AMDA | AMDA News

AMDA Ranks #4 on Playbill's 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway List

AMDA College of the Performing Arts has once again earned a top spot on Playbill's annual list of colleges with the most graduates appearing on Broadway in the 2023-2024 Season. [more]

3 months ago

THE 77th ANNUAL TONY AWARDS

AMDA alumni shine bright at the 77th annual Tony Awards! [more]

5 months ago

2024 Lucille Lortel Awards

AMDA congratulates graduates Ashley De La Rosa and Taylor Symone Jackson on their 2024 Lucille Lortel Award wins! [more]

7 months ago

2024 Tony Award Nominations

AMDA congratulates graduate Sky Lakota-Lynch and all productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2024 Tony Awards! [more]

7 months ago

2024 Drama Desk Award Nominations

AMDA congratulates all graduates and productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2024 Drama Desk Awards! [more]

7 months ago

2024 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations

AMDA congratulates all graduates and productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards! [more]

7 months ago

2024 Drama League Award Nominations

AMDA congratulates all graduates and productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2024 Drama League Awards! [more]

7 months ago

AMDA Graduates Shine at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards!

The 66th annual GRAMMY Awards held great significance for the AMDA Community. [more]

10 months ago

PLAYBILL.COM'S BIG 10 2023 LIST: THE 10 MOST REPRESENTED COLLEGES ON BROADWAY IN THE 2022-2023 SEASON

AMDA College of the Performing Arts has earned Playbill's #3 spot as the college with the third most graduates appearing on Broadway during the 2022-2023 Season. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA GRADS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS

AMDA graduates Sasha Calle and Anthony Ramos hit the big screen this season in epic action-packed feature films. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA Graduates Win Big at the 2023 Tony Awards!

Congratulations to AMDA Graduates and 2023 Tony Award Winners J. Harrison Ghee, Caissie Levy, and Emilio Ramos! [more]

1 year ago

AMDA Alumni Newsletter - May 26, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Introducing Chianti Blackmon, AMDA’s Vice President of EDI. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA Alumni Newsletter - May 19, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

TUNE IN

Escape into these binge-worthy shows starring some of AMDA’s most prolific graduates. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA Alumni Newsletter - May 12, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

GOING OFF BOOK

Former Central Park busker Elyssa Samsel finds that art does imitate life. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA Alumni Newsletter - May 5, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

THE POWER OF REPRESENTATION

Success for Zuri Foreman isn’t just personal achievement, it’s about lifting up entire communities. [more]

1 year ago

2023 Tony Award Nominations

Congratulations to AMDA graduate J. Harrison Ghee and all productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2023 Tony Awards! [more]

1 year ago

2023 Chita Rivera Award Nominations

Congratulations to AMDA graduate J. Harrison Ghee and all productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2023 Chita Rivera Awards! [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - April 28, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

2023 Drama Desk Award Nominations

Congratulations to the AMDA graduates and all productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2023 Drama Desk Awards! [more]

1 year ago

2023 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations

Congratulations to the AMDA graduates and all productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2023 Outer Critics Circle Awards! [more]

1 year ago

2023 Drama League Award Nominations

Congratulations to the AMDA graduates and all productions featuring AMDA graduates nominated for 2023 Drama League Awards! [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - April 21, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

SIX

AMDA graduates takes the crown. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - April 14, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

FINDING CENTER STAGE

Janeeva Pettway is always prepared for the next step. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - April 7, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

THE ART OF TRANSLATION

Anabel Dueñas ensures that nothing is lost in translation. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - March 31, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - March 24, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

ART IS ACTIVISM

Asia Kate Dillon is changing the entertainment industry, one memorable performance at a time. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - March 17, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD AND BROADWAY

Vasthy Mompoint is carving out a path to tell the best stories. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - March 10, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

WALK IN WITH YOUR CROWN ON

Zhailon Levingston directs for advocacy, community and award-winning Broadway shows. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - March 3, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - February 24, 2023

AMDA celebrates the talent, skill, and commitment of our graduates, who are doing incredibly worthwhile work all across the country and around the world. [more]

1 year ago

THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE AMDA MAGAZINE HAS ARRIVED!

The latest issue of The AMDA Magazine is now available online! [more]

1 year ago

2022 Children’s & Family Emmy Award Nominations

Nominations have been announced for the first-ever Children’s & Family Emmy Awards. [more]

2 years ago

Playbill.com's Big 10 2022 List: The 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway in the 2021-2022 Season

AMDA earns the #2 spot on Playbill.com's Big 10 2022 List: The 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway in the 2021-2022 Season [more]

2 years ago

AMDA Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Paul Sorvino

The AMDA community celebrates the life and legacy of Paul Sorvino, a giant in the entertainment industry and one of AMDA's inaugural graduates. [more]

2 years ago

This Just In! Several AMDA Alums To Appear At The 2022 Tony Awards!

Don't forget to watch the 75th Annual Tony Awards Ceremony celebrating the best of Broadway on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on CBS and Paramount+. [more]

2 years ago

The 75th Annual Tony Award Nominations

The 75th Annual Tony Award nominations have been announced, recognizing achievement in Broadway productions during the 2021 - 2022 season. [more]

2 years ago

AMDA alumni and stars of Broadway’s smash hit HAMILTON Visit Our NYC Campus

AMDA alumni and stars of Broadway's Hamilton visit our NYC campus for an in-depth discussion about how they got their starts after graduating AMDA, navigating the entertainment industry, and practical advice for today’s artists. [more]

2 years ago

2021 EMMY NOMINATIONS - Congratulations to AMDA Alumni Featured in Nominated Shows

The Emmy nominations are out and AMDA alumni are heavily represented throughout! AMDA Alumni Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Anthony Ramos (Hamilton) received their own nominations, while several alumni are featured in many of the nominated shows. [more]

3 years ago

AMDA Alumni Represent at the 2021 Golden Globes!

3/1/21 UPDATE: See the list of AMDA alumni featured in major award categories, including two shows that won in their respective categories! [more]

3 years ago

AMDA Alumni Featured in 2021 NAACP Awards Nominations

Congratulations to all AMDA Alumni Featured in 2021 NAACP Awards Nominations! [more]

3 years ago

AMDA Alumni Featured in 2021 Critics Choice Awards Nominations

Congratulations to all AMDA Alumni in productions nominated for 2021 Critics Choice Awards! [more]

3 years ago

AMDA Alumni Featured in 2021 Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominations

AMDA Alumni Featured in 2021 Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominations! [more]

3 years ago

AMDA Alumni Featured In 2021 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Nominations

AMDA Alumni Featured In 2021 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Nominations! [more]

3 years ago

AMDA Alumni Represent in the list of 2021 Grammy Award Nominees!

