Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performance Studies offers a comprehensive approach to the academic exploration of performance, complemented by practical training across various artistic disciplines. Over eight semesters, students delve into entertainment history, theater and film analysis, and the cultural significance of performance. Alongside rigorous academics, students select from a rich array of foundational performance courses in acting, vocal music, dance, and content creation. This liberal arts program also includes diverse offerings in Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Graduates emerge with a profound understanding of the field, ready to excel in performing arts education, administration, business, and related entertainment industries.

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BA Performance Studies Program

At A Glance

Key Points

  • Offered on the Los Angeles Campus
  • No audition required!

BA Performance Studies

Admission Requirements

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.

Please submit a two-minute personal video through your Applicant 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.