UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE - November 16th 2024
ANNOUNCING AMDA’S FALL OPEN HOUSE EVENTS! [more]
2 months ago
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
UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE - August 10, 2024
Are you considering AMDA and want to make sure it’s the right fit? Would you like a backstage view to see what it is like as an AMDA student? If you answered yes to either of these questions, attending an AMDA Open House event will do the trick! [more]
4 months ago
AMDA Sponsors Broadway in Bryant Park 2024
We are thrilled to announce that AMDA College of the Performing Arts is a proud sponsor of Broadway in Bryant Park, a lunchtime performance series in New York City featuring the best of Broadway! [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
Join us at our May 2024 Open House Events
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour campus, participate in program focused workshops, interact with current students and gain insight from talented AMDA Alumni during a Q&A session. Speaking of AMDA Alumni, we are thrilled to announce the panel members for our upcoming Open Houses in Los Angeles and New York! [more]
7 months ago
Introducing New BFA in Vocal Performance: Commercial Music Program
AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles is excited to announce its new BFA in Vocal Performance: Commercial Music. Students will graduate from this BFA program as unique artists who are trained with mastery in vocal techniques, music production, genre-specific expertise, industry acumen, and holistic performance dynamics, preparing them as versatile and industry-ready professionals. [more]
11 months ago
Native American Heritage Month 2023
Since 1990, November has been officially recognized as Native American Heritage Month in the United States as a time to celebrate Native history and culture. [more]
1 year ago
AMDA STATEMENT ON THE ATTACK IN ISRAEL
AMDA unequivocally - and emphatically - condemns the attack on innocent civilians in Israel by Hamas and condemns all forms of anti-semitism. [more]
1 year ago
Niche.com ranks AMDA #4 on 2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America
AMDA placed #4 on Niche’s list of 2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America. [more]
1 year ago
National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
Join us in the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM)! Observed annually from September 15-October 15, this year’s theme is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” [more]
1 year ago
Disability Pride Month 2023
July is Disability Pride Month, where we celebrate people with disabilities and recognize and honor disability as a natural and valued part of diversity. [more]
1 year ago
AMDA Statement on the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling
We write today to reaffirm that AMDA is committed to providing an unsurpassed performing arts education to a diverse community of creative artists. This commitment is as critical and true today as it was prior to the ruling. [more]
1 year ago
Juneteenth 2023
Last year AMDA proudly added Juneteenth as an official holiday to our campus calendar and we look forward to expanding on ways to observe and recognize this important day for many years to come. [more]
1 year ago
Pride Month 2023
June is Pride Month, and we are delighted to usher in a month that is dedicated to celebrating our LGBTQIA+ family and friends, a community that needs our allyship more than ever. [more]
1 year ago
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH 2023
We invite you to engage in honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. May is the annual month-long celebration meant to highlight the many achievements and significant contributions of the AAPI community. [more]
1 year ago
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023
February is Black History Month and we invite you to join us in recognizing the importance of this year’s theme: “Resistance.” [more]
1 year ago
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY 2023
Today we honor the life of influential civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [more]
1 year ago
Prestigious Broadway Rising Stars Event Selects AMDA College Graduates to Perform in New York City on July 18, 2022
AMDA College of the Performing Arts Sends Six Recent Graduates to The Town Hall in New York City for the First Broadway Rising Stars Event in Three Years. [more]
2 years ago
AMDA College launches the first fully online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degrees in Acting and Music Theatre in the country
AMDA College has answered the call to action to provide accessible performing arts education to everyone, everywhere with the launch of the first fully online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Music Theatre degree programs in the country. [more]
2 years ago
AMDA FALL 2020 VIRTUAL GRADUATION
We are so excited to announce our AMDA class of Fall 2020’s Virtual Commencement Ceremony this weekend! [more]
3 years ago
AMDA CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH - FEBRUARY 2021
Today, February 1, marks the start of Black History Month – a time specifically set aside by our nation to celebrate the history and innumerable achievements and contributions made by Black Americans to our culture, society, and country. It is a time for all of us to recommit ourselves personally and as a community to equality, diversity, inclusion, and justice. [more]
3 years ago
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” [more]
3 years ago
AMDA Ranks #1 College for Performing Arts in Niche's 2021 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America
Niche.com has ranked AMDA #1 College for Performing Arts in America for 2021! [more]
3 years ago
AMDA Summer 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony: Announcing our special guest graduation speakers
To honor our AMDA graduates this Summer 2020 semester, we hope you can join us for the upcoming celebration of the inspiring work and accomplishments of our graduating students. [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
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