Congratulations to all AMDA alumni in nominated categories for 2021 Grammy Awards! [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Featured in Backstage Magazine's "Reaching Higher"series!

AMDA's National Director of Creative Programming, Marina Benedict, answers Backstage’s ongoing questionnaire as part of the "Reaching Higher" series! [more]

4 years ago

AMDA On Broadway! presents Albert Guerzon

The AMDA On Broadway! series sits down with AMDA Alumnus Albert Guerzon ’00 to discuss his Broadway debut in MAMMA MIA! and forging one’s own path in the performing arts! [more]

4 years ago

74TH ANNUAL TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED: CONGRATS TO ALL AMDA ALUMNI FEATURED IN NOMINATED PRODUCTIONS!

Broadway may be dark for the foreseeable future, but the show must go on for the Tony Awards. [more]

4 years ago

The award-winning short film "CASHED" by AMDA Alumna Serena Ryen ‘11 is now streaming on Amazon Prime!

The award-winning short film "CASHED" by AMDA Alumna Serena Ryen is an official selection of over a dozen film festivals nationwide. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA On Broadway! presents KYLE TAYLOR PARKER

This week, the AMDA On Broadway! series takes a walk down memory lane with AMDA Alumnus Kyle Taylor Parker ‘08. Learn about Kyle’s “why” for being an actor, his journey to Broadway, and producing his debut solo album Broadway Soul. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA On Broadway! presents MONICA CIOFFI and BRITTANY CONIGATTI

The AMDA On Broadway! series continues this week with AMDA Alumni Monica Cioffi ’15 AND Brittany Conigatti ’10, the choreographic team behind the A Bronx Tale national tour. Learn how Monica and Brittany transitioned into the world of musical theatre as multi-talented triple threat performers. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA On Broadway! presents KENITA MILLER

Up next in our AMDA On Broadway! series, AMDA Alumna and Broadway star of COME FROM AWAY and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, KENITA MILLER ‘00 discusses her illustrious career on Broadway and aspirations for the future! [more]

4 years ago

AMDA ON BROADWAY! – Stephanie Torns ‘07

AMDA Alumna and Waitress star Stephanie Torns shares her incredible journey from children’s theatre, to the Wicked national tour, to starring as “Jenna” in Broadway’s Waitress. [more]

4 years ago

ANNOUNCING AMDA'S ON BROADWAY! SERIES - FEATURING ALUMNUS CHRISTOPHER JACKSON

The On Broadway! series shines a spotlight on several alumni and how their time at AMDA has impacted their careers on Broadway and beyond. The launch of this series features alumnus and HAMILTON star Christopher Jackson. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Jeremy Pope has been nominated for an EMMY for his role in Netflix’s HOLLYWOOD!

AMDA Alumnus Jeremy Pope, has been nominated for an EMMY, Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie category, for his role in Netflix’s HOLLYWOOD! [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Alumna Sasha Calle has been nominated for a 2020 Daytime EMMY for her role in ‘Young And The Restless’

AMDA Alumna Sasha Calle has been nominated for a 2020 Daytime EMMY for OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES, ‘Young And The Restless.’ [more]

4 years ago

AMDA ALUMNI CHRISTOPHER JACKSON AND ANTHONY RAMOS STAR IN THE FILMED VERSION OF BROADWAY’S HAMILTON!

Experience the original Broadway Production of HAMILTON starring AMDA Alumni Christopher Jackson and Anthony Ramos! [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Performance Choir performs in "Dear Class of 2020" Youtube Livestream

AMDA Performance Choir performs in "Dear Class of 2020" Youtube Livestream! [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Christopher Jackson Performs at the PBS 2020 National Memorial Day Concert

Watch alumnus Christopher Jackson's patriotic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Represents in THE TOP 25 of BroadwayWorld’s Next on Stage Competition!

AMDA Alumni Catarina Kirst and Murilo Souza Ohl along with AMDA LA student Hosea Mundi, have advanced to the TOP 15 in BroadwayWorld’s Next on Stage Competition! [more]

4 years ago

THANK YOU TO AMDA ALUMNA CAISSIE LEVY FOR SPEAKING AT AMDA'S SPRING 2020 VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

AMDA alumna Caissie Levy will speak at AMDA's Spring 2020 commencement. [more]

4 years ago

THANK YOU TO AMDA ALUMNUS CHRISTOPHER JACKSON FOR SPEAKING AT AMDA'S SPRING 2020 VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

AMDA Alumnus Christopher Jackson will speak at AMDA's Spring 2020 commencement. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Jeremy Pope is on the cover of Backstage magazine!

AMDA Alumni, Broadway sensation, and star of Netflix's 'Hollywood', Jeremy Pope, is on the cover of the current issue of Backstage Magazine. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Alumna Caissie Levy performs on ABC’s Disney Sing-a-Long last night as part of a virtual Disney On Broadway ensemble!

AMDA alumna Caissie Levy performs on ABC’s Disney Sing-a-Long last night as part of a virtual Disney On Broadway ensemble singing “You’ll Be In My Heart” [more]

4 years ago

AMDA On Location Live Workshop Recap: Virtual Audition Preparation

Learn all about AMDA's virtual audition process and how to prepare yourself in this Facebook Live Workshop replay featuring AMDA Alumna and Broadway triple-threat, J. Elaine Marcos! [more]

4 years ago

2020 DRAMA DESK AWARDS: AMDA CONGRATULATES ALL ALUMNI IN NOMINATED PRODUCTIONS!

In celebration of its 65-year legacy, the Drama Desk Awards will be announced during a presentation of NY1’s On Stage May 31 at 7:30 PM. The awards will also stream on NY1.com and DramaDeskAwards.com. [more]

4 years ago

AMDA Alumna J. Elaine Marcos Reflects on Her Illustrious Career on Broadway, Film and Television

AMDA alumna J. Elaine Marcos is no ordinary triple threat. From Broadway, to film and television, she has captivated audiences with her charm, wit, and brilliant comedic timing. [more]

4 years ago

From Actor to Producer, AMDA Alumnus Luca Malacrino Blazes His Own Trail in TV and Film

Since graduating from AMDA’s Studio Program in 2016, Luca Malacrino has kept busy making his rounds through Hollywood. [more]

5 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Josh Drake Shares His Dance Journey and Role in Broadway's Aladdin

