AMDA alumni create. They are artists, professionals in every performance medium. They
are creators, inspirers. They're Broadway's side-splitting comedians and Hollywood's up-and-coming action
heroes. Watched by the eyes of millions, our alumni take the world's stages, film sets, and movie screens,
changing the way we think about art and its intertwining with human nature. To read about our alumni's most
recent accomplishments, check out AMDA News.
From charities to platinum-selling records, Broadway veterans to rising stars, our alumni have established
themselves among the world's most accomplished artists in their respective fields. Below are just a few
highlights of our alumni's incredible careers and achievements, from philanthropy and social awareness to
garnering entertainment's most prestigious awards and honors.
They started with a dream. With AMDA, those passions became careers to be celebrated.
AMDA 360Alumni
Featured AMDA Alumni
Lee Tergesen
Lee Tergesen has over 100 television, film and stage credits under his belt, including Point Break (starring Keanu Reeve and Patrick Swayze) and cult-classic Wayne’s World films (Terry). Lee’s prominent TV roles have included such shows as “Desperate Housewives,” “Generation Kill,” “Army Wives,” “The Big C” and “Copper.” He starred in ABC’s “Red Widow” as Mike Tomlin, “Longmire” as Ed Gorski, and made appearances in “Person of Interest” and “Drop Dead Diva.” His first regular parts included Weird Science and the role of Officer Chris Thormann on the Fontana-produced Homicide: Life on the Street. Fontana would go on to create the celebrated role of Tobias Beecher in the groundbreaking HBO series “Oz” specifically for Lee. Lee has also starred roles in acclaimed television series like “The Americans” (Andrew Larrick), “American Horror Story” (Vince), “Castle” (Marcus Gates), and “The Purge” (Joe Owens.) He plays “Agent Don McCorkle” in the new HBO mini-series, The Plot Against America.
Paul Sorvino
Best known for portraying serious, powerful roles, Paul is remembered for his standout performances as Henry Kissinger in the 1995 film Nixon and as mafia leader Paul Cicero in Goodfellas. With over 220 credits to his name, Paul began his professional career in the 1960s working on the Broadway productions of Bajour, Mating Dance, That Champion Season, An American Millionaire and Wheelbarrow Closers, which Sorvino directed in 1976. Among his numerous television credits, he has appeared in Bert D’Angelo/Superstar, NBC’s Law & Order, Still Standing, and The Oldest Rookie. Notable film credits include Romeo + Juliet, I, the Jury, and The Cooler. With his prolific career encompassing directing and producing roles, Paul has garnered numerous accolades, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Ft. Lauderdale and Rhode Island International Film Festivals. Paul stars in the recently released indie thriller Bad Impulse.
Trai Byers
Currently recognized as Andre Lyon, the bi-polar CFO in Fox’s hit drama series “Empire.” “Empire” tells the story of hip-hop recording company Empire Enterprises, where Trai plays Andre Lyon, the business-savvy CFO of his father’s company. Trai also appeared in the powerful film Selma, which received four Golden Globe Award nominations as well an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Glory”). Trai played executive officer of the SNCC James Forman, who worked with the black community in Selma for two years prior to Martin Luther King’s arrival. Trai’s other film credits include Americons and Jayhawkers, with television roles including “All My Children” (Mookie) and “90210” (Alec Martin). Trai stars as Boston in The 24th.
Emily Padgett
Emily Padgett starred in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Bright Star (Lucy Grant), and in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mrs. Bucket). She also starred in the Broadway revival of Side Show, where she shared the stage as conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton. Other Broadway credits including the role of Sherrie in Rock of Ages, Grease (u/s Sandy Dumbrowski) and Legally Blonde (Cece; u/s Brooke Wyndham). Emily has also performed in the national tours for Flashdance the Musical, Grease and Cats. Emily was nominated for an Astaire Award for Best Female Dance (Side Show), and starred as the lead role in the premiere of musical Waterfall, a story of forbidden love in 1930s Thailand. In addition to her many theatrical credits, she has appeared on television in “Louie,” Shall We Dance On Ice? and the television series “Step It Up and Dance.” Emily recently starred in the world premiere of the musical Last Days of Summer at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and performed in the virtual concert, Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Continuing Education for AMDA Alumni
Looking to continue your education at AMDA Los Angeles? Do you need to access your unofficial transcript / grades
or order an official transcript? See options below:
Graduate Programs
AMDA Bachelor’s Degree Graduates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Performance Studies or Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: Writing for Film and Television
degree.
Apply for Graduate
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts Programs
AMDA Associate of Occupational Studies Degree and Certificate Graduates are eligible to earn a Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree in Acting, Music Theatre, Dance or Performing Arts by transferring in 60 performance credits
and completing 30 performance and 30 general education credits.