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 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 Exclusive! Industry Spotlight with Martin and Jesse Kove
AMDA Exclusive! Industry Spotlight with Martin and Jesse Kove [more]
4 years ago
AMDA’s Philosophy and Standards Regarding Casting Practices
At AMDA, we are committed to creating and upholding what we believe are the best standards and practices regarding casting for our students in our classrooms, on our stages, and for our on-camera work. [more]
4 years ago
UPDATE FOR AMDA’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
We know the past few months have been an especially stressful time for you as international students and we want you to know that we care so deeply and are standing by ready to assist and support you. [more]
4 years ago
AMDA Curriculum Review Committee
In order to train the next generation of powerful, empowered, socially conscious theatre artists who live our mission statement, AMDA is committed to educating its students in a manner that uplifts and validates their experiences, and demands that the industry change with us. We will lead this change. [more]
4 years ago
An Update on action steps for our amda community
We would like to take a moment to update you on some of the action steps we are putting into place at AMDA to effect real, positive change. [more]
4 years ago
To the AMDA Community
We are a diverse community of Creative Artists, Educators, and Human Beings. Our diversity is our strength. We proudly say Black Lives Matter and we strongly stand by that. But words are not enough. We must rise to this moment with action. [more]
4 years ago
A Message From AMDA President Jan Martin: AMDA Stands in Solidarity With the Call for Justice and Equality
As artists, we choose to be a beacon for change in a world that can be unjust. Together, we seek peace, equality and justice for all citizens. [more]
4 years ago
Watch AMDA's Spring 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony
AMDA's Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony took place on Saturday, May 30th at 1:00PM EST, 10:00AM PST. [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
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
Playbill Ranks AMDA Among Top 5 Colleges with the Most Alumni on Broadway
Marking another year of prolific Broadway success, Playbill has ranked AMDA No. 5 on its annual Big 10 list of the most represented colleges on Broadway for the 2018-2019 Season. [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
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
Congratulations to all of our fall 2018 graduates at AMDA NY
Congratulations to all of our Fall 2018 graduates at AMDA NY! [more]
5 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
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
Congratulations to our Summer 2017 AMDA LA & NY Graduates
Recognition of our Candidates for Graduation Summer 2017 [more]
7 years ago
Congratulations to our AMDA LA and NY Spring of 2017 Graduates!
CONGRATULATIONS SPRING OF 2017 AMDA LA AND NY GRADUATES! [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
Congratulations to our 2017 AMDA LA & NY Graduates
Recognition of our Candidates for Graduation 2017 [more]
7 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
Seven Tony Award-Nominated Plays Feature AMDA Alumni
With the recent announcement of the 2016 Tony Award nominations, AMDA is pleased to report that ten of our numerous alumni on Broadway are performing in Tony-nominated productions! Spearheading the nominees is alum... [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
Marina Benedict Joins “Prison Break” Mini-Series on Fox
AMDA faculty Marina Benedict (“Flesh and Bone,” “Torchwood”) has been cast opposite returning stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell in Fox’s highly anticipated “Prison Break” revival, a nine-episode mini-series following the original award-winning action drama. [more]
8 years ago
Caissie Levy: From Fantine in Les Mis to Julie Nixon in First Daughter Suite
After 13 years of Broadway musicals, national tours and world premieres, Caissie Levy has landed more dream roles than most actors score in a lifetime: She’s played Maureen (Rent), Penny Pingleton (Hairspray), Elphaba (Wicked), Sheila (Hair), Molly (Ghost the Musical), and Fantine in the Broadway revival of Les Misérables. When not performing some of the greatest female roles known to Broadway, Levy’s out teaching students at AMDA New York, doing voiceovers for countless commercials or performing songs in concert from her debut solo album With You. [more]
8 years ago
Mad Love: Madeline Brewer Thrives in a "Bad Boyfriend" Industry
Sitting in AMDA’s studio with iced coffee in hand, Madeline Brewer recounts her nerve-wracking audition for Netflix mega-series “Orange is the New Black”: “I auditioned with shaking hands, staring directly into the camera—it was crazy. I left and called my mom and sobbed for 20 minutes: ‘I’m never doing that again. That was the worst audition of my life. I’m not cut out for this TV thing... I’m not doing it.’” [more]
8 years ago
HAMILTON: Christopher Jackson and Anthony Ramos Bring the Revolution to Broadway
Alexander Hamilton: 18th century politician, founding father, freestyle rapper. Wiping the dust off American history books, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights) created his new musical Hamilton, which transitioned from its sold-out Off-Broadway run to appear before Broadway audiences for the first time in August. The production stars AMDA alumni Christopher Jackson (George Washington) and Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), both of whom originated their roles in the world premiere at New York City’s Public Theater. [more]
8 years ago
Be a Princess, Tour the World: Briana Rapa as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Just months after earning her BFA in Music Theatre from AMDA, alumna Briana Rapa was cast as one of Disney’s most beloved characters: Belle in the international tour of Beauty and the Beast. Rapa landed the cherished role after receiving an audition from her agent, who signed her on after seeing her perform at AMDA... [more]
8 years ago
The Latest Issue of AMDA Magazine Has Arrived!
