put out, and rightly so); often times, the person behind the table will even recognize names of teachers on the resume. </p>
<p>We have the highest number of working alums for a reason, you know.</p>
<p>It's wonderful to hear from people who are happy with the training at AMDA. Thanks for posting, OneSongGlory.</p>
<p>One thing that I would suggest to help AMDA's public relations efforts would be to stop having people telephone high school seniors directly and trying to "hard sell" them on auditioning. I got at least three calls (at my workplace ... I have no idea how AMDA's people got my work phone number!) asking for my D and saying they wanted her to audition. (I also have no idea how they got her name .... they probably buy mailing lists from college programs from which kids have requested information ...)</p>
<p>When informed that I was not the person in question, one caller said (and I am paraphrasing and making up the name) "Well, please tell her that John -- um, I mean, PROFESSOR JONES -- called." </p>
<p>It just was not very professional and made me feel (fairly or unfairly) that they were hard up for kids to audition. I knew they didn't know my kid from Adam and were just trying to get people to come out and audition. </p>
<p>We still get flyers from them at our home.</p>
<p>I think NMR makes a great point. My D was in NYC with a performing group from Florida and they did a workshop with AMDA. Although my D was 16 they were very strong in encouraging her to come to AMDA and then the flyers and calls started. In the past 2 years we have received an enormous amount of marketing material and phone calls which makes you wonder...On the other hand, I know of a student who was home-schooled and finished getting her GED at 16. She went off to AMDA with a nice scholarship at 17 and absolutely loved it. She felt her training was great and she is now pursuing her career (and not yet 19). In addition I know of someone who was at a small program with a BFA degree not really doing much and not very committed who needed more structured coursework who left school for AMDA and feels it is the perfect place for her. Her alternative was to move to NY and continue training and trying to get work. She feels this structured training program was exactly what she needed and loves it and most of all her family was financially able to send her without it being a hardship. I think one of the big issues is "the degree". If you want a BFA degree moving out to LA for 2 years might not be a great option. Perhaps if and when AMDA gets accredited for a BFA program in NYC the discussion will change.</p>
<p>To clarify, I admit to not knowing much at all about AMDA and am increasingly hearing from/about kids who are very happy with their training, and that's fantastic. It's always great to offer info on this site about alternatives to the traditional college/university/conservatory-based BFAs and BAs.</p>
<p>I am just suggesting that AMDA refine its marketing efforts.</p>
<p>My D received no PR materials from AMDA, or any other college or program for that matter. :p NMR, maybe your D got inundated by AMDA due to her attendance at a PA school and then Pohsmom's D had this workshop with AMDA and so these kids got on the list. My D didn't even get college catalogues sent from regular colleges because she never took the PSAT and she also was an early graduate from HS. So, look at all the mail we missed, LOL! But yes, the amount of PR from a school like AMDA, more than sending the usual brochure, does portray an image of a more commercial enterprise and the need to be looking for students. Just an observation. </p>
<p>I think AMDA fills a need. Not everyone wants a four year college or degree or a fuller education. Some simply want a two year training program. AMDA fills that type of program need. There are other 2 year programs out there and one may wish to compare, if looking for that sort of thing....such as Circle in the Square Theater School or CAP21's Professional Musical Theater Training Program (new for next year) and others. </p>
<p>I do not have first hand knowledge of AMDA and so I really appreciate OneSongGlory's sharing of his experiences there so far and that they have been positive. Good to hear. </p>
<p>I think there are some very talented people that come out of AMDA and my D has seen and met some. And many do get work. But as a whole, I think the level of talent at AMDA is going to vary more than at some of the BFA programs because it is not that hard to get into AMDA's program and so the talent pool is going to vary more. There will be some very talented people and some not. There will be some there who are as talented as kids who got into top BFA programs. But the entire group will not be as strong as the group in a very competitive and selective BFA in MT Program. So, that part of the experience will differ. As well, the graduation rate at AMDA is low and that also has implications in a program when you look at the student body there compared to at a top BFA program. One can get good training and do well coming out of AMDA but the overall experience will differ greatly from many of the BFA programs and same with the overall group of students. </p>
<p>OneSongGlory....you wrote:
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No other schools, to my knowledge, have such an accomplished faculty list - and while yes, it can certainly be rewarding learning from a dance teacher who's owned a studio for years and is a great dancer, I'd say that it's equally - if not more - rewarding to be learning from one who's been in five Broadway shows, who has danced with handfuls of professional ballet companies all over the country, who has auditioned singer/actor/dancers for shows in NYC. A great thing about our teachers here is that the huge majority of them are or were at one point working professionals. Not only do they actually know how the business works, they're still in it.
