Explore Graduate Admissions

AMDA is the home of an extraordinary community of artists that brings writers, scholars, actors, singers, and dancers from all over the world together in celebration of creative exploration. Graduate students live, study, and create amongst the vibrance and passion of our community, drawing inspiration to produce impactful creative pieces and original scholarship. With opportunities to collaborate across the institution built into each program, Graduate students work alongside other writers, scholars, and performers to develop content that is relevant, contemporary, and powerful.

Apply Now

AMDA students smiling and looking at laptop

AMDA student with book in the Los Angeles Library, Capitol Records building visible through window

AMDA student operates a video cameras on a soundstage set

Graduate

Program Options

Three students wait to go onstage during a production at AMDA Los Angeles

Master of Arts (MA)

The Master of Arts in Performance Studies: Arts Education is a one-year intensive program that offers students the opportunity to develop as original scholars of performance and arts education within an active community of performing artists.

Explore MA Performance Studies

Los Angeles

AMDA’s Los Angeles campus offers Graduate students an environment to write and study that is like no other, providing innovative opportunities to develop their work.

A group of students in caps and gowns and holding diplomas celebrates their graduation

Undergraduate Degree

Students interested in AMDA's Graduate Degree programs must hold a completed Undergraduate Degree at the time of enrollment.

Collage of flags of many nations casually arranged

International Students

International students are a welcome and vital part of AMDA's culture. We are dedicated to accommodating your needs and guiding you along the process of gaining admission to AMDA. Click below to learn more about pursuing a Graduate Degree in the US and to get started!

Learn More

Graduate

Admission Requirements

Below you will find the general list of requirements. Be sure to follow ALL steps that are applicable to your program to ensure the submission of a successful application. Please note that the requirements may vary by program.

Students who are qualified to apply for this program will:

Have a passion for the arts and a strong desire to contribute to the field
Be committed to actively supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst our community and beyond
Hold a completed undergraduate degree at time of enrollment

Apply Now

In 250 words or less, please explain your goals for engaging with the program, if admitted.

Please submit your Statement of Intent in your Applicant Portal.

Requirements vary by program. Please be sure to review our programs page to confirm the requirements for your program.

MFA Screenwriting Applicants:

Please submit a sample of writing materials that includes examples of original dramatic work through your Applicant Portal. A minimum of two completed pieces, which could include written work from undergraduate degree or independently written pieces.

MA Performance Studies Applicants:

Please send a sample of writing materials that includes examples of papers related to history, criticism and/or analysis through your Applicant Portal. A minimum of two completed pieces is required, which could include written work from undergraduate degree or independently written pieces.

MFA Applicants:

In 300-500 words, please respond to one of the prompts below. Please submit your writing sample in your Applicant Portal.

Option 1) What is the role of the artist in society and what makes you want to be a storyteller and creator?
Option 2) Tell us about a powerful work of theatre, film or television that has inspired you to create and describe its impact on your artistry.
Option 3) What type of stories do you want to tell and through which artistic mediums?

MA Applicants:

In 300-500 words, please identify a significant social movement and reflect on how it impacted performance and/or media of the time. Please submit your writing sample in your Applicant Portal.

Once you have completed your application, an AMDA Admissions representative will reach out to you by phone to discuss your interests, background, and experiences related to the focus of this program.

Submit three reference letters from people who have known you for two years or longer, such as instructors, directors or faculty advisors, or employers (but not a friend or family member). Reference letters may be emailed to graddocs@amda.edu or mailed to the address below and should note their relationship to you.

Please submit transcripts for completed undergraduate degree and any graduate coursework attempted or completed to graddocs@amda.edu. If your previous institution(s) cannot provide official digital versions, you can mail to:

AMDA Records
211 West 61st Street
New York, NY 10023

Additional Information for