The Winter 2016 edition of AMDA Magazine is now available online! This issue features AMDA alumni who currently star in Broadway’s hit musical Hamilton. Merging hip-hop with history, Hamilton paints America’s founding figures in a modern light, offering audiences a new perspective on the men and women who... [more]
8 years ago
Cirque du Soleil Meets Broadway: Sheridan Mouawad Lands Paramour World Premiere
In a landmark production, Sheridan will perform on the Lyric Theatre stage in Paramour, a show-stopping musical marking the Broadway debut of entertainment titan Cirque du Soleil. Set in the golden age of 1940s Hollywood, Paramour spins the alluring tale of movie star Indigo, a glamorous beauty who finds herself trapped between love and silver screen stardom. [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
40 Alumni on Broadway: AMDA Among Top Theatre Schools
Shattering all previous records, AMDA alumni took Broadway by storm in 2015/6 with 40 graduates performing in 37 unique shows, landing AMDA once more among the nation’s top theatre schools! [more]
8 years ago
Working on a Cruise Ship: John Dempsey Stars at Sea in Royal Caribbean's Cats
Working on a cruise ship can be incredibly rewarding...and taxing. AMDA alum John Dempsey explains the pros and cons of cruise ship performance as he prepares to set sail on the largest cruise ship in the world for nine months to star in Cats. [more]
8 years ago
Lulu Lloyd Becomes First AMDA LA Graduate to Make Broadway Debut
Setting AMDA history, alumna Lulu Lloyd has become the first graduate from AMDA Los Angeles to make her Broadway debut! After graduating from the Studio Conservatory program, Lulu now rocks the Winter Garden Theatre as Swing and Assistant Dance Captain in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock, performing alongside fellow alumna Mamie Parris (Patty). [more]
8 years ago
Being An Out Gay Actor: Ben Baur Makes a Difference
“What was I going to do as a business major? I don’t even know. I had all these weird ideas of being an event planner.” [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
Come See Barbara Schofield in Murray Mednick’s The Gary Plays!
We are pleased to announce that AMDA’s own Barbara Schofield (Broadway World Nomination, Best Director) will be performing as Monica in the Open Fist Theatre Company’s upcoming workshop production of Murray Mednick’s The Gary Plays! Set in Los Angeles, The Gary Plays take a look at life in 21st-century America, offering a profound, darkly humorous perspective on the convoluted relationships between people and the way we change over time. [more]
9 years ago
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Receives Fourth People’s Choice Nomination
AMDA offers heartfelt congratulations to alumnus Jesse Tyler Ferguson for his recent nomination by the 2016 People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor! This marks Jesse’s third nomination alongside... [more]
9 years ago
Douglas Nyback Transitions from Syfy's “Defiance” to “Hell on Wheels”
When your character dies after a firefight while trying to blow up a nuclear power station, it’s usually safe to assume you won’t be returning to the show. Not the case for AMDA alum Douglas Nyback, who, despite his brutal demise as Ben Daris on SyFy’s “Defiance” returned to play the recurring role Sgt. Frei Poole for the show’s final two seasons. Appropriately, gruesome death proved only a temporary deterrent for the committed actor: Nyback’s impressive versatility—as well as some pretty trippy alien prosthetics— made his unlikely return possible. With “Defiance” having wrapped its final season, that same dogged versatility has ensured his continued collaboration with the show’s creators, leading to some exciting opportunities. [more]
9 years ago
Marina Benedict Stars in Original Starz Series “Flesh and Bone”
Be sure to tune in this Sunday, November 8 at 8:00 p.m. EST to watch Marina Benedict in the highly-anticipated new Starz series, “Flesh and Bone”! Set around a renowned New York ballet company, “Flesh and Bone” offers an unflinching comparison of ballet’s exquisite beauty with the profession’s gritty, often disturbing underbelly. Marina plays Toni Cannava, a transcendent choreographer and charismatic force of nature opposite the talented Ben Daniels (“House of Cards”) in episodes 3–8. [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
‘Big Time Rush’ Star Books 10-Year-Old Viral Sensation for Comedy Show
Stephen Kramer Glickman, host of LA’s successful live talk show The Night Time Show, recently reached out to support 10-year-old internet sensation Saffron Herndon, who performed standup on Stephen’s show on October 14. [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
Three Essential Tips That Put Savannah Frazier on Broadway
The 2014-15 Broadway season has brought a fresh face to its renowned stage, where AMDA alumna Savannah Frazier is making her Broadway debut in the powerful new musical Amazing Grace, helmed by first-time Broadway director Gabriel Barre. [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
What do these 30 AMDA alumni have in common?