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<p>I think it is great that your teachers are working professionals in theater. But your school's faculty are clearly not the only ones so accomplished in that way or that are professional artists. You contend that no other school has such an accomplished list but I beg to differ on your comparison. I can only speak for my own kid's experience so far as a senior at Tisch. I believe most of her teachers and directors have been and are currently professionals in the industry. I recall her Vocal Performance teacher being in a Broadway musical during the year she took his class, and he has been in other Broadway musicals. She has taken classes and worked on shows with a Tony nominated playwright/director who has also won Obie awards. She is currently working on a show with a current Broadway playwright/director (show coming to Broadway this season) who won a Tony nomination for directing another Bdway show. One of her current liberal arts classes is taught by a well known performing artist who is an Obie award winner as well. One of her Acting teachers I know has been in movies and on TV. One of her dance teachers has been on Broadway and tours. Another voice teacher sang with the Met. Her musical director for the mainstage musical last year was on Broadway in recent years. Another teacher as well as her studio advisor, wrote the book The Six Viewpoints, which is an acting approach taught elsewhere as well. Another vocal teacher of hers is a composer and recording artist in NYC. I can't possibly run down every faculty member she has worked with but that is just a handful that came to my mind off the top of my head, but there are LOTS more and I venture to say that the majority of them at her school are working professionals, and many of reknown, as well as those brought in to direct shows and so forth. I don't think AMDA has a more accomplished faculty list. As well, casting directors and agents work with NYU students a lot and come into class to workshop with them and so on...I know a current audition class my D is in will have casting directors coming in later in the semester and they will perform for them (this is not even counting the showcases). I'm glad to hear that AMDA has a professional faculty. It simply is not the only school that does.</p>
<p>soozievt, actually, my D was the only one of her graduating class of actors from her arts high school who got AMDA materials, as far as I could tell. I actually discussed this with other parents and kids, and to my knowledge, my D's attendance at her public arts school had no relation to her receiving the materials. (I do know that the school would <em>never</em> be allowed to sell the kids' names to mailiing lists. That's for sure.) I am guessing that AMDA just somehow got her name from, perhaps, her subscription to Dramatics magazine. I dunno how else they would have gotten it!</p>
<p>Also, I agree with what you say about having faculty consisting of very experienced working professionals being wonderful but certainly not peculiar to AMDA. Like soozievt's D, mine is at NYU/Tisch, and I have to say how impressed I am with the credentials of my freshman D's teachers.</p>
<p>NMR...ah, maybe your D's name was from some other list....maybe Dramatist magazine, who knows. None of these arts colleges ever found my D, what can I say? She had to find them, LOL. I don't regret not getting loads of junk mail with D2 though. :D</p>
<p>I agree with soozievt that many university theater instructors have impressive professional credentials. My D attends Syracuse and a large number of her teachers have professional credits including Broadway and West End productions, dance and opera companies, regional theaters and national tours, and TV and movie credits. It would take a full page to list them all, so I won't bore you with it.</p>
<p>I have several former students who have attended AMDA. Most of them, although they have potential, would not have been accepted at a more competitive program. I certainly agree that many talented performers have attended the school. I do recommend the school for students who are not interested in academics, and for students who are relatively less experienced -- because they have a much better chance of being accepted at AMDA than at a more selective program. For these students, AMDA is the perfect school.</p>
<p>I reprint this from ANOTHER THREAD...
