Undergraduate Admissions at AMDA

Why Choose AMDA’s Degree and Certificate Programs?

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy’s certificate and degree programs are taught by faculty who are active, veteran performers and directors who will help you develop as an artist.

We are the only college in the nation to offer training in both entertainment capitals of the United States: NYC and Los Angeles. Our students live and study where professional art is made. That inspiration sets the stage for an unparalleled advantage when beginning your career.

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AMDA students in white dresses in an onstage dance performance, arms and legs outstretched
Two AMDA New York City students view a laptop in the student lounge
AMDA students onstage in a performance of the musical Carrie
AMDA students in period costumes perform in a production of Evita

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Undergraduate Program Options

We offer a program for every pursuit and passion. You can tailor your education and select the perfect program to fit your professional goals. Our bi-coastal learning experience also gives you a BFA pathway in both New York City and Los Angeles, allowing you to gain a command of where you want to break into the industry.

Diverse group of AMDA Los Angeles students onstage, performing in the musical AIDA

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Based at AMDA’s LA campus with pathways from our NYC campus, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs combine a comprehensive college education with rigorous conservatory-level artistic training to help transform talented individuals into well-rounded artists ready to work professionally in their field.

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Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies at our Los Angeles campus. This more traditional liberal arts degree combines performance, theatrical critique and analysis, as well as communication and production skills.

Explore our BA Program
AMDA Los Angeles AOS acting student performing on camera on a film set

Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)

Earn a two-year associate degree in the performing arts discipline of your choice at our Los Angeles campus. Take courses in acting, acting for camera, dance or musical theatre.

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Conservatory Certificate

Build a technical foundation for a successful career in the performing arts at AMDA’s New York City campus. An AMDA Two-Year or Three-Year Certificate can be transferred into BFA Degree Programs offered at our LA Campus or Online.

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Musical Theatre

Fully immerse yourself in high-intensity conservatory-style training for acting, singing and dance. AMDA’s musical theatre programs combine robust artistic and business training, preparing you to work at the top of the profession.

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Acting (On-Camera & Theatre)

Explore the imaginative, emotional and technical aspects of acting for stage and screen. AMDA’s acting programs deliver foundational training, dynamic performance opportunities and expert career preparation.

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Dance

Gain command of the technical and performance skills necessary for a career in dance. Become a well-rounded performer in a variety of dance styles, including commercial, hip-hop, modern, jazz, theatrical and more.

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Vocal Performance for Commercial Music

Designed for the student who wants to pursue a career in solo music, AMDA’s vocal performance program delivers an essential blend of training in contemporary vocal techniques, songwriting, audio and video production, content creation and musicianship.

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Performance Studies

AMDA’s BA in Performance Studies is a more traditional liberal arts degree enhanced by specialized performing arts training in acting, music and movement, media and entertainment, directing, theatre design, critique and analysis, and entertainment history.

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Los Angeles

Become a part of Hollywood's creative community — the studios, theatres and landmarks are your inspiration. Hundreds of films, television shows and live performances take place here each day.

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New York City

When you attend AMDA New York, Broadway is your backyard. The city sets the scene for an innovative learning experience, and you become a vital part of the creative community.

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Online

You can earn an AMDA BFA in Acting or Music Theatre online. Our online program is approved in 40+ states and internationally.

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Incoming First Semester Students

Our traditional pathway for students beginning college for the first time. AMDA offers three semesters every year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Accelerated study options are available.

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Transfers

Already earned some college credit? You may qualify for an accelerated path toward your AMDA certificate or degree.

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International

AMDA is a diverse community of creative artists. Our students and alumni represent more than 80 countries. We welcome and embrace cultural diversity.

AMDA Los Angeles graduate Luke Tennie (“Shrinking”) performs an on-camera scene with another student

AMDA Alumni

Have you already earned your AOS or a certificate at AMDA? If so, we offer a streamlined pathway to complete your BFA through AMDA or your BA through Fordham University.

