2 yr theater programs with dance/singing

[ced167]

Posted: 11/21/08 at 6:57pm

I am looking for a 2-year certificate program that, in addition to (theater) acting training, has strong dance and singing components.

I have considered:

Circle in the Square
AADA
AMDA

Thoughts on these courses? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[justabwaybaby]

Posted: 11/22/08 at 2:24am

CAP21 just created a 2 year program, as well.

[SamanthaisFierce]

Posted: 11/22/08 at 5:52pm

None of those programs have strong dance areas. You'd be better off taking classes outside of school. And I know quite a few people who have gone to AMDA and their voices have gotten worse.

[lilbroadwayme]

Posted: 11/23/08 at 4:18pm

Ahem, I attend AMDA and it's the best decision I've ever made. It has a pretty strong dance program and there are alot of opportunity for more dancing if you are a stong dancer. The music department not only helps you sing and perfect MT songs, but you are also trained classically for a better understanding. It's a top notch program that you should highly consider from a person that actually attends the school rather then someone who has just heard about it from someone they know.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 9:42am

Here's a comment from someone who has decades of experience in theatre:

"In the world of training for a life in the theatre AMDA is "Devry" for singing, dancing and acting. Devry is absolutely the right path to improvement for some folks. Devry has some very successful graduates - so to with AMDA. It is a choice that is out there. "Devry" is a choice - but its not the equivalent of MIT, RPI, Cal Tech or any other technically inclined college program. I believe a large part of a good training program is mentorship - a consistent teacher who inspires the student to excel both in their discipline and in life. This element is decidedly lacking at AMDA. They have very few full time, all-the-time employees. I know of a student who had three teachers in one course in one semester because the teacher they had previously had was cast in something, so left AMDA. It is true that occasionally, by happenstance, you might luck out and get a really great run of instructors who are good teachers and well connected in the business - this still does not compensate for the lack of mentorship. This is a giant flaw - the same might be said of any program that brings in "guest directors" as a steady diet - this does not make for mentoring, does not make lasting connections. On the other hand, I do have friends that have had at least part of their training from AMDA courses and done very well. The lack of guidance there allows a student to slip through without addressing areas they might need help in - so if you walk in a great singer - you will leave a great singer - but maybe what you really needed to work on was your acting.

My other difficulty with the money making, for-profit AMDA is their marketing. They have some great combination of lawyers and admen as they manage to package their materials with great flash and hints of truthful statements as to entice many folks. It could be compared to the many faux "modeling agencies" that take people's money and rarely produce results. I recently picked up AMDA's materials at their booth at a conference - I then called a few friends who were listed as faculty to congratulate them on their appointments - this was funny because one had not worked there for seven years and the other had directed a showcase for them twice in the last decade - that is not being on "faculty".

Having said all that - I still say AMDA might be the right choice on an individual basis, Many very talented students have attended AMDA - and works out well for some. However, on the whole, by and large, and on average - AMDA is a bit below the bar when it comes to responsible, consistent, training for a life in performing arts."


There are better options out there for most people.

[sleepyguy1717]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 5:35pm

Here's what I say about AMDA:

"Here's the thing about AMDA, as I have come to gather. I've done a lot of research on it, and am applying, even though I'm hoping to get into CCM. But just as a disclaimer, I am highly considering AMDA as a second choice, and in no way a safety school.

They accept a lot of people compared to other conservatory programs. I find this to be somewhat of an invalid argument. Just because you have a bigger student population, doesn't mean the quality of the education is any less. Sure, smaller classes are always better. But look at SUNY schools. To my knowledge, don't they tend to have larger programs? Not to mention, AMDA has three possible enrollment times, and two campuses.

Second, I hear over and over again that "its what you put into it." No offense to anyone who has said this, but I kinda just have to laugh. That's every school you go too! If you're not dedicated, you don't put in the work, and you don't have the ambition that MT requires, you're not going to get a good education ANYWHERE! If I get into CCM, but decide not to do any of the homework, learn any of my material, not apply the lessons I'm being taught, well then, I'm pretty much going to suck. I think the problem with AMDA is, because of their higher student population, they haven't weeded out the kids who really have the drive for this profession.

But that brings me to my final point. Wherever you pick, it should be about you! I loved Boston Conservatory when I went to visit. And its one of the #1 schools in the country. But I hate the city of Boston, just from my own bad experience. I'm still applying, mind you, because I love the school, but there are some things that works for others that just don't work well for me. You really can't go off what other people tell you, becaue they're not you. They don't share the same qualities you do. Maybe you're like me, and the general ed courses are really going to hold you back. Maybe you're like my sister, and you still need that four years to personally mature before you're living on your own. I would say, worry about what your favorite school is, because you'll be much happier there than the place you think you "should" go.

The moral of the story? If you're really passionate about this profession, it doesn't matter WHERE you go. As long as you apply yourself, do the work, and learn what they have to teach you, you're going to grow. And if you're doing it in a place that you love, you'll do learn even more. So that's my advice on the whole thing. When you get your college acceptance letters, decide on what school you LIKE best. And your descion should be pretty clear."

I just visited, and loved it. I would suggest doing the same. Everyone always thinks their school is the best.

[SamanthaisFierce]

Posted: 11/24/08 at 5:52pm

I'm not saying it's a bad program, it has it's perks. I'm just saying from what I've seen the school make of some of my friends has not been...exactly impressive. I've heard the AMDA in NY in much better than LA's. And I also realize it's about what you personally put into the program yourself. So if you're hard worker you'll get a lot out of it...which might be why my friends haven't improved. hahaha

I'm just strongly for a 4 year program where I can get a degree and study abroad. The extra 2 years makes a difference. But I realize that a 4 year school isn't right for some people, which of course perfectly ok. Of course AMDA has a 4 year deal now right?