In the world of training for a life in the theatre AMDA is "Devry" for singing, dancing and acting. Devry is absolutely the right path to improvement for some folks. Devry has some very successful graduates - so to with AMDA. It is a choice that is out there. "Devry" is a choice - but its not the equivalent of MIT, RPI, Cal Tech or any other technically inclined college program. I believe a large part of a good training program is mentorship - a consistent teacher who inspires the student to excel both in their discipline and in life. This element is decidedly lacking at AMDA. They have very few full time, all-the-time employees. I know of a student who had three teachers in one course in one semester because the teacher they had previously had was cast in something, so left AMDA. It is true that occasionally, by happenstance, you might luck out and get a really great run of instructors who are good teachers and well connected in the business - this still does not compensate for the lack of mentorship. This is a giant flaw - the same might be said of any program that brings in "guest directors" as a steady diet - this does not make for mentoring, does not make lasting connections. On the other hand, I do have friends that have had at least part of their training from AMDA courses and done very well. The lack of guidance there allows a student to slip through without addressing areas they might need help in - so if you walk in a great singer - you will leave a great singer - but maybe what you really needed to work on was your acting.</p>
<p>My other difficulty with the money making, for-profit AMDA is their marketing. They have some great combination of lawyers and admen as they manage to package their materials with great flash and hints of truthful statements as to entice many folks. It could be compared to the many faux "modeling agencies" that take people's money and rarely produce results. I recently picked up AMDA's materials at their booth at a conference - I then called a few friends who were listed as faculty to congratulate them on their appointments - this was funny because one had not worked there for seven years and the other had directed a showcase for them twice in the last decade - that is not being on "faculty".</p>
<p>Having said all that - I still say AMDA might be the right choice on an individual basis, Many very talented students have attended AMDA - and works out well for some. However, on the whole, by and large, and on average - AMDA is a bit below the bar when it comes to responsible, consistent, training for a life in performing arts.
mtdog71 is online now</p>
<p>MTdog71...I think your post is spot on calling AMDA a "for profit" company. And when the admissions director is also the director or marketing it would be wise to delve deeply into what the company/school's mission, vision and values are. Also, while it is nice that the teachers have professional "experience", it does not necessary validate them as a "teacher". You will find that many "teachers" also have teaching degrees and in most cases MA's in their chosen field. I always wondered what kind of voice teacher Celine Dion or Barbara Streisand would make? Bringing in a "professional" to give a lecture or hold a masters class is a great and generous gift. But it can never take the place of a well trained, somewhat accomplished "Professional Teacher".</p>
<p>I just got accepted to AMDA Los Angeles and also am questioning whether it’s good or bad. I read your article and am so grateful to read your information. It is exactly what my gut feelings have been and match what your saying about the school. I am a high school senior. I just wanted some objective point of view.</p>
<p>Are you trying to compare it to other programs? Do you have other acceptances? I saw on another post that they were pressuring you for a decision quickly. I don’t know if this applies to them, but many colleges have signed an agreement giving students until May 1 to decide. Someone more knowledgable can provide details, but if they have signed that agreement, you notify them in writing that you need until May 1st to decide.</p>
<p>Yes I do want to compare them to other programs and feel cautious about them. It just seems like maybe more advertising than the real thing. Also they gave me until March 20 to make a deposit, so I think thats pressuring. I know that you’re suppose to have until May lst and so I did plan to tell them they will need to wait. I am also waiting on another acceptance from USC (University of Southern California), which is my number one choice anyway. I’m really hoping for that acceptance and if not accepted then I am thinking about attending Santa Monica College instead of AMDA. SMC is suppose to be a good community college with lots of theatre that sends a lot of students into USC. I’m really leaning that direction now. I guess I am figuring out that the 4 year degree is going to be the best for me. Thank you much for your info!!!</p>
<p>Since I am thinking about attending SMC if I don’t get accepted to USC, does anyone have any good feedback about their theatre department?</p>