As summer is about to officially kick off, let’s take a moment to look back at the extraordinary work AMDA alumni have done on Broadway during the past year. From long-running, blockbuster musicals (Wicked) to side-splitting comedies with puppetry (Hand to God), 30 AMDA graduates delivered bold, captivating performances in 25 different Broadway productions. [more]
9 years ago
Graduation Day to "42nd Street"
Taylore Burke, Kahlia Davis and Georgina Moore wasted no time starting their professional careers. All three dancers—who graduate from AMDA’s Conservatory Program this week—have landed the 42nd Street national tour, which starts rehearsals in August. And while it’s absolutely essential for performers to hone their skills, here we see again that learning and understanding the business of the performing arts is equally as important when it comes to landing jobs. The three tappers took a few minutes from their busy schedules to share a little about their AMDA experience and how they transitioned from students to paid professional dancers. [more]
9 years ago
Alumna Sarah Stiles Receives First Tony Award Nomination
AMDA congratulates alumna Sarah Stiles on her 2015 Tony Award nomination for her performance in Broadway’s Hand to God. Stiles is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play. [more]
9 years ago
Tyne Daly Nominated for 2015 Drama League Award
Alumna Tyne Daly, Broadway and small-screen legend, has been nominated for a Distinguished Performance Award at the 81st Annual Drama League Awards on May 15, 2015. One winner is selected in this category, and it can be won only once by a performer in his/her professional career. Previous recipients include Kathleen Chalfant, Stockard Channing, Glenn Close, Rosemary Harris, Hugh Jackman, Cherry Jones, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane and John Lithgow. [more]
9 years ago
Bringing Musical Theatre Training to Mexico City
From a young age, AMDA alumna Rosa Alicia (Azuara Hernandez) Delain knew she was destined for the theatre. After every show that her mother took her to see, she would return home to re-enact each scene. There was “the time we went to see an adaptation of Swan Lake for kids,” she recalled, “and all I did the whole week was repeat all the lines from the show that I could remember. I was four!” [more]
9 years ago
AMDA’s Guidance Counselor Luncheon
This Thursday morning, April 23, at the AMDA New York campus, high school counselors and teachers gathered to learn about AMDA’s mission and opportunities for prospective performing arts students. In addition to hearing from esteemed AMDA faculty members Mark Riherd, Elaine Petricoff, and Michele Hart-Haviland, counselors were treated to a musical and acting performance by current students. [more]
9 years ago
Making a Difference
When Jesse Karlan was seven years old, her best friend was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a degenerative lung and digestive disease. Jesse immediately took action at a young age and created a musical revue, Sing For A Cure, to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. She then sold tickets to her revue, along with three CDs she recorded at Universal Music, in order to raise money toward finding a cure. Today, you can find Jesse’s songs on iTunes, Rhapsody and Napster, with all proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since her first performance of Sing For A Cure, she has raised over $100,000. [more]
9 years ago
AMDA Alumni Spring Up On Broadway In 2015
Broadway is humming feverishly this spring with rousing new musicals and plays. And many AMDA alumni are part of the frenzy. From hilarious revivals to creatively adapted movies, nine Broadway shows currently have AMDA alumni—four of which will officially open this April. [more]
9 years ago
From Broadway to Film and TV Star
Known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Vanda in the 2012 Broadway production of Venus in Fur, Nina Arianda is now sought after throughout the entertainment industry - landing diverse roles on TV and in film as well. [more]
9 years ago
Taking on History and Family
On a recent WGN Radio interview, Trai Byers discusses his role as James Forman, in the highly acclaimed movie Selma. Byers explains that Foreman, an influential activist who served as executive secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), "didn’t really care for the one-man movement.” He continues, “If the man dies, will the movement die?” [more]
9 years ago
The 24 AMDA Alumni Who Lit Up Broadway in 2014
Shining in both new musicals and plays, as well as creatively reimagined revivals, AMDA alumni made 2014 another stellar year on Broadway. From leading roles to understudy and ensemble performances, our graduates delivered bold, imaginative and captivating performances. [more]
9 years ago
2014 BroadwayWorld.com Regional Awards
For the past 11 years, the BroadwayWorld.com Regional Awards have honored productions and the artistic work of performers throughout the United States. Interest in the awards (which are reader-nominated and -voted) has grown steadily each year, and a combination of 50 cities and states now hold their own regional awards. For 2014 consideration, productions must have opened between October 2013 and September 2014. This year’s nominees include shows mounted in such cities as Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Wichita, to name a few. [more]