AMDA Alumnus Josh Drake shares his journey growing as a professional dancer and landing his current role as part of the ensemble of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway. [more]

5 years ago

Behind the Wheel - AMDA Alumna Sasha Calle on Working the Angles and Getting the Big Break on “The Young & the Restless”

Success in the arts is often a combination of talent, luck, persistence and hard work, qualities AMDA Los Angeles alumna Sasha Calle has in abundance. [more]

5 years ago

AMDA Alumni Selected for Broadway Rising Stars 2019 Showcase

The talent and charisma of five AMDA Alumni will be showcased on stage at the 13th Annual Broadway’s Rising Stars concert, taking place at The Town Hall on Monday, July 22 at 8 p.m. [more]

5 years ago

10th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival Welcomes Over 40 Alumni to the Stage

Lights will shine bright on more than 40 AMDA Alumni who are scheduled to participate in the largest performing arts celebration in the US June 13th through June 30th during the 10th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival. [more]

5 years ago

Sound Science - PhD Student Elisa Monti Tackles Trauma and the Singer’s Voice

It’s a singer’s worst nightmare. In an AMDA New York classroom, a singer performs before their peers, the musical theatre instructor in the corner dissecting every note coming from their mouth. The music crescendos, the student belts the showstopping note — and cracks, their strained throat unable to cope with the stress placed upon it. Wincing, most onlookers choose to politely stare at their own music as the instructor corrects the mortified student. [more]

5 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Jeremy Pope Receives Coveted Drama League Award Nomination

AMDA Alumnus Jeremy Pope has been nominated for the Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award, an honor granted each year for excellence in theatre performance. In addition, seven productions in total featuring AMDA alumni have also been nominated. [more]

5 years ago

AMDA Congratulates Alumnus Sean Samuels on His Daytime Emmy Nomination for ‘Giants’

He’s been praised for his work on the Broadway stage, the runway, and on television. But it’s his most recent project on the digital screen that has scored AMDA Alumnus Sean Samuels his first Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Digital Daytime Drama Series. [more]

5 years ago

AMDA Celebrates New Graduates During LA & NY Graduation Ceremonies (PHOTO GALLERY)

AMDA honored and welcomed 200 new alumni to the family during two graduation ceremonies held in New York on February 2nd and Los Angeles on February 9th. [more]

5 years ago

Thank You to AMDA Alumnus Rizwan Manji for speaking at AMDA LA's Fall 2018 Graduation Ceremony!

Thank you to AMDA Alumnus Rizwan Manji for speaking at AMDA LA's Fall 2018 Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, February 9th. [more]

5 years ago

Thank You To Alumna Caissie Levy for Speaking at amda ny's fall 2018 graduation ceremony

Thank you to alumna and FROZEN on Broadway star Caissie Levy for speaking at AMDA NY's Fall 2018 graduation ceremony Saturday, February 2nd. [more]

5 years ago

THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE AMDA MAGAZINE HAS ARRIVED!

The Winter 2018-19 edition of AMDA Magazine is now available online! [more]

5 years ago

AMDA Alumni Talkback: Alums Discuss Life After AMDA With Students at AMDA LA

See photos from our AMDA LA Alumni Talkback featuring alums Bryce Charles, Esteban Dager, Jolene Fisher, and Cameron Armstrong. [more]

6 years ago

AMDA Represents at the 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards: See the Full List of Alumni Currently Starring in This Year’s Most Critically Acclaimed Shows

We're thrilled to announce and congratulate all AMDA alumni starring in critically acclaimed shows featured at this year's 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards! Read more about our alums and the characters they portray below. [more]

6 years ago

AMDA Makes Playbill’s Big 10 list of Colleges with the Most Alumni on Broadway

AMDA RANKS #4 on Playbill’s Big 10! [more]

6 years ago

Congratulations to AMDA Alumni Selected For Broadway Rising Stars 2018

Town Hall presents Broadway Rising Stars, a national showcase that introduces New York audiences to the next generation of up-and-coming talent as chosen by a panel of discerning judges from among the most outstanding new graduates from performing arts schools and departments throughout the country. The 2018 Rising Stars is spearheaded by Scott Siegel, creator/writer/host of Town Hall's beloved Broadway by the Year series. [more]

6 years ago

AMDA ALUMNI CAISSIE LEVY AND JACOB SMITH STAR IN FROZEN ON BROADWAY

From AMDA to Broadway, alumni Caissie Levy and Jacob Smith have been powerful forces in the performing arts world and beyond. We’d like to send a big congratulations to Caissie (Elsa) and Jacob (ensemble member) and the entire FROZEN cast on their opening night! [more]

6 years ago

Interview: AMDA Alumna Janaye Furman on Making History at Paris Fashion Week

This past spring, AMDA alumna Janaye Furman made history by becoming the first African American woman to model the opening look for Louis Vuitton. We caught up with Janaye to discuss life after Louis Vuitton and her future plans as a model and performer. [more]

6 years ago

IN THE HEIGHTS at Musical Theatre West

4 AMDA Alumni, 1 AMDA Faculty Member, and a fabulous musical, Lin Manuel Miranda Style. - IN THE HEIGHTS at Musical Theatre West [more]

7 years ago

ANNOUNCING THE 2016-2017 SCENIES

StageSceneLA is proud to announce the12th-annual SCENIES, presented each fall to the previous twelve months’ (September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017) most outstanding theater companies, productions, performances, direction, choreography, musical direction, & designs. Out of over 250 productions reviewed, these are the year’s most memorable achievements in Southern California theater. [more]

7 years ago

AMDA Named On Playbill’s List of the 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway in the 2017-2018 Season

AMDA has been named #4 on Playbill’s top ten colleges currently being represented on Broadway. [more]

7 years ago

Preparing For Auditions

AMDA alumna and working actor Karlee Squires shares her personal experiences as a performer and tips on preparing for auditions. [more]

7 years ago

Tips On Promoting Yourself As A Performer

We recently sat down with AMDA alumna Karlee Squires to discuss ways of promoting yourself as a performer. Below are her tips for taking your performing arts career to the next level. [more]

7 years ago

AMDA Alumni Take the Stage in BROADWAY RISING STARS Concert

Congratulations to our AMDA Rising Stars! Town Hall presents Broadway Rising Stars. [more]

7 years ago

AMDA Alumna Caissie Levy to Star in Broadway’s Frozen

AMDA alumna, Caissie Levy, will play the lead role of Elsa in the brand new musical adaptation of Disney’s Frozen. Disney’s Frozen, the film, won two Oscars in 2014: Best Song for “Let It Go” and Best Animated Feature. The Broadway production is set to open at St. James Theatre in the spring of 2018. [more]

7 years ago

AMDA Alumni continue to be active and engaged in exciting performance opportunities

AMDA Alumni continue to be active and engaged in exciting performance opportunities. Here are some of the highlights! [more]

7 years ago

Anthony Ramos selected to Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Forbes presents the Class of 2016: 600 of the brightest young entrepreneurs, breakout talents and change agents in 20 different sectors. Leading the way in the Hollywood and Entertainment category is AMDA’s own Anthony Ramos due in equal parts to his breakout performance in Hamilton and his amazing talent. [more]

8 years ago

AMDA Alumni Shine on Screen and Stage

AMDA alumni continue to be active and engaged in exciting performance opportunities. . . Here are some of the highlights. [more]

8 years ago

AMDA Thanks Natalie Zea and Chandra Wilson to be the keynote speakers at AMDA's 2016 summer commencements!