Note: Additional coursework may be required if you are applying for a BFA Program outside of
your AOS or Conservatory discipline.
Apply for BFA Degree
Advanced Certificate
AMDA Certificate and AOS Graduates are eligible to earn an Advanced Certificate in Performing Arts with a concentration in Acting, Acting for Camera, Musical Theatre or Dance by transferring in 60 performance credits and completing remaining 30 credits.
Note: Additional coursework may be required if applying for an Advanced Certificate program outside of the original discipline.
Apply for Advanced Certificate
OBTAINING A TRANSCRIPT
Your Student Portal can be used to print unofficial transcripts of your coursework and grades. Official
transcripts may be ordered through Parchment and received by mail or electronically.
AMDA Legacy Scholarship Program
AMDA is so pleased to announce the AMDA Legacy Scholarship Program which will offer special tuition scholarships
for the children and grandchildren of AMDA Alumni.
For further information, contact AMDA's Legacy Scholarship Advisor, MaryAnn Willett, at 323-603-5941 or mwillett@amda.edu.
Note: the amount of the AMDA Legacy Scholarship award will vary based upon a number of
factors including the student’s audition, application, letters of recommendation, and financial need.
Alumni Benefits
Generations of outstanding alumni have proven that success is the rule at AMDA, so you're in great company. From
the silver screen to the stage and beyond, the possibilities for your future are boundless. As a member of the
AMDA alumni community, you are also eligible for a number of specific benefits that will help you as a
professional performing artist.
Get More Exposure Through the Alumni Directory
By registering for an AMDA 360Alumni Account, you will make yourself
more visible to casting directors, agents and other industry professionals, giving them one more way to find
you.
Network Through Our Social Media Community
Through AMDA's official Twitter
Alumni and Facebook
Alumni accounts, you can connect with your fellow alumni across the country and world, and learn about
their most recent updates and career moves.
ATTEND ALUMNI WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
Through these intensive workshops sponsored by the Alumni department, you can return to AMDA virtually and
in-person (when applicable) to refresh your skills and take classes in additional specialty areas, increasing
your versatility as a performer. Workshop opportunities will be released via email throughout the year.
AMDA ON-DEMAND
Access a newly expanded library of video content created exclusively for AMDA students and alumni. The AMDA On-Demand library
includes content regarding athletic performance, mental health, open fitness, open dance, and vocal heath. New
videos will be uploaded weekly, so check back regularly.
ACCESS TO PRACTICE SPACE / REHEARSAL SUPPORT
Frequently, AMDA is able to provide practice space and rehearsal support for alumni to prepare for auditions. Alumni must be cleared for campus access and possess a valid Alumni ID to visit campus. View on-campus policies and learn more about the campus access clearance process here.
Get Career Guidance When You Need It
As you begin to transform your unique talents into a rewarding career as an AMDA graduate, we'll be there for you
every step of the way. On our website, you can find many career resource links to help you make the most of the
artistic foundation you worked so hard to build at AMDA.
Young Adult Health Insurance Benefits
Previously, graduation day was the day when millions of young adults lost their health insurance, making them one
of the most vulnerable groups of Americans in the health insurance market. The new health reform law allows most
young adults to join or remain on their parents' health care plan until their 26th birthday. Learn more at HealthCare.gov.
TheaterMania
Broadway, Off B'way, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, comedy, dance, drama, concerts, and more for only $4.50 a
ticket. How? Theaters and producers need to fill up seats with excellent, attentive audiences to help build buzz
and word of mouth. Theatermania's Gold Club proudly offers the AMDA community an exclusive 40% discount to join:
$59 for an entire year! (regularly $99). For more information, and to join, log on or call 212-352-0255, ext. 105, for more information.
AMDA NY Performance Request
You may request a digital link to your desired performance video.
Performance Request
AMDA NY Library
The AMDA NY Library has been relocated to the 9th floor of AMDA’s 54th Street building (250 West 54th Street). Walk-ins are welcome. Alumni may visit the library during the following days/times.
Library Hours: Mon - Fri (9:00am to 5:00pm ET)
*The library is subject to close during school breaks and holidays. You can call the library at 212-957-3315 to check current times.
AMDA LA Library
Alumni may visit the library during the following days/times by appointment only. Visit the library website to make an appointment.
Library Hours: Mon - Fri (9:00am to 7:00pm PT) and Sat - Sun (1:00pm to 6:00pm PT)
*The library is subject to close during school breaks and holidays. You can call the library at 323-603-5924 to check current times. to check current times.
Please note, only current AMDA students are eligible for circulation privileges.
Library Website