9 years ago
'Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies'
Part Some Like It Hot, part Anything Goes, and part Dames at Sea, Fabuous! draws inspiration from adored, familiar works, creating a guilty pleasure critics say is well worth seeing. Matthew Wexler, of Broadway Blog, writes: “For a fun homage to the old days of musical comedy, Fabulous! offers a refreshing evening of light-hearted fun, plenty of laughs and more sequins than a Cher concert.” The show also boasts two AMDA alumni: Josh Kenny and Cameron Lucas. [more]
10 years ago
WDM USA Comes to AMDA Los Angeles in 2015
AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts and the World Dance Movement (WDM)-The International Workshop—will combine forces June 17 - 22, 2015, for the inaugural World Dance Movement USA! [more]
10 years ago
Tyne Daly's Newest Broadway Offering
AMDA alumna Tyne Daly returns to Broadway this coming March—in a musical, once again. And as a domineering mother, once again. It Shoulda Been You, directed by Tony Award-winner David Hyde Pierce, is scheduled to open April 14, 2015, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Gypsy marked Daly's last musical on Broadway, garnering her a 1990 Tony Award for her portrayal of Mama Rose, the stage mother to end all stage mothers. In between then and now, Daly has performed in four Broadway plays: The Seagull, Rabbit Hole (Tony nomination), Master Class and Mothers and Sons. [more]
10 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
Fall Graduation Speakers Offer Advice and Inspiration
AMDA is honored to have two outstanding speakers at our October graduation ceremonies: Krystal Joy Brown and Chandra Wilson. [more]
10 years ago
Playing Your Opposite on "Finding Carter"
The limitations—one might imagine—to learning about the performing arts and pursuing professional work in a small Arkansas city did not slow down Caleb Ruminer. He started performing at the age of nine and, by 15 years of age, had signed with a talent agency in Little Rock, working professionally in local commercials. Caleb then made his way to AMDA Los Angeles where, just prior to successfully completing AMDA’s Conservatory Studio Program, he signed with The Savage Agency. [more]
10 years ago
Emily Padgett Returns to Broadway in Re-Imagined 'Side Show'
Though its initial Broadway run in 1997 lasted a mere 91 performances, Side Show has had a passionate following of devoted fans throughout the years. The original cast album, with Tony Award nominees Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner (AMDA NY professor), is a must-have for musical theatre enthusiasts. And for those theatres and colleges across the U.S. willing to veer from more family-friendly musical theatre fare, Side Show continues to be a favorite. (AMDA mounted its own successful production of Side Show at the Los Angeles campus in 2011.) [more]
10 years ago
Three AMDA Alumni Join the 'Kinky Boots' 1st National Tour
Launching September 4, 2014 is the 1st national tour of Kinky Boots, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical with a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. We’re particularly excited here at AMDA because the tour will have not one, but three AMDA Alumni! [more]
10 years ago
Chandra Lee Schwartz is Glinda Once Again
AMDA alumna (and LA faculty member) Chandra Lee Schwartz—who previously played the role of Glinda in Wicked both on Broadway and the tour—will once again don pink and silver dresses and blonde curls. She joins the company of the first North American tour on Tuesday, July 29 in Salt Lake City, UT. Already on the tour is AMDA alumna Jenny Florkowski, who assumed the role of Nessarose full time back on February 4. [more]
10 years ago
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Receives 5th Emmy Award Nomination
Congratulations to AMDA alumnus Jesse Tyler Ferguson on his Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Modern Family.” Since 2009, he has starred as Mitchell Pritchett on the award-winning comedy, and is no stranger to both nominations and awards. He received four prior Emmy Award nominations for his work on “Modern Family,” as well as a People’s Choice Award nomination in 2013 for Favorite Comedic TV Actor. [more]
10 years ago
Jason Wise: From Talented Performer to Sought-After Director/Choreographer
AMDA alumnus JASON WISE, mentored by nine-time Tony Award-winning legend Tommy Tune, has established himself as one of New York's most exciting young director/choreographers. He began his career as a performer in the national tours of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Cats. But today, with the assistance of Tommy Tune and two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, Jason has transitioned into directing and choreographing. His recent credits include the Fiddler at 50 (the 50th anniversary concert of Fiddler on the Roof), 4 Girls 4 with Maureen McGovern and Donna McKechnie, the Off-Broadway production of Bayside! The Saved By The Bell Musical, Michael John LaChiusa's See What I Wanna See at The Producers Club, and the original East Village production and Midtown Off-Broadway transfer of Showgirls: The Musical!. [more]
10 years ago
Congratulations to the AMDA Alumni on their 2014 Tony Performances!
