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Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree: Acting

    Undergraduate Degree in Acting for Stage, Film, and Television.

    • Offered on the Los Angeles Campus (See Studio Certificate to BFA for NY Campus Option)
    • Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
    • Access to AMDA’s Mainstage Production Opportunities
    • Culminates in an Original Showcase Production in Los Angeles
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Program Description +

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Acting program offers a wide range of performance training for stage, film and television. The intense, eight- semester curriculum combines immersive performance-based craft and technique training with well-rounded and engaging academic studies. Students are given many opportunities for onstage production and performance experience throughout the program, which includes an original Capstone Production opportunity in the final semester. Looking ahead to the competitive demands of the performing arts industry, courses in career preparation, networking, audition techniques and creating original content help prepare students for an exciting transition into their professional life.

Program Learning Outcomes +

Students completing the BFA Acting program should be able to:

    • Create convincing, compelling characters performed with vocal, physical, and emotional specificity.
    • Demonstrate the use of objectives, obstacles, actions, subtext, text and moment-to- moment response.
    • Speak with optimum support, free of unnecessary tension and appropriate to the demands of theatre, television and film.
    • Stand and move utilizing a dynamically integrated spine, free of unintended physical tension and mannerisms.
    • Apply historical insight and critical analysis to the performance of texts from a variety of periods, styles and genres.
    • Demonstrate ability to positively and effectively apply acting adjustments as directed.
    • Apply standard entertainment industry business practices regarding preparation, communication and professionalism.
    • Engage in a collaborative production process.

Curriculum +

Admission Requirements +

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

  1. Submit Your Application +

    To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.

    AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

    * If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.

  2. Complete Your AMDA Audition +

    Admission and scholarship consideration to AMDA require an audition. AMDA offers a robust calendar of auditions including regional auditions, campus auditions, live-online auditions and video submissions. Scheduling your audition will prompt a phone call with one of our enrollment specialists to help you prepare for a successful audition.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: To better prepare for your AMDA audition, we strongly encourage ALL applicants to review the Audition Instructions page prior to scheduling an audition or submitting a video submission.
  3. Phone interview with Admissions +

    This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.

  4. SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +

    Towards the bottom of the application, space is provided for you to write a personal essay (500 words minimum) on the following topic: "Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it." Remember, this is an important part of your application, so answer thoughtfully!

    If you submitted your application but still need to submit your essay, click the button below.

  5. Submit One Letter of Recommendation +

    Please request and submit one letter of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

  6. Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +

    Send an official transcript from your high school and (if applicable) college. Official transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. Please select one of the following options for submitting your official transcripts:
    1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.

    2. If your high school or college does not use Parchment, please send the transcript request form to your guidance counselor/transcript office and request that they send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the address on the form.


    Important Note: The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

Two actors share a dialogue on the rooftop overlooking a city as a film crew captures the scene
Two actors share a dialogue on the rooftop overlooking a city as a film crew captures the scene
Two actors sit on a couch, one attempts levity and reassurance as the other remains sternly unsure
A dramatic scene of four, one man holds back another who is glaring enraged in the direction of an actor or potentially off-stage
Two actors embrace in a rendition of Romeo & Juliet
A cinematic camera films a scene of three actors in cocktail attire
A stage performance of three; possibly a family, seem to be having a tense conversation