AMDA Would Like To thank actress Natalie Zea (“The Detour,” “The Following,” and “Justified,”) and award-winning actress Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey / “Grey’s Anatomy.”) for speaking at AMDA's 2016 commencement ceremony! [more]

8 years ago

Big 10: Top Colleges Currently Represented on Broadway

AMDA named to the Top 10 of performing arts colleges by Playbill. [more]

8 years ago

New Audition App: Bookster Helps Actors Discover, Manage Theatre Auditions

To save actors from losing precious time—and sanity—Megan partnered with her husband Matthew Rybicki to release Bookster, a new app that redefines the convoluted audition process.

Available on the iTunes store, Bookster helps actors discover, manage and map their theatre auditions. Currently designed for iPhone users, Bookster offers a real-time list of daily auditions, which users can organize, take notes on and discuss with other actors via the app’s interface.

[more]

8 years ago

‘Modern Family’ Star Jesse Tyler Ferguson Returns to Broadway in Fully Committed

Immense congratulations to alumnus Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who after eight years will return to perform on Broadway in Becky Mode’s culinary comedy Fully Committed! Jesse will play not one but 40 different characters of various ages, genders and ethnicities packed into one 90-minute performance. [more]

8 years ago

Hamilton's Christopher Jackson Freestyle Raps for Charity

Christopher Jackson’s spitting rhymes for charity. At the 27th annual Gypsy of the Year Competition, Hamilton star and AMDA alum Jackson took the stage with Lin Manuel Miranda and Wayne Brady in a freestyle rap session before a cheering audience. [more]

8 years ago

AMDA Alumni Perform in the 89th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Several AMDA alumni performed at the 89th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where NBC highlighted such shows as On Your Feet!, The King and I, Finding Neverland, Something Rotten!, Fiddler on the Roof and School of Rock. [more]

9 years ago

Kinky Boots National Tour Takes on J. Harrison Ghee as Leading Lola

The fab-in-drag musical sensation Kinky Boots continues its ever-growing list of starring AMDA alumni! After originally featuring as an Angel on Broadway, Kyle Taylor Parker (In The Heights), who played leading-lady Lola since the beginning of the first national tour, returned to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway to replace Tony-winner Billy Porter for three months earlier this year. [more]

9 years ago

Nina Arianda Breaks Hearts (And Bones) in Broadway's Fool for Love

The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre’s stage reveals a seedy motel room in the Mojave Desert, the leaking A/C unit staining the wallpaper which peels over a narrow, hard mattress. The play centers around lovers May (Nina) and Eddie (Sam Rockwell), an on/off couple whose secrets from each other threaten to destroy them. [more]

9 years ago

Alumnae Tell Tale as Old as Time in Beauty and the Beast

Be an enchanted feather duster, see the world. Delighting audiences across the globe, AMDA alumnae are now performing in the national and world tours of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. [more]

9 years ago

Broadway Tour Brings AMDA Family Together

Four AMDA alumni are on the road with the upcoming touring production of Bullets Over Broadway, the hit musical by Woody Allen and Susan Stroman. [more]

9 years ago

Audition Like You Mean It: Advice from Chandra Lee Schwartz

AMDA’s illustrious alumna Chandra Lee Schwartz has landed a starring role in a world premiere...again. [more]

9 years ago

2015 Broadway Rising Stars

Broadway Rising Stars, an annual celebration of “the brightest talent" chosen from top college and conservatory performing arts programs, performs Monday, July 13, 2015, at 8 p.m. This spectacular display of young, gifted, up-and-coming professionals takes place at The Town Hall in New York City, a non-profit national landmark founded by suffragists in 1921. [more]

9 years ago

Rush to See Gretchen Mol in 'Disgraced'

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play Disgraced, by Ayad Akhtar, opens next Thursday, October 23, at the Lyceum Theatre, with a limited number of rush tickets sold on the day of each performance. The cast includes AMDA alumna Gretchen Mol, Hari Dhillon, Joshua Radnor, Karen Pittman and Danny Ashok. Disgraced, which won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an Obie Award for Playwriting, is about “an affluent Muslim-American couple living in New York City, whose views on race, relationships and identity are left shattered after a dinner party with a co-worker and her husband.” [more]

10 years ago

FRINGENYC 2014 — AMDA Alumni Join the Excitement

“As the fattest kid in school, Tommy lives a lonely, living nightmare. When the skinny kids' taunting goes too far, Tommy takes revenge without amends. A dark spoken-word musical diving into the lunchtime of life, where bullies are delicious.” This describes the core story of the musical Fatty Fatty No Friends, playing at what is considered the largest mutli-arts festival in North America, FringeNYC (The New York International Fringe Festival). For two weeks, according to the organization, more than 200 companies descend on Lower Manhattan from all over the world to perform a variety of works in more than 20 venues. [more]

10 years ago

Jason Derulo Receives Two MTV Video Music Award Nominations

Since reissuing his recent EP Tattoos as the phenomenal full-length album Talk Dirty, along with its title track of the same name, AMDA alumnus Jason Derulo is once again raking in the award nominations. Most recently, he received two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Pop Video (“Talk Dirty”) and Best Choreography (“Talk Dirty”). Previously, in 2010, Derulo was nominated for two MTV VMAs for his song “In My Head.” In addition to these VMA nods, Derulo received four nominations for the Teen Choice Awards that will air on August 10. [more]

10 years ago

Alumna Caissie Levy to speak at AMDA NY Graduation!

AMDA is pleased to announce that alumna Caissie Levy will be our AMDA New York graduation speaker on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11 am at Church of St. Paul the Apostle in NYC. [more]

10 years ago

AMDA Congratulates Alumna Tyne Daly Nominated for a Tony Award and all of our Alumni in 7 Nominated Productions!