The 2014 Tony Awards featured a number of AMDA's alumni contributing to a very special evening. AMDA congratulates Amanda Kloots-Larsen (Bullets Over Broadway), Kyle Scatliffe (Les Misérables), Anastacia McCleskey (Violet), and Gabrielle Reid (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) on their performances. [more]
10 years ago
GOING TO A BROADWAY SHOW THIS SUMMER? GOOD CHANCE YOU’LL SEE AN AMDA GRADUATE.
With 20 AMDA alumni in 15 of the current 39 shows on Broadway, you’ll find it easy to catch our alumni in action. Starring in shows such as Les Miserable (Cassie Levy), Holler If Ya Hear Me (Christopher Jackson), Motown: The Musical (Kyrstal Joy Brown), Matilda the Musical (Christopher Sieber), Rock of Ages (Genson Blimline) and Mother and Sons (Tyne Daly), AMDA alumni give powerful and engaging performances night after night. We congratulate all of our graduates currently on Broadway for their wonderful work and achievements! [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
Marina Benedict joins "Flesh and Bone" on Starz!
Congratulations to AMDA Los Angeles Dance Department Co-Chair Marina Benedict ("Burn Notice," "Torchwood," "ER") who has been tapped to join Starz’s new drama series "Flesh and Bone" from Emmy Award winning writer and executive producer Moira Walley-Beckett ("Breaking Bad") and Academy Award Nominated Executive producer Lawrence Bender (Pulp Fiction, Inglorious Bastards). [more]
10 years ago
Alumnus Ray Fisher cast as Cyborg in upcoming Batman vs.Superman film!
AMDA alumnus Ray Fisher was just announced to play the role of Cyborg in the upcoming Warner Bros. film Batman vs. Superman! The sequel to 2013's Man of Steel features a cast of A-list stars including Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Amy Adams and Jesse Eisenberg. Cyborg (whose not-so-secret identity is Victor Stone) is a half man/half machine superhero and member of the Justice League in the DC Comics series on which the film is based. The film will be the first in a series of films planned around the Justice League characters, landing Ray the potential to be featured in many more films to come. The first film of the series is scheduled to be released in theaters in Spring 2016. [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 "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
AMDA LA Announces Jason Alexander as Graduation Speaker!
AMDA LA is beyond thrilled to welcome Jason Alexander as guest speaker for our coming graduation ceremony! [more]
10 years ago
Tony Winning Jim Dale to Speak at AMDA NY Graduation
AMDA New York is proud to announce Tony Award-winning actor Jim Dale as speaker for the upcoming AMDA graduation ceremony! [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 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 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
AMDA Faculty Igor Goldin receives Directing Award at NYMF!
Congratulations to AMDA MTP Faculty Igor Goldin who recently took home the 2013 New York Musical Theatre Festival Award for Excellence in Directing for his work on the new musical Crossing Swords. [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
AMDA Alumni in 2013 Award Winning Productions
Congratulations to all of our AMDA alumni in award-winning shows this season! [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
Tips for First Semester Students!
Welcome to AMDA! After months of filling out applications, auditioning, writing essays and getting recommendations, you’ve made the decision to come to AMDA. Now what? [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
Harry Groener to speak at AMDA LA Fall Graduation!
We are honored to announce Harry Groener as our AMDA LA Fall Graduation speaker. One of America’s most versatile and respected actors, Harry Groener’s brilliant career spans film, television and theatre. His debut Broadway performance in a revival of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! earned him the prestigious New York Theatre World Award as well as Drama Desk and Tony Award nominations. Two more Tony nominations followed for his roles as Munkustrap in the original Broadway production of Cats and his performance as song and dance man Bobby Child in Crazy For You. [more]
11 years ago
AMDA Alumnus Christopher Sieber to Speak at New York Graduation on Saturday, February 9, 2013
AMDA alumnus Christopher Sieber is a two-time Tony award nominee currently starring in a return engagement as Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway, his 8th Broadway production. [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
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
Announcing the AMDA Chorale!
AMDA New York is pleased to welcome the newly-formed AMDA Chorale. In a special holiday concert held on Monday, November 26th at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, the 45-voice chorale participated in the Thirteenth Annual Winter's Eve Festival –New York City’s largest holiday festival! [more]
11 years ago
AMDA NY Fall 2012 Orientation Features Award Winning Speakers
AMDA New York Fall 2012 Orientation: New AMDA NY students were treated to some amazing guest speakers during their recent orientation. We would like to thank writer David Auburn, alumni star performer Christopher Jackson and choreographer/director Lynne Taylor Corbett for sharing their time and experience with us. Check out some photos and further details below. [more]
12 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
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
AMDA Alumna Jo Jo Graham Founds Dancing Classrooms in her hometown!
