LAST post on AMDA, I'm sorry!!- Page 2

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 9:13pm

So, theatrediva how is AMDA? Anyone else care to share there thoughts. I'm looking into AMDA strongly. Thanks :)

[noodles2]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 3:04pm

shannon durig went to amda, so did caissie levy i think. both amazing performers.

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 6:51pm

I applying there for next fall, and I really hope I get in. From what I had read and from what I have been told I think it might be a good fit.
Yean, I would love to hear more about the classes.

[Joshwee]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 7:04pm

I am applying and auditioning for AMDA in JAN at the LA Campus...is that worse than the NYC one
Updated On: 11/29/07 at 07:04 PM

[willact4food]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 9:43pm

I currently go to AMDA and am loving every moment of it. The training is crazy intense, and the people are very talented. I feel very blessed and fortunate to not only be surrounded by so many talented people, but it's also amazing living in the city. The staff truly cares for your advancement as an actor, and wants to give you the best training possible.

I am at the NYC campus, by the way. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 10:03pm

Do you live on campus. I heard they are now offering a BFA with New School.

[willact4food]

Posted: 11/29/07 at 10:13pm

Yeah, I do live in student housing. Your AMDA credits may transfer to the New School so that you can get your BFA. Studio students receive 30 hours, integrated get 60.

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 12:39am

Someone I know from here in Denver is just starting there. I remember there being talk about whether she should go but I wasn't aware of the reputation but figured something was up by the conversations she was having with some theatre people here.

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 1:27am

I take lessons with Shannon Durig's voice teacher :)

[teh_pretty]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 2:38pm

How is the student housing for AMDA New York? Is it traditional residence style? Do you share rooms? Is it insanely expensive?

[dramadude]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 4:33pm

AMDA is a horrible school for theatre. There are only a handful of great teachers who are held back by the school's deplorable program / curriculum. The only thing worse than the school itself are the dormitories. DO NOT ATTEND AMDA. This school will do anything to admit anyone and just take your money. The only strongpoint to the school is its musical theatre library database. DO NOT ATTEND AMDA.

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 5:15pm

Honestly, the two best things about the school when I went were the faculty and the library.

Everything else....well...PM me and i'll let you know.

[RyToast1]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 5:43pm

I don't wanna get into it much more, but I'm with dramadude. You can find a better school, and if you apply to better school's and don't get in, and only get into AMDA, they're just taking your money. Sorry kiddies!!!

[Fat Actor]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 5:48pm

Well, my personal experience with acting schools in New York in general(AMDA and School for Film & Television)is their not worth it. I was accepted and givin scholarships to both and after visiting them, talking to current and former students I am so glad I decided to stay home. I go to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and three of my classmates went to AMDA after high school and have nothing but horror stories about the school. They also say that the instruction we recieve in our Musical Theatre BFA program is better than what they were doing at AMDA. One of my teachers graduated from Juliard and basically said the same thing said in an earlier post. Basically she said they teach expensive tricks and bad habits.
GO BOBCATS!!! GO TEXAS STATE!!!
P.S. for the record I didn't trust anybody at the School for Film & Television. Don't let those people steal your money. Im paying $17,000 a year for a better education.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 6:43pm

I used to work at the school during the "Golden Years" (the 80's-- but I keep in touch). Their program has always focused on getting work.

You take from it what you make of it.

Many of the students we cut ("fired") from the program came back to thank us: either they got jobs or realized this business was not for them.

That is what the program used to try to teach. Either you put in the intense work necessary for the program or you get cut. Either way you begin to learn the truth about the "professional theater"!

If you can't handle the program--you can't handle the biz.

However, many of the people we would cut went on to great careers. We would cut people for many reasons: (1.) couldn't handle the work/pressure (2.) were already ready to audition. (3.) we wanted to see them prove us wrong!--many did!!!! (it's the "kick-in-the-ass" moment people sometimes need!)

One of the things the staff were told by management was to remember: as a teacher you are the employer---anyone of your students could very well become your employer.

There is no democracy in theater. Tables turn.

The students who understood/understand this have become working actors.

And that's the point. Not fame. But working...

Auditioning is a key component to AMDA's strategy. They can help you get the job. YOU have to keep it and prove you are capable. The school gives you the tools to do it.

==

I used to work in a casting office on Broadway. It was always clear who came from the AMDA program. They had confidence and awareness of their "product" (i.e. knowing who and what you are and can do--and that means physical shape/size and look and ability).

The ones who complain about the program did not either put enough into their work ethic, or did not pay attention.

Just because you are in a program in NYC does NOT mean you will work on Broadway.

I'm sure the school has been through it's ups and downs since I worked there. But it sounds like--based on others comments--that you still have a great faculty and opportunity to make it work for you!

I do remember what an intense, nasty, overwhelming workout it was for most students. But I also remember that grin of satisfaction when the student's "got it!".

If you can't handle the program at AMDA, you are most likely not prepared for the real world of professional theater.

--just my ten cents...

[DramaQueen700]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 6:48pm

I absolutely LOOOOVE how everyone who criticizes AMDA hasnt gone there. Im telling you, as a STUDENT, AMDA is an amazing school, incredibly demanding, and the teachers wont let you get away with anything. They will bust you and break you down until you are raw and real and amazing. However, if you arent willing to put in the time, work, and effort, they WILL leave you by the wayside. They arent going to babysit you...

Ive been to both the LA and NYC campus, so if you have any questions, you can ask or PM me.

I recommend this school either AFTER college, or if you go through for the BFA program...because its not a "college" experience per say, so if thats whaqt youre looking for, i dont recommend it. Howveer, if you want intense training, AMDA is an amazing school, with and AMAZING library and resources, amazing demanding teachers, great facilities, and I couldnt be happier.

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 6:52pm

TomMonster-Thank you for that! One of the best posts on the school i've read in awhile.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 7:26pm

Thanks, AKDPerformer. Can anyone still tell me if David Martin is still in charge? He is one of the most influential people in my life--as well as Jan...

When I worked there it was very small--and the business model was changing to make the school survive. But I never felt the integrity slide.

Remember: this school was founded by Phillip Burton--Richard Burton's adopted father--in order to teach the "triple-threat". At the time no school offered a comprehensive program of singing, acting and dance.

Now it's the standard. And CHITA (the original triple-threat) used to visit the school frequently!!

[DramaQueen700]

Posted: 11/30/07 at 11:52pm

David Martin still is the head of the school, and does directorial workshops with student in NEw York, and visits the La school frequently.

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 12/1/07 at 2:29am

"I absolutely LOOOOVE how everyone who criticizes AMDA hasnt gone there."

Exactly! So right on! A lot of people only base their opinions/views on word of mouth.

You only own the right to deeply criticize the program and its flaws unless you've ACTUALLY been there within the environment of it all.

[Bal]

Posted: 12/2/07 at 12:36pm

I'm sitting in the computer lab in AMDA housing right now as I write this.

I feel like I'm getting a lot out of this rigorous program, and I would suggest it for people who want to get the essentials of dance and singing etc... but if you don't have a strong foundation already built, it won't help you much. If you come with no dance training, you're going to learn how to move, not dance.

Also, some of the teachers are mean to the point of being abusive (third semester acting) and some are so sugary sweet you can't learn anything, some don't care about anyone or anything, and some are great.

I've been lucky. Most of my teachers have been good. But not all.

AMDA has been a good experience for me, and I feel it's preparing me to work... but I don't recommend it to people who ask me.