Congratulations to alumna Tyne Daly nominated for a Best Actress Tony Award for her portrayal of Katherine Gerard in Terrance McNally's play Mothers and Sons on Broadway, and congratulations to all of our alumni who are in Tony nominated productions! [more]

10 years ago

Congratulations to AMDA Alumni Nominated for Drama League Awards!

AMDA congratulates all of our alumni nominated for Drama League Awards! Alumnus Christopher Sieber announced the award nominations alongside actress Judith Light. Alumnus Jesse Tyler Ferguson will host the ceremony in New York on May 16, 2014. The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical awards in America, chosen by thousands of audience members who attend Broadway and off-Broadway productions each year. [more]

10 years ago

Jason Derulo's new album, "Talk Dirty," releases this week!

Congratulations to AMDA alumnus Jason Derulo on this week's release of his third album, Talk Dirty, and the accompanying fanfare of press and appearances. Jason was featured on the Yahoo homepage and performed an iheartradio release concert. [more]

10 years ago

Alumna Sarah Stiles nominated for 2014 Lucille Lortel Award!

AMDA congratulates alumna Sarah Stiles on her 2014 Lucille Lortel Award nomination for "Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play" for her role as Jessica in the off-Broadway play Hand To God. [more]

10 years ago

AMDA LA: Alumni Workshop on April 12, 2014

Join us for a day of classes created specifically for our AMDA alumni, an opportunity to brush up on your skills and network with your fellow AMDA graduates. [more]

10 years ago

AMDA "In Celebration" Alumni Presentation in NY and LA

This special hour-long presentation of dramatic scenes will feature AMDA graduates Erin Dowling, Michael Hauschild, and Jon McCormick. [more]

10 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Kyle Scatliffe nominated for an Olivier Award!

Congratulations to AMDA alumnus Kyle Scatliffe who has been nominated for a 2014 Olivier Award for BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL for his portrayal of Haywood Patterson in the London West End production of The Scottsboro Boys! Kyle performed in The Scottsboro Boys throughout its West End run from October 18 to December 21, 2013. Directed by the multiple Tony Award winning Susan Stroman, the production is nominated for a total of 6 Awards. According to The London Evening Standard “the stand-out performance comes from the imposing Kyle Scatliffe as Haywood Patterson...," The Daily Mail called Kyle “charismatic” and says “Haywood’s songs Go Back Home and You Can’t Do Me are among the best of the numbers," and the Guardian UK proclaimed "The cast is dominated by the outstanding Kyle Scatliffe as Haywood Patterson – tall, commanding and with a hotline-to-heaven of a voice." [more]

10 years ago

Alumnus Nathan Reid forms Reinventing Films and Produces "The Jokester" film series

Nathan Reid, an AMDA graduate, has been acting, writing, and producing films for over 10 years. In 2004, Nathan wrote and sold his first script, Snowman Assassin. In 2005, he executive produced and starred in his first film Old Man Music, starring Geoffrey Lewis and J.A. Preston, which won the Gold Metal for Excellence at the Park City Music Festival and various other awards of recognition. In 2008, Nathan created Prey: The Beginning; a comic book franchise. The first issue was listed #3 in the top ten sales ranking for Independent comics. In 2013, Nathan formed Reinventing Films with producing partner Jodie Bentley, and then merged with Moving Pictures Media Group in early 2014. RF and MPMG have slates of films in all stages of production and look forward to their growing partnership. [more]

10 years ago

AMDA Open House Welcomes Alumni
Rizwan Manji and Sam Underwood

We are proud to announce alumnus Rizwan Manji ("Outsourced," "Arrested Development") as a speaker at our AMDA Los Angeles Open House on March 1, 2014, along with alumnus Sam Underwood ("The Following," "Dexter") who will speak at our AMDA New York Campus! [more]

10 years ago

Alumnus Sam Underwood on The Following!

Meet AMDA graduate Sam Underwood. You may have seen him recently on Showtime’s award-winning TV series “Homeland” as Leo Carras or on the final season of “Dexter,” as Dexter’s killer protégé Zach Hamilton. Sam recently made his debut on “The Following” as the handsome and creepy set of murderous twins, Luke and Mark. His plot-twisting performance sent the mainstream media, blogs and social media world buzzing, further confirming that Sam is a star on the rise! [more]

10 years ago

Kyle Scatliffe nominated for London Newcomer of the Year!

Congratulations to alumnus Kyle Scatliffe who has been nominated by the British publication WhatsOn Stage for their "London Newcomer of the Year" award! Kyle has been receiving rave reviews for his performance as Haywood Patterson in The Scottsboro Boys on London's West End and he will soon be starring in his first Broadway production, as Enjolras, in next year's anticipated revival of Les Miserables. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA Alumna Theresa Murray Talks About Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

In the last two years, AMDA alumnae Theresa Murray and Julie Furrer both received full scholarships to dance with the esteemed Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. The festival takes place every summer in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts and it is recognized worldwide as a "hub and mecca of dancing" (TIME Magazine). It offers training to dancers with the opportunity to interact and work with top dance companies and choreographers, over 200 free performances, speakers and a range of events. Dance icon, Mikhail Baryshnikov, called it "one of America's most precious cultural assets." The Jacob's Pillow website states, " 'The Pillow' is a treasured 220-acre National Historic Landmark, a recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts, and home to America's longest-running international dance festival." One might simply call it the premiere cultural center for dance. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA Student Vision evolves into BASH

Originating as an AMDA Student Vision Project, this production has continued to evolve. Now, Eleventh Story Productions presents BASH, a trio of unforgettable personal accounts that depict dark, unblinking portraits of the complexities of evil in everyday life.” [more]

11 years ago

Alumnus Kyle Scatliffe wins over the critics in The Scottsboro Boys!

Alumnus Kyle Scatliffe is currently starring in the U.K. premiere production of Kander and Ebb's The Scottsboro Boys, directed by Susan Stroman, at The Young Vic Theatre on London's West End. [more]

11 years ago

Alumna Natalie Zea to speak at AMDA LA Summer Graduation!