AMDA salutes alumna Jo Jo Graham who is the Founding Executive Director of Dancing Classrooms in Northeast Ohio. Jo Jo was hired by Dancing Classrooms in NYC during her 4th semester at AMDA six years ago. She quickly found success within the non-profit organization which brings dance into elementary and middle school classrooms around the country. Jo Jo worked her way up to launch a new branch of Dancing Classrooms in Northeast Ohio (her hometown), now in its fourth year of success! In addition to her role as Executive Director for Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio, Jojo is also the Director of the Dancing Classrooms Weekend Academy and was also recognized as Teacher of the Year, for her work within the classroom. [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
Faculty Billy Johnstone Directs in Brazil!
AMDA Congratulates Faculty member Billy Johnstone on his international directorial debut directing the Brazilian premiere of FAME the Musical at the Teatro Frei Caneca in São Paulo! Billy had the opportunity to work with several AMDA alumni in Brazil, including Bia Lucci and Carina Gregorio. We spoke with him to get a feel for what it was like to direct a production in Brazil. [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
Chandra Wilson to speak at AMDA LA's Spring 2012 Graduation
AMDA Los Angeles is pleased to announce the esteemed Chandra Wilson as our Spring 2012 Graduation Speaker. Chandra Wilson is best known for her multi award winning role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on ABC’s hit drama "Grey’s Anatomy". For her work as an actor and director on the series, she has received the Screen Actors Guild Award, People’s Choice Award, four NAACP Image Awards and four Emmy Award nominations. [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 78th 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 62nd 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
AMDA FACULTY ROBERT MANNING JR. STARS ON BROADWAY IN MAGIC/BIRD
AMDA salutes faculty member Robert Manning Jr. for his upcoming debut in Magic/Bird on Broadway. Robert will play the multiple roles of Michael Cooper, Henry Alvarado and Frank. The new play is based upon the story of basketball’s fiercest rivalry between Hall of Famers Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird. Exploring their relationship from Draft to Olympic Dream Team, the show with a six member cast will premiere at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway, New York City, March 21, 2012. [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
Video: AMDA Celebrates Dance Theatre
AMDA has produced a stunning video showcasing the talented students in our Dance and Dance Theatre programs at our Los Angeles and New York City campuses. [more]
12 years ago
AMDA Faculty Jim Elliott Podcasts “The State of Shakespeare”
AMDA's own Jim Elliott has created a new podcast for actors that will feature some of today’s most inspiring artists sharing their own secrets of the craft in an instructive interview series called The State of Shakespeare. [more]
12 years ago
Frank Francisco Stars In The First Production of "Rent" In The Dominican Republic!
Frank Francisco, an AMDA Fall 2010 graduate, recently landed one of his dream roles playing the part of Angel in the first production of RENT to be performed in the Dominican Republic. Frank is excited to return to his hometown of Santo Domingo, DR, where he lived until the age of 14. The show will be performed at El Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts), one of the most prestigious theatres on the island, a breathtaking and magical theatre that Frank recalls being just out of reach when he was young. Well within his reach now, RENT will open for the first time in Santo Domingo on November 11th. Frank will take the stage alongside several Dominican celebrities such as Javier Gurllon and Dominican rock singer Tony Almont from “Toque Profundo.” [more]
13 years ago
AMDA Alum Kristin Towers Rowles Wins 4 StageSceneLA Awards!
AMDA Congratulates Alum Kristin Towers Rowles for winning 4 Awards from StageSceneLA!!!
*Best Breakthrough Musical Theatre Performer for 2010-2011
*Best Leading Actress for Dot in Sunday in the Park with George
*TWO Outstanding Performances by a Lead Actress - one for playing Lilli in Kiss Me Kate and one for playing Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress
[more]13 years ago
Chris Jackson wins a Daytime Emmy!
