AMDA — Page 2

scam = a person or place that takes your money for a service it promises to provide and then doesn't.

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ANYONE can get into amda...it sucks...

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Wow, Joshua. What are you, 12?

How would your sister know this unless she has been to the school? AMDA has lots of talented students. A lot of them get accepted to other amazing schools around the country but go to AMDA because it's in NYC. One girl in my group was 18 and was accepted to CMU and UMich, which are both amazing schools and only take the cream of the crop (and, in some cases, whoever has the most money... but we'll not get into that...) and she only came to AMDA because of the location.

It's true that they accept a lot of people... but not EVERYONE they accept is bad. It's about half and half, and some strong singers may not be the best dancers, and some real dancers may not have the best acting skills. I started working professionally when I was 11 and was cast in a national tour at age 15 but had no real training besides my dance training, so I thought it was a great place to learn some acting skills I had never really learned before. I got accepted to one of the top musical theater schools in the country but it wasn't NYC.

So don't go around judging people you know nothing about. I know lots of talented people who came from that school who have careers on Broadway and in other means of professional theater careers.

So, JOSHUA. What have youuuu or your sister ever done that sets you above the "choir rejects?" Because I doubt it's much, and with your attitude, you're not getting anywhere in NYC. Sorry, kid!

Wow, this conversation has fled right down the path of caliber which is attributed to AMDA... how ironic.


BalletGirl-- I hope that comment wasn't directed toward me. I didn't think I was "too good" for the school, as I've already stated there were many talented people in my class that I didn't feel "above" in any way. I honestly felt my father was expending an absurd amount of money on this place and I didn't feel I was getting my dollar's worth. NOT because I don't feel like I have plenty and oodles to learn, but because I didn't feel like I was gaining anything from my time spent there. I was constantly miserable. It wasn't a great learning environment for me.

I, too, fell into that trap of "being in New York". It's an easy one to fall into when you're young and immature and have had city lights in your eyes since before you could walk. It was a hard dose of *reality* though. I learned some stuff from my time there, both as a performer and as a person, but I don't regret leaving.


PAB, I think you hit the nail on the head. Bless you. :)

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Well, I had to leave Amda to have surgery on my vocal chords, but if that hadnt happened I would defiantly still be there, Im returning in feb. I personally LOVE AMDA, great people, amazing teachers. Who better to teach you than a working professional themself, and yeah its a little expensive, but what Ive experienced so far, worth every penny, if you search for an amda thread you will find the one that i started when i was just getting ready to audition. Dont be scared atthe audition either, everyone is super nice. Although Lindsay Chambers is a bit scary You learn alot there, well at least I have

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AMDA accepts just anyone?? well, they rejected me, so I must REALLY really suck bad!! ::sniff:: wow I feel really bad now

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The truth of the matter is that there are no "talent police" at the borders of NYC. Anyone can enter. If one measures their success based on the financial end, or "being on Broadway", one should re-examine their motives. I think so many post high schoolers go to Ny for the fame and the fortune. Acting is an art form that is based on techniques and self-discovery. Its about intellect,intuition, and hard work. To become a master at your art form is the success, anything else is icing on the cake. A lot of people graduate from law school, but not all become high-profile attorneys. The ones that do must have talent. It was rumored that Lee Strasberg would look for young actors who were trmendously talented and invite them to the Actor's Studio, and then claim to have taught them himself. WOuld going to that school make someone untalented talented? No, but if you looked at the roster most people would be lining up with checkbook open. Sanford Meisner said that it takes 20 years to become an actor. I think AMDA will teach what you need. They, or any other school, wont teach talent and instinct. They wont teach purpose or drive. They certainly wont check your reasons for wanting to become an actor, only you will know that. If it is your passion you will listen to your heart, and not someone on this message board. Just watch the American Idol auditions, how many of those terrible singers think that they are good. My only advice would be to make sure that you have some degree of talent before you set yourself up for years of misery. Are you getting the lead in your high school musicals? or chorus? Are you knight number one in Poughkipsie Players Camelot, or are you Arthur. There are exceptions always, but if your an amateur chorus singer, your going to be professional waiter for a very long time!

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whats wrong with Lindsay Chambers?

ohhh HAHA! I thought you meant Lindsay Chambers from Hairspray. She plays Tammy and she's really nice and talented.

I just auditioned for AMDA yesterday. I was really excited about this school. But after looking at all of these mixed reviews, I don't know what to think anymore. Anyone help me? Thanks!

scamda!

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Yes jeona..you're right.

Why audition and face the real world when you have all the private voice lessons and classes you need. After all, you're just studying this for fun, right? Cause you certainly don't sound like a serious performer.

Everyone I have ever met that went to AMDA have told me the faculty breaks the students up into section. Certain sections are given the best teachers and others the not so good ones.
My conclusion: Just like any school out there, it all depends on which teachers you have.

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