AMDA alumna Natalie Zea is an actor known for her versatility, her depth of artistry and her flawless character portrayals. Natalie’s diverse career already includes over 35 TV and film credits. Natalie currently stars in Fox’s hit series, “The Following,” as Claire Matthews, love interest to Kevin Bacon’s broken hero. Many also recognize her from her performances in the FX series “Justified,” in which she plays Winona Hawkins, and as heiress Karen Darling on ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money.” Her many recurring TV roles include Jemma on “Hung,” Carrie on “Californication,” Michael Chiklis’ complicated love interest Lauren on “The Shield” and as bad girl Maxine in the CBS drama “Under The Dome.” [more]

11 years ago

Alumnus Ben Cotton lands role in "Once Upon A Time: Wonderland" on ABC

AMDA graduate Ben Cotton will play the recurring role of Tweedle Dum in "Once Upon A Time: Wonderland," the new ABC TV series debuting October 10, 2013. [more]

11 years ago

Alumnus Lee Tergesen to speak at AMDA NY Summer 2013 Graduation

Alumnus Lee Tergesen will speak at the Graduation Ceremony for AMDA New York's Summer 2013 graduating class, on Saturday October 5, 2013. [more]

11 years ago

Kelly McCormack's Film "PLAY" opens WILLiFEST!

AMDA congratulates alumna Kelly McCormack an internationally nominated screenwriter opening one of the most prestigious music and film festivals on her first film out of the box! Kelly's new film PLAY will have its World Premiere at the Williamsburg International Film Festival selected as the Opening Night Gala Feature film on Sept 19th. The film will also screen at the TriBeCa Film Centre in the Bootleg Film Festival on Sept 20th. After that Kelly will fly to LA for two more festivals and then to London where the film is nominated for Best Feature Film, Best Soundtrack and Best Original Screenplay. [more]

11 years ago

Award Winning Composer and Lyricist Scott Evan Davis

Last year the Huffington Post named him one of the top five emerging composers to know and hear and Broadway World recently said, “In a period of two years on the New York scene, Davis's music has become lauded and sought after internationally." [more]

11 years ago

Alumna Vasthy Mompoint in her 5th Broadway Show!

Congratulations to AMDA alumna Vasthy Mompoint who is currently in the new musical Soul Doctor, her 5th Broadway show! Vasthy plays the role of the blind guitarist and is understudy for the lead role of Nina Simone. Prior to Soul Doctor, Vasthy was a featured dancer/ensemble in Ghost the Musical on Broadway. Additional Broadway credits include: Good Vibrations, Hot Feat and Mary Poppins. [more]

11 years ago

It's a 4th Emmy Award Nomination for Jesse Tyler Ferguson!

AMDA Congratulates Alumnus Jesse Tyler Ferguson on his 4th Emmy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series! [more]

11 years ago

"Choir Boy" Star Jeremy Pope featured in New York Times

AMDA alumnus Jeremy Pope has been praised in the New York Times for the third time in recent months, due to his breakout performance in the lead role of Pharus in the new gospel music-themed play Choir Boy, currently running at the Manhattan Theatre Club in NYC. In the most recent article, Jeremy is interviewed in a profile with a headline proclaiming him "A Breakout, Onstage and at Home." In it, Jeremy talks about his experience in the critically-acclaimed production along with what it it took to get there. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA Alumni in 2013 Award Winning Productions

Congratulations to all of our AMDA alumni in award-winning shows this season! [more]

11 years ago

AMDA ALUMNI RETURN FOR SPRING 2013 WORKSHOPS

AMDA Los Angeles and New York campuses hosted a round of Spring 2013 Alumni Workshops, offering a free day of classes to all AMDA Alumni. Some photos from both events are posted below. [more]

11 years ago

Master's Degree Options for AMDA BFA Graduates

For those students who are interested in pursuing their Master of Fine Arts Degree after graduating from AMDA, here is a sampling of the Master’s Degree granting institutions which recognize our National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) BFA Program accreditation: Yale, Julliard School, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Brown University, The New School, University of North Carolina, University of Georgia, Ohio University, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of New Mexico, and Boston Conservatory. All applicants are subject to the requirements of the individual schools to which they apply. [more]

11 years ago

Gabriela Garcia: AMDA Alumna, Miss Tarzana and USC MFA Grad Student

We were thrilled to catch up with our recent AMDA alumna Gabriela Garcia who has been a very busy lady since graduating with her BFA in Acting from AMDA in Fall 2012. Gabriela is currently the reigning Miss Tarzana (a city suburb of Los Angeles) and will soon be leaving to compete for the Miss California title. She will also be starting at USC this fall where she will be working toward her MFA degree. Gabriela grew up in Lancaster, California, which surprisingly enough was also Judy Garland’s hometown – a little fact that she likes to think of as good luck! [more]

11 years ago

AMDA Spotlight Magazine is All New and Available Online!

AMDA is proud to announce the premiere issue of our revamped magazine, Spotlight. As "The Magazine of the AMDA Community," Spotlight features campus news and events, photo galleries, informative features and interviews, and updates on alumni and faculty. [more]

11 years ago

Alumnus Christopher Jackson Nominated for His 3rd Emmy Award!

Congratulations to AMDA alumnus Christopher Jackson who is nominated for his third Daytime Emmy Award nomination for “Outstanding Original Song–Children and Animation” for his work in composing the tune “Queen of Nacho Pichu” for Sesame Street on PBS! Christopher co-composed the song alongside Bill Sherman, with lyrics by Joey Mazzarino. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA ALUMNI 2013 AWARDS SEASON WRAP UP

AMDA Congratulates all of our alumni in nominated for Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Awards! Check out the list of AMDA alumni in nominated productions. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA LA Stage Combat Skills Proficiency Test Program

AMDA LA Stage Combat Department works to train AMDA students and alumni in a variety of fight techniques as part of a top notch program that is recognized by the internationally renowned Society of American Fight Directors. In addition to our current AMDA students, any AMDA alumnus who has taken up to Stage Combat 3 is welcome to submit him or herself for the opportunity to come back and prepare for the Skills Proficiency Test with AMDA faculty Lacy Altwine. [more]

11 years ago

Alumnus Justin Key Talks Entrepreneurship & Networking

AMDA Alumnus Justin Key is an actor, a mathematician and an entrepreneur. He will co-star in an upcoming production with Marla Gibbs from "The Jeffersons" and "227", Chico Brenneman from "Half and Half" and many others. He is also the face of Walmart, and co-starred on "8 Days a Week" on BET, a sitcom about young moguls in the making. Justin recently spoke about his experiences to our alumni at our most recent Alumni Workshop day in Los Angeles. We asked him to be a guest blogger so we could share his insight with all of our AMDA community. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA LA Alumni Workshops on March 16, 2013

Join us for a day of classes created specifically for our AMDA alumni. This is a great opportunity to brush up on your skills and network with fellow alumni. This round of classes will be taught by AMDA alumni Chandra Lee Schwartz, Chryssie Whitehead and Jordan McKirahan. [more]

11 years ago

AMDA Alumni Engaged!