Congratulations to AMDA alum Chris Jackson for taking home his first Emmy Award for “Outstanding Original Song” this weekend at the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards! Chris Jackson (lyricist) and Bill Sherman (composer) wrote the award-winning original song “What I Am” for the beloved children’s television program, Sesame Street. Black Eyed Peas' singer Will.i.am performed the tune, along with the muppets, in a segment that has now captured over 4 million views on youtube. [more]
13 years ago
Chris Jackson Nominated for Two Daytime Emmys
Congratulations to AMDA alum Chris Jackson on his two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Original Song. Chris is nominated as lyricist for "What I Am" and as composer and lyricist for "Rakhi Road," both from Sesame Street. The ever-popular children's show once again dominates the Daytime Emmys with 16 nominations. [more]
13 years ago
CLIFFORD BANAGALE IS GOING TO CANNES
LA Alum Clifford Bangale (Integrated Program 2006) will be attending the premiere of “Busong.” The movie is the centerpiece of the Director’s Fortnight program at the Cannes Film Festival. Clifford stars as Aris in the movie reported to be the first film ever made in Palawan, a language spoken by native Filipinos on the island of the same name. But you may crack up when you remember him from his quirky role as Diesel, the lover of Sacha Baron Cohen in the movie “Bruno.” He’s also shared the stage with Alfred Molina and Tony Shalhoub in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Pasadena Playhouse. [more]
13 years ago
Nina Arianda Strikes Broadway Gold
What a way to culminate your debut performance on Broadway—with a Drama League, a Drama Desk, an Outer Critics Circle and (biggest of all) a Tony nomination for her role as Billie Dawn in "Born Yesterday." New York Times theatre critic Charles Isherwood wrote of Nina Arianda’s performance, “With her luscious pout and sweep of peroxide curls, Ms. Arianda banishes Holliday’s pop-eyed, chirpy naïveté to evoke the surly molls of 1930s gangster flicks. Her Billie Dawn, streetwise and complacent in her illiteracy, is like a cross between Jean Harlow at her tough-blondest and the pop singer Cyndi Lauper, with her Queens-bred rasp.” [more]
13 years ago
AMDA Mourns the Loss of Spencer Beglarian
Dear AMDA Community,
We have very sad news to share with you. We have just learned that our dear, beloved Spencer Beglarian died at his home yesterday, Wednesday, April 19th. He was in no pain and was surrounded by his family. [more]
We have very sad news to share with you. We have just learned that our dear, beloved Spencer Beglarian died at his home yesterday, Wednesday, April 19th. He was in no pain and was surrounded by his family. [more]
13 years ago
Chryssie Whitehead in Sondheim's "Company"
AMDA NY alum and current AMDA LA Dance faculty member Chryssie Whitehead will be featured in the New York Philharmonic’s concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company, which is being filmed for movie theatre screenings this June. Chryssie appears alongside a star-studded cast headed by Neil Patrick Harris and including Patti Lupone, Stephen Colbert, Christina Hendricks and Jon Cryer. [more]
13 years ago
Congratulations to Maria Sciorillo
Congratulations to AMDA LA alumni Maria Sciorillo who won Miss Philadelphia on the 90th anniversary of the pageant. Her voice and vision for better schools helped Sciorillo earn the title. The Miss Philadelphia Pageant has grown to be one of the most successful and largest scholarship providers of any local pageant in the Miss America system. [more]
13 years ago
In Memoriam: Elizabeth Taylor
We are sad to announce the passing of Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Ms. Taylor died this morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. [more]
13 years ago
Congratulations to Tyne Daly
Congratulations to AMDA alumni Tyne Daly for winning a Bistro Award! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards will be held April 26 at Gotham Comedy Club. Edie Cowan will direct the evening, which will be hosted by comedian and actor Jim David. [more]
13 years ago
Christopher Sieber to Star in La Cage aux Folles
Two time Tony Nominee and AMDA Alum Christopher Sieber will star as George in the Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles at the Longacre Theatre. [more]
13 years ago
Devanand Janki Featured in SDC's Newsletter
AMDA Alumni Devanand Janki is featured in the Member Spotlight (page 6) of the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society’s Newsletter. [more]
13 years ago
Sarah Stiles to Star in Road to Qatar!
AMDA Alum Sarah Stiles will star as Nazirah in the new musical comedy Road to Qatar! The York Theatre Company's upcoming production will begin previews Off-Broadway on January 25th. [more]
13 years ago
Jesse Tyler Ferguson to Host WGA Awards
The Writers Guild of America recently announced that AMDA Alum Jesse Tyler Ferguson will host the WGA Awards' west coast ceremony with Modern Family co-star Eric Stonestreet. [more]
13 years ago
Tyne Daly to Star in Broadway's "Master Class"
Tyne Daly will star as Maria Callas in the Manhattan Theater Club's Broadway production of "Master Class." Via Variety [more]
13 years ago
Jason Derülo Recording Sophmore Album
OMG Music reported that 2006 AMDA Graduate Jason Derülo is currently in the studio working on his 2nd album. Jason said he will record the bulk of the album in January 2011 and it should drop sometime during the summer. He is excited to work with multiple producers on this project, as his debut album was solely produced by pop juggernaut J.R. Rotem. [more]
13 years ago
Gretchen Mol in HBO's Boardwalk Empire
Gretchen Mol (1992 AMDA Grad) stars as Gillian in Martin Scorsese's new series Boardwalk Empire - Sundays at 9pm on HBO. [more]
14 years ago
AWARD SEASON UPDATE - 2010
AMDA is proud to congratulate the following alumni and faculty for their outstanding achievements this season! Bravo! [more]
14 years ago