Snow_White
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American Musical and Dramatic Academy... (AMDA)Opinions?
Just got accepted into AMDA in New York for the Integrated Musical Theatre program with an $8,000 scholarship....woo! But I wanted to know people's opinions on it before I make any huge decisions...
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Bianca.
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I would definitely read through the college thread sticky at the top of the forum. there's somewhat of a discussion on the program, and on a bunch of really good other programs as well.
so read through that, and if you have any more questions, just post on the end of that and we can re-direct the discussion again.
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star2ballie
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I think I'm applying to AMDA...I'll prob. go to their Chicago auditions...
Like Bianca said, it's discussed up there ^^. I've heard mixed things, but I did see a bunch of super-talented performers who went there. So, idk. Hmmmm.
Congrats, though! That is VERY exciting!!!! 
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LaurelDP
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I've heard lots of bad rap about it... people calling it ScAMDA, etc etc...
But I know a few people who have gone who love it.
I don't see how something could be considered a scam when you have the opportunity to learn so much.
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jazzygirlsings
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| LaurelDP wrote: | I've heard lots of bad rap about it... people calling it ScAMDA, etc etc...
But I know a few people who have gone who love it.
I don't see how something could be considered a scam when you have the opportunity to learn so much. |
I went there and I LOVED it...The people who happen to call it "ScAMDA" are usually the same primadonnas that go to the school and already think they are the SH%T...They don't do any of the work and go out partying all the time and wonder why they're not getting better.
With AMDA, as with ANY program (yes, I've seen crappy performers that have come from Juilliard)...it is what you put into it...
Also, oftentimes, the teaching staff at AMDA also teach at NYU, Juilliard, Circle in the Square, etc...SO you are certainly not getting a lesser education...
I have heard that the quality of the performers going into the school lately is not great, as they have just opened an LA campus and need to pay for that...But honestly, they tend to put all the scholarship winners in classes together, so you should be fine as far as learning things from your fellow students as well...
I graduated awhile ago, so I'm sure some things have changed, but I got a lot out of it! I still study with my voice teacher...
But yes...please read more about this in the College Thread...
Congrats on the scholarship!
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Snow_White
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Thanks for all your advice guys! I have heard so many mixed things from people in Toronto about AMDA but I totally agree Jazzy, it's all about what I put into it. Any program can be terrible for one person but awesome for another. I'm hoping the scholarship thing means they really liked me haha they wrote me this letter about how as a scholarship winner good things will be expected of me and I have to maintain a certain degree of excellence in the program...good sign I'm thinking.
The opportunity to study in New York is an amazing one anyway so I really think I am going to go for it. If I can get the money haha basically means working my ass off between now and February 14th O_O
Jazzy where do you hail from? Did you find it hard to leave your friends, family, etc...cause my biggest concern is leaving them and my boyfriend. But sometimes sacrifices must be made right? (My old drama teacher told me that haha he studied at Julliard and had to leave his friends and family...)
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jazzygirlsings
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| Snow_White wrote: | | Jazzy where do you hail from? Did you find it hard to leave your friends, family, etc...cause my biggest concern is leaving them and my boyfriend. But sometimes sacrifices must be made right? (My old drama teacher told me that haha he studied at Julliard and had to leave his friends and family...) |
An actor's life is all about sacrifice...That's lesson #1!
I came from a small town in Wisconsin and yes, living in the city was a learning experience in and of itself...
When you get out in the "real world", you'll be auditioning for regional theatre and tours that will take you away from your significant other for months on end. If they can't understand, then it wasn't meant to be...It takes a very patient and understanding person to date an actor...
My friends are understanding when I'm in a show...I usually only communicate via email when I'm super busy...They have to be understanding, too...And you have to make that extra effort to be there for them as well...
I have a blog called "The Balancing Act"...That's what it's all about...finding time for everyone without going insane!
If you have more questions regarding the school, etc...shoot me an email!
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Bianca.
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ooh Jazzy! I'd love to read your blog if you'll share it with us!
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jazzygirlsings
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I would let you read it, but I would have to kill you...cuz then you would know who I truly am! LOL!
(Wait, I sent you my website over PM once, didn't I? LOL!)
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dorphelousman
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I just graduated three months ago... the school is starting to get really big because they are expanding so they have more rent to pay. It sucks, but its true. Basically what that means is there are going to be people there that suck. You just need to focus on your own work, and work your ass off.
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tinydancer101
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i was seriously thinking about going there but they dont let you audition for other things, right? and thats really my main focus right now...
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jazzygirlsings
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You can audition for other things, but they don't recommend it...They're not going to get pissed if you're auditioning for stuff...
It's just that I believe it's best to focus on the schooling for a bit to shape the best product you can and then, when you have developed a nice product, you can then present it to the casting world.
The problem is that if you need work on something and you audition too soon, a lot of the theatres will actually remember you from prior auditions...Even if you've improved, many of them tend to cling onto what you were when you first came to them and wonder if you're just inconsistent.
If you want to go to school to improve, I think it's best to focus on your schooling. If you are doing well at auditions, perhaps you don't even need school...It's up to you.
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dorphelousman
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you don't have time to audition anyways cause you have class during the day, but that is the way its gonna be with any program...
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jazzygirlsings
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Some people would skip class sometimes...but yeah...that is true...
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Bianca.
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | I would let you read it, but I would have to kill you...cuz then you would know who I truly am! LOL!
(Wait, I sent you my website over PM once, didn't I? LOL!) |
hahah! yes, yes you did.
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jazzygirlsings
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| Syrso2yrsAgo wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | I would let you read it, but I would have to kill you...cuz then you would know who I truly am! LOL!
(Wait, I sent you my website over PM once, didn't I? LOL!) |
hahah! yes, yes you did.
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LOL! Well, you're one of the privileged few who "know" me...Check your PM's...
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MsDivaKate
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I have also seen Jazzy's website
I have a friend who is starting AMDA during the June summer session and I was quite surprised that the students there have to pay for cable/internet in the dorms, when almost every other school, conservatory-like program or not, covers that in the cost of attendance.
I mean I lived in student housing in a HOTEL when I lived in NYC and that was all covered.
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jazzygirlsings
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| MsDivaKate wrote: | I have also seen Jazzy's website
I have a friend who is starting AMDA during the June summer session and I was quite surprised that the students there have to pay for cable/internet in the dorms, when almost every other school, conservatory-like program or not, covers that in the cost of attendance.
I mean I lived in student housing in a HOTEL when I lived in NYC and that was all covered. |
Honestly, believe it or not, the program doesn't necessarily require you to have a computer. Most work is in class and reading texts/prepping songs...so even the Internet isn't necessary. I seriously didn't have a computer through my whole schooling there...(At least from when I went there! LOL!)
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