Congratulations to AMDA alumni Christian Marriner and Leah Beth Bolton on their engagement! Christian proposed to Leah Beth on stage after his performance in Shrek in Paducah, KY on January 30, 2013. Christian currently plays Lord Farquaad in the national tour of Shrek. Christian and Leah Beth originally met in the hallways of AMDA! ♥ [more]

11 years ago

AMDA Alumni in "Rock of Ages" National Tour

AMDA congratulates our alumni starring in the Rock of Ages National Tour! [more]

11 years ago

Brett Davern's TV show "Awkward" Wins Peoples Choice Award!

Congratulations to AMDA alumnus Brett Davern on his People's Choice Award! His show "Awkward" took home the award for "Favorite Cable TV Comedy"! Brett stars as Jake Rosatti in the MTV show which is in its third season. [more]

11 years ago

Alumna Becca Tobin Joins "Glee"!

Congratulations to AMDA alumna Becca Tobin who joins the cast of "Glee" on Fox TV as Kitty, the newest cheerleader! Becca is from Marietta, Georgia. She too was a cheerleader in middle school before she went on to study dance. Becca graduated from AMDA in 2005, after which she performed in Rock of Ages on Broadway and the National Tour, and toured with the Trans-Siberian orchestra. "Glee" is Becca's TV debut! [more]

12 years ago

AMDA Salutes Rosemary Doyle

AMDA salutes alumna Rosemary Doyle, who founded The Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto, Canada. In their first year up and running, the theatre has already produced over 60 productions and has had three Dora nominations and one win! [more]

12 years ago

AMDA LA's Big Time Rush with Stephen Kramer Glickman

On Thursday October 18, 2012 our new AMDA LA students were treated to an orientation week Q&A with AMDA alumnus Stephen Kramer Glickman. Stephen currently stars on the Nickelodeon TV show “Big Time Rush” as record executive Gustavo Rocque. Stephen is a multi-talented renaissance man. Not only is he an accomplished actor, but he is also a stand-up comedian, a Broadway performer, pianist, producer, and a clothing designer. [more]

12 years ago

AMDA Alumna Zoi Florosz an Award-Winning Filmmaker

Congratulations to AMDA alumna Zoi Florosz who recently received Independent Spirit Award at the Monaco International Film Festival for Brushstrokes, a film she directed,choreographed and produced. Brushstrokes also took home Best Independent Film at the Winter Film Awards in NYC in 2012 and was an official selection at Queens World Film Festival. Brushtrokes will screen at the TriBeca Film Center in NYC on October 17th. [more]

12 years ago

Alumnus Donovan Jones Finds His Balance with Rebecca Peache on "America's Got Talent"!

AMDA alumnus Donovan Jones and his wife Rebecca Peache recently performed on America's Got Talent" where they made it to the semi-finals with their breathtaking acrobatic and aerial routines. [more]

12 years ago

Alumnus Michael Ian Cedar Finds His Passion In Producing

When alumnus Michael Ian Cedar graduated from AMDA he took a part in the National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof. After his initial elation and 10 performances in, Michael walked into the Company Manager’s office and declared “I’m not sure this gig is for me, how do I learn how to do your job”? Michael was offered the Assistant Manager position and says he felt like Dori in Finding Nemo, completely oblivious but utterly in his element. Michael is now a successful producer at StarQuest International and is also producing a concert of Mercy Street through his own production company Ask Yourself Productions. [more]

12 years ago

Cabaret and Charity with Marti Gould Cummings

AMDA alumnus Marti Gould Cummings is a New York cabaret performer who has quickly made a name for himself. He currently hosts four shows a week in the city, bringing in some of the most sought after Broadway Stars as guests. After Proposition 8 was passed in California (a ballot proposition elimating the rights of same sex couples to marry), Marti co-founded the organization Broadway Speaks OUT to create a forum for those on Broadway to speak out on behalf of the LGBT community. Marti has interviewed a bevy of stars for Broadway Speaks OUT including Bette Midler and Rosie O'Donnell, and has produced and hosted several successful fundraisers. In a relatively short period of time on the scene, Marti has carved out a successful career for himself. We talked to Marti to get his take on the business and find out what it takes to set yourself apart in a sea of performers. [more]

12 years ago

AMDA Faculty Michael Zelniker teams with Alumni to create the new film Falling

Congratulations to AMDA Faculty member Michael Zelniker and our AMDA alumni in Falling... for taking home the Best of Festival Award at Indie Fest USA International Film Festival! [more]

12 years ago

Alumna Mary Knickle takes on new musical Morgan Le Fay

AMDA alumna Mary Knickle has been a performer, an accomplished musician and now as a composer, she has written and produced her first musical based upon the legend of Morgan Le Fay. Maritime Concert Opera in Halifax, Canada presented the first workshop performance o Morgan Le Fay featuring 13 cast members in November of 2011. We caught up with Mary to talk to her about her time as a student at AMDA along with her inspiration for creating a new Celtic musical and where she will go with it next. [more]

12 years ago

ANNOUNCING AMDA'S 2012 Broadway's Rising Stars

AMDA is proud to announce BROADWAY’S STARS 2012 performing in concert at Town Hall in NYC on July 23rd! [more]

12 years ago

AMDA Alumnus Jason Bergund Best-Selling Author!

AMDA celebrates alumnus Jason Bergund, best-selling author! Jason has written 8 books with his writing partner and wife Beverly West, including Please Don't Feed the Daisy: Living, Loving, and Losing Weight with the World's Hungriest Dog, Pug Therapy: Finding Happiness, One Pug at a Time and What Pets Do While You're at Work. Yes, he often writes about his real life adventures with his family of beloved dogs. [more]

12 years ago

Julie Furrer Books Equity Contract at the MUNY Theatre in St. Louis!

Congratulations to alumna Julie Furrer who just graduated with a BFA in Dance Theatre-Spring 2012 and booked her first professional job at the MUNY in St. Louis, Missouri - before graduating! [more]

12 years ago

AMDA Alumni in Upcoming TV Shows!

AMDA Celebrates Our Alumni in New and Upcoming TV Shows: Bailey Buntain, Tanya Memme, Lee Tergesen, Natalie Zea and Jake Speck! [more]

12 years ago

AMDA ALUMNA NINA ARIANDA-2012 TONY AWARD WINNER!

