Student Life
A Thriving Community of Artists. We believe actors should act, dancers should dance and singers should sing. Simply put, we believe performers need the opportunity to perform in order to master their craft. From full-scale mainstage productions to student-directed films, we give you countless opportunities to perform. You'll also find audiences in the classrooms, in the black box theatres and on every corner of campus. Begin performing on your very first day of class.
Campus Calendar
Orientation
Welcome Fall 2024 Class!
We're ready to help you get started and begin your studies with us. In this section, you will find useful information and resources to help you navigate the orientation process. To begin, click on the campus you will be attending to learn more about your specific orientation, including important documents, schedules and department contacts. We look forward to your arrival.
What Students Are Saying...
Phillip Garcia
Hometown: San Jose, California
How has AMDA helped you prepare for your future?
AMDA has instilled in me a sense of professionalism that I will always hold in the audition room and in life. That's important, especially in this industry.
What advice would you give to a student considering AMDA?
I always tell students who are going through the rigorous day-to-day life of AMDA to work hard and put in the time. AMDA is all about how much effort you put into the work. Put in enough and you will be rewarded.
Karmela Kljajic
Hometown: Banja Luka, Bosnia
What's the best part about living in Hollywood?
Waking up every morning and seeing the Hollywood sign right outside my window. It's so inspirational and I feel blessed.
What keeps you motivated?
I'm a hard worker and I have so much passion for this art. I want to be a role model for others and don't plan on giving up ever, even when I reach the top.
Chris Oliver
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
In what way has AMDA given you an edge in your future career?
Stage Combat training. You have the opportunity to become officially proficient in certain fight styles and you are learning from the best combat instructors around. When you leave with that on your resume you stand out from the rest.
How has AMDA helped you prepare for your future?
AMDA has given me great knowledge about the business, hands-on teaching from instructors who are currently working in the business, discipline and, most importantly, it has taught me how to market myself and respect my instrument.
Aja Maria
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
How can incoming students prepare for the AMDA experience?
Come ready to enhance the art that you love. Work hard, keep positive energy and never lose the drive.
What's the most valuable thing you've learned at AMDA so far?
To always work on my craft and to not get too comfortable. I challenge myself because when I do the outcome is well worth it.
American Opera Laboratory
This ground-breaking and intensive course is taught by Dr. Jacklyn Schneider, award-winning opera singer and esteemed AMDA voice faculty member since 1992. Students and alumni will have the opportunity to explore American opera repertoire by performing scenes and arias in English from selected works by American composers such as Gershwin, Menotti, Bernstein, Pasatieri and Bolcom. A final demonstration is performed for faculty. Audition required.
BFA Mainstage
Each term, AMDA mounts a season of productions that may include full-length plays and musicals, anthologies of classic and contemporary works, and/or dance exhibitions featuring original choreographed pieces. Recent mainstage performances include Rent, Pippin, Balm in Gilead and Serious Money.
End-of-Term Presentations
A formal end-of-term presentation of exemplary student coursework takes place on the school's mainstage for AMDA's Creative Director and distinguished members of the faculty. All in-class work is eligible for consideration.
Project 15 Series
A faculty committee reviews student pitches, chooses finalists to interview and audition, and creates a production incorporating 15-minute pieces from various disciplines and genres. Students have used their 15 minutes to perform one-act plays, short concerts of original music and even stage combat routines.
Student Vision Projects
Students who are interested in producing, directing, designing and developing a full-length theatrical presentation for an audience are given the opportunity with AMDA's Student Vision Projects. Those whose projects are accepted get a performance space and a faculty mentor; students have the opportunity to create all additional elements of the production.
Industry And Showcase Events
These events give AMDA students unparalleled access to casting directors and other industry professionals. Through workshops, Q&A sessions, mock auditions and special presentations, AMDA's highly specialized career preparation courses provide students with the tools necessary to launch their careers. Unique to the AMDA experience is a focus on developing the entrepreneurial spirit of each student.
Dance Workshop
This intensive performance workshop gives students the experience of working with a professional choreographer in the development of original works. Pieces are created by current AMDA faculty, visiting artists and/or student choreographers. Each piece is performed for a panel of distinguished faculty, and exemplary pieces may be developed for a public audience.
Film Projects
AMDA offers many classes that allow students to act on camera and experience the filmmaking process. Students also get the opportunity to direct, write and/or star in original short films. Additionally, courses and workshops are offered on various topics in film production, including Internet shorts, promotional trailers, music videos and documentaries.
Health & Wellness
As performing artists, maintaining high quality physical and mental health is critical for AMDA students who must meet rigorous academic and performance demands.
Emergency Notification System
During emergency situations/events, AMDA utilizes "Everbridge" as the emergency communication vehicle. Students will receive a communication to their AMDA email address, a text to their cell phone number and an email to the student's personal email address. When a communication is received, we ask that the students reply with confirmation to verify the message was received. Students should keep their contact information up to date through the student portal.
Parking (LA only)
Students who wish to acquire parking, need to purchase a parking decal each term.
Fees
- Parking Fee: $700 per term, fees are subject to change
- Parking Decal Replacement Fee: $20
Please e-mail laparking@amda.edu with any questions or call (323)-603-5905.