NY Degree Pathway

Fordham University Bachelor of Arts Degree

AMDA has partnered with Fordham University to create a powerful new degree option for AMDA students to complete a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts degree—all while staying in New York City.

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Undergraduate

Admission Requirements

Our Admissions team is here to help guide you through the application process. Please be sure to complete all the applicable requirements listed below to ensure successful submission and to be considered for scholarships. Requirements vary by program.

To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education. If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.

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AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through CommonApp, you do not need to apply again through our website. Please note: application processing time can take 1–2 weeks. If you have submitted an application and not heard back, we encourage you to email admissionsteam@amda.edu.

Requirements varies by program. Review the audition instructions to confirm the requirements for your track.

AMDA Audition Information for Actors, Singers, and Dancers

Admission and scholarship consideration for performance-based programs require an audition. For your convenience, we offer several dates and options, including:

  • Campus auditions

  • National and international auditions

  • Live virtual auditions

  • Video submissions

Scheduling your audition will prompt a phone call with an admissions team member to help you prepare.

Creative Submissions for Filmmakers and Screenwriters

Admission and scholarship for Filmmaking and Screenwriting programs require Creative Submissions consisting of a Creative Sample and a Self-Portrait Video submitted through your Admissions Portal.

Creative Sample:
Submit an example of your work from one of the following categories:

  • Short Film or Video (5 min max): Short form Narrative, Documentary, Music Video, Experimental, or Animation piece.  Can also be an excerpt from a longer form film. Horizontal framing is preferred.

  • Play or Screenplay* (10 pages max): Short form One-Act Play or Screenplay, or an excerpt from a longer form Play or Screenplay. Proper Play or Screenplay formatting.  

  • Creative Writing Sample* (5 pages max): Short Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry, or Song Lyrics.

  • Portfolio Images (5 pieces): Photography, Graphic Arts, Illustrative Narratives - Comics, Fine Art, Sculpture, or Mixed Media.

*Strongly recommended for Screenwriters.

Self-Portrait Video:
Create a 2-minute audio/visual introduction that reveals something personal about you and why you want to be a filmmaker or screenwriter. Share when you fell in love with cinematic storytelling - whether through the experience of discovering a specific film you saw or when you realized a blank page could become a screenplay. Trust your creative instincts and voice as a young artist in shaping your story. Use a cellphone or any camera that you have access to and let us learn something unique about you that isn't in other parts of your application. Horizontal framing is preferred.

Personal Video Information for Performance Studies (BA)

Please submit a two-minute personal video through your Admissions Portal to tell us more about yourself. We have listed four topic suggestions as examples below. Feel free to use one or more of these or select a topic of your choice.

  1. What has been one of the best experiences in your life and what made it so special and valuable?

  2. Please describe your interest in the arts.

  3. In addition to the arts, please tell us about one of your other passions.

  4. Please tell us about a meaningful experience you have had participating in your community (school, neighborhood, local organization, etc.)

AMDA would like to get to know you better. Please submit your essay in response to the prompt below via your Admissions Portal*.

The essay topic for all programs is: Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it (500-word minimum).

*Essays submitted through the CommonApp will also be accepted.

Please request and submit letters of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Submit a minimum of one letter of recommendation. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. Recommendation letters should be requested through your Admissions Portal*.

*Recommendations submitted through the CommonApp will also be accepted.

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. 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.

The following options are available for submitting your official transcripts:

  1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.

    PARCHMENT REQUEST

  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.

    TRANSCRIPT REQUEST

  3. Official Transcripts submitted through CommonApp are also accepted.

IMPORTANT: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for an expedited admissions decision. However, final official transcripts from every attended institution must be submitted prior to enrollment.

Ready to take the first step towards your dream? Apply today and see where AMDA can take you!

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A group of dancers at AMDA Los Angeles lit by blue and magenta lights readies to perform

Undergraduate

Dates & Costs

Additional Information for

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. Learn more about pursuing college in the United States and get started.

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