Nina Arianda took home her first Tony Award for "Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play" at the 2012 Tony Awards on Sunday night in NYC. Nina originated the award-winning role of Vanda in David Ives’ "Venus in Fur" off-Broadway in 2010, before taking it to Broadway in 2012. [more]

12 years ago

Alumnus Turned Filmmaker Takes Miss D to Short Film Corner at Cannes

AMDA alumnus Stefan Blomquist came to the AMDA New York campus all the way from Sweden to study and become a performer. After graduation, Stefan went on to pursue photography and then film. He formed his own production company, IDA, with two fellow AMDA alumni. Their first short film, MISS D, will premiere at the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival. We spoke to Stefan just as he arrived at Cannes to ask him how he made the leap from performing to making films? [more]

12 years ago

The 2012 Tony Award Nominations!

The 2012 Tony Award nominations are announced. AMDA salutes all of our outstanding alumni in Tony Award nominated shows! A special congratulations to alumna Nina Arianda who is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her portrayal of Vanda in Venus in Fur! This is Nina’s second Tony nomination in a row. She was nominated in 2011 for her performance as Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday. Venus in Fur also received a Tony nomination for Best Play. [more]

12 years ago

The 2012 Drama Desk Awards!

The 2012 Drama Desk Award nominations have been announced. AMDA congratulates all of our alumni in nominated productions! The 57th Annual Drama Desk Awards will take place on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 8:00 PM at The Town Hall in Manhattan. [more]

12 years ago

The 2011-2012 Drama League Awards Nominations!

The 78^th Annual Drama League Award nominations have been announced. AMDA congratulates our two alumna nominated for the Distinguished Performance Award along with our six alumni in nominated productions! [more]

12 years ago

The 2012 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations

The 62^nd annual Outer Critics Circle Award nominations are in. AMDA is proud to announce that we have one alumna nominated for Outstanding Actress and nine alumni in six nominated productions! [more]

12 years ago

Victoria Mallory and Kurt Peterson Reunite for "When Everything Was Possible" April 29th in NYC!

AMDA alumni Victoria Mallory and Kurt Peterson met while attending AMDA New York in the 1960's. In the summer of 1968 Victoria and Kurt were cast, from hundreds of hopefuls, by Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers, as Maria and Tony in the first major revival of West Side Story at Lincoln Center. Both went on to have phenomenal careers and their story has become that of Broadway legend. [more]

12 years ago

AMDA Alumna Co-Founds the New York Children’s Theater Festival

AMDA congratulates graduate Renee Barnett (2006), co-founder of the New York Children’s Theater Festival which will kick off in April in NYC! The new festival, created to celebrate and promote the art of children’s theater, will premiere on April 20 and run through May 5 at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in Manhattan. Go Green! Prince Charming's Quest for Love and Ecology in NYC, Scheme of the Superbullies and The Velveteen Rabbit were chosen as this year’s participants by a judging panel of over 30 industry professionals including Kevin ("Elmo") Clash, Cheryl Henson (President, The Henson Foundation), John Tartaglia (Emmy, Tony, and Drama Desk Award nominated actor, producer, puppeteer), Thomas Schumacher (President, Disney Theatrical Productions), and Michael Jung, (Vice President, Theatrical Development, Walt Disney Imagineering). [more]

12 years ago

The Tale of Two Witches and AMDA!

It is no mystery why Wicked is one of the most popular musicals in history, going strong on Broadway for nine years, on London’s West End for five years, with five additional North American seated productions, including two national tours currently crisscrossing the country, as well as several international productions in Japan, Germany and Australia. Wicked has won over 35 major awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award, with Entertainment Weekly declaring it “The Best Musical of the Decade” and Variety concurring that it is “a cultural phenomenon.” AMDA has had eleven alumni perform in Wicked thus far. [more]

12 years ago

AMDA STANDING OVATION TO ALUMNI DEVANAND JANKI

AMDA graduate Devanand Janki (1989) will direct and choreograph the upcoming Kennedy Center production of The Wings of Ikarus Jackson, running February 4-9, 2012 at the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater. The play is a combination of dance and theater, adapted by writer Jerome Hairston from the colorful children’s book Wings by Christopher Myers. [more]

12 years ago

Alumni Jennifer Garza Finds Her Voice and Yours!

Jennifer Garza graduated from the AMDA NYC Integrated program in Spring 2008. Upon graduation, Jennifer realized her passion was in voice and speech work. She traveled to London to continue her studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London, while also teaching Shakespeare, phonetics, accents and voice and speech at several local colleges. After receiving her MFA, Jennifer has returned to NYC and is now teaching and consulting privately with actors who want further VPS training, accent/dialect work, or monologue coaching. She specializes in Shakespearean speech. AMDA students might recognize her from some of their warm-ups in Joe Goscinski’s VPS classes. We spoke with Jennifer to find out more about how she came to her path in VPS education. [more]

13 years ago

Melissa Johnston finds Theatre & Film Alive and Flourishing in Detroit

Melissa Johnston graduated from AMDA in 2009. Since then she has appeared in the feature films Barely Legal (just released on DVD), and Water for Elephants. Recently Melissa moved back to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan so she could be close to her ailing grandmother. She has been working steadily in regional theatre in the city, acting in two plays, Caught Up, a family drama, and The Corridor, an urban drama about addiction. The latter is a trilogy of plays that has a matching set of films that go into production early next year. She is also acting for Made in Peril Productions, which produces superhero short films, and works as the spokesmodel for Rink Warriors, a company that hosts roller derby events. [more]

13 years ago

AMDA Takes Over Dream Girls in South Carolina!

Casey Colgan (AMDA Dance Faculty) is directing Dream Girls at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Hilton Head Island, SC. The production will open on September 30th and features SEVEN AMDA alumni! Also of note, the cast will be dressed in costumes from the original Broadway production of Dream Girls, designed by the late Oscar and Tony Award winning costume designer Theoni V. Aldredge. [more]

13 years ago

Canada's newest rising star...Isabelle Giroux!

Canadian Actress Isabelle Giroux graduated from AMDA in the Fall of 2008 in Los Angeles. Isabelle has been working steadily in Canadian Theatre, Film, TV, and Commercials. We asked her about her experience at AMDA and what it is like for her working as an actor in Canada. [more]

13 years ago

And the Emmy Award goes to..."Modern Family"!

Congratulations to AMDA Alum Jesse Tyler Ferguson and the entire cast and crew of ABC's "Modern Family" for taking home the Best Comedy Series Emmy Award for the second year in a row! Overall "Modern Family" took home a total of five Emmy awards this year including... [more]

13 years ago