Moving to NYC in the spring!

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/9/04 at 7:39pm

I'm a 23 year old soon-to-be full time student (AGAIN!) I have been accepted to AMDA's Studio program (that's "straight" theater, not musical) and I've been reading some horrible things about the integrated program. I've already put down my deposit and I have already heard back from them about my financial aid. I have decided to go, but I'd like to know if anyone has anything to say about the Studio Program. From what I understand, the integrated program is frowned upon in this particular forum, but I haven't heard much (positive OR negative) about the studio program. Any thoughts?

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 9:27am

Hey guys, I'm really just feeling this out. I wouldn't want to make a huge mistake with my career. If ANYONE has an opinion or information for me about the Studio program, please let me know. I am interested in classical acting and Film/television work. It has always been my dream to work both on the stage and in front of a camera. I'd really like to know if there is something important I should know. Things like "SCAMDA" are really scaring me, and I'm beginning to re-think my decision to attend. Please.... Any input is welcome.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 10:45am

Unfortunately I don't know anything about the studio program. I have a few friends who went to the school in the past few years (Musical theatre)and most of them felt taken advantage of and that they didn't get the education they were hoping for. I have seen several of their musical theatre showcases and have been shocked at the bad habits they teach the students and the very bad direction of the showcases...but on the other hand - the friends I have who graduated from there never have had any problem getting hired in theatre,so thats just my opinion.

Updated On: 5/10/04 at 10:45 AM

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 10:56am

Thanks for the input, Red... Unfortunately, if I had to sing for my life, I'd die a horrible death anyway. But I do know that the curriculums are VERY different... I don't want to make a wrong decision. My concern is that it would be like making a decision not to go to a school for Nursing because their pre-med program isn't tops. I feel like it would be irresponsible to make a decision based only on the musical theater aspect when I'm interested only in classical theater. But I appreciate that you took the time to respond.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 11:39am

no problem - just wanted you to have a wellrounded response so that you can look at it from every angle.

[CJR]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 12:17pm

Check out this thread we had about AMDA not too long ago....

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=151119#154232https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=151119#154232>https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=151119#154232

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 12:27pm

CJR.... That was the tread I read that made me worry, but I couldn't help but notice that almost every response talked about the Integrated program (i.e. belting techniques, minimal acting training, chorus line preparation, etc.). That is why I am specifically inquiring if anyone knows anything about the Studio program. Also, one thing that struck me as funny in that thread was the comment about the dorm rooms. THANK GOD that I will be living in my own place off campus. I'm too old for nasty dorms. Had enough of that in college. :) There was 1 post I found somewhere in the forum regarding the studio program as being just fine and great for studying classical theater, but that was only 1 person's feedback. I'd love to hear more. I can't help but make the observation.... Broadway is not JUST musical theater (good for me, since I can't sing OR dance).... Still interested in ANY related feedback. I am going to review that thread to see if I missed anything. In the meantime, anything new??? thanks for your time. :)

[CJR]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 5:34pm

Yeah, the dorm rooms were pretty nasty.

*shudder* mice. ick.

[broadwaybondchik]

Posted: 5/10/04 at 6:28pm

Dmn you people, i leave for amda in 34 days, QUIT! LOL

[ShineOn]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 10:14am

My roommate is in the studio program.

I went to a showcase the other day.

Um, two of the girls were fabulous actresses. As well of two of the guys... out of a group of about 15 or so.

That is all I'm saying.

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 10:57am

*sigh* Alright... I've reviewed the previous thread, I've spoken with ppl from the Screen Actor's Guild and from Backstage magazine, I've called a few of my dad's old friends from his days as an actor in New York (most of them are casting directors and/or choreographers now)... I am researching to the best of my ability... So far, this is what I have found. While there are SOME people for whom the program did not work and who decided to leave and pursue other avenues, there are also SOME people who complete the program and do great. The VAST majority of graduates from the program don't even end up pursuing acting as a career (this is common in ANY field in the arts.... ever heard the term "starving artist"?) As for having to go the extra mile to prove your worth after graduation.... The professionals I spoke with (out of concern based primarily on the previous thread) ALL said that it really matters very little what school you have on your resume. It's about how you APPLY that training, and most of all, whether you are right for the role. Also, they have mentioned that QUITTING a course of study looks worse on your resume than if you never took it. Now, don't get me wrong.... That's not to say that if the program really isn't working for you, you should tough it out and complete it regardless of whether you get anything out of it or not. Just be aware that along with throwing away money you've already spent to pay for your education, you are also risking your credibility as a commited worker. These are just other people's opinions. I think it's important to weigh everything carefully. But regarding the last comment about there only being 4 out of 15 that were good.... I attended an extremely well respected conservatory for Music directly out of high school (I play the flute) Out of my studio (about 15 other flutists) I would have said about 5 were truly gifted. The other 10 were mediocre at best, and I wondered how in the WORLD they had gotten into the program. That's the nature of a conservatory. It happens in Music, Theater, Visual Arts, even Dance. Why? The Arts are purely subjective. Admission to a program doesn't mean you're the greatest RIGHT NOW. It just means SOMEONE saw SOMETHING in you.... Potential. Some people realize that potential, MOST DON'T! That's the way it goes. I'm VERY excited about this new beginning. I intend to make THE MOST of it, and learn as much as I possibly can. I hope all of the new students will do the same!

[ShineOn]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 1:40pm

"Also, they have mentioned that QUITTING a course of study looks worse on your resume than if you never took it. Now, don't get me wrong.... That's not to say that if the program really isn't working for you, you should tough it out and complete it regardless of whether you get anything out of it or not. Just be aware that along with throwing away money you've already spent to pay for your education, you are also risking your credibility as a commited worker."



Where this MAY be true in some cases, I have heard MANY instances where casting directors have THROWN AWAY resumes because they saw "AMDA" on it. I had teachers at the school encouraging me to leave. It would be a distaste in character to give your their names, whereas AMDA is their form of employment, but... leaving the school at your own discretion won't hurt you in the end.

I'm glad you're going in with an open mind, but just take into consideration the facts. They will bleed you financially and there is a high probability you will come out feeling you didn't get your money's worth.

I know schooling is very subjective. Some schools work great for one person and not at all for the next. However, there IS a reason this school has such a bad reputation.

Also, have you been speaking with alums that graduated longer than 8-10 years ago? In that case, it's a completely different ball game. The school used to be very respectable... it's current state is what's earned it the nickname SCAMDA.


As for the 4 out 15 being good. I would say those four bordered on mediocre with the potential of being great. They weren't even really STANDOUTS... just in that crowd. More likely than not, they were more experienced and trained going in than the others. I wouldn't even classify half that group as mediocre. It was really sad... I was hoping for them all to be good. I like witnessing talent... it gives me hope that there is still some left in this world with some of the 'big names' in theatre and film today.

4 out of 15 is a very low percentage. As I said, it would be one thing if the rest WERE mediocre... not even. Some sounded like they were reading the damn phone book while delivering a Shakespearean exchange... riiiiight. It was painful.


As for admissions sucking... yes, they do. They really do. They aren't trying to 'give everyone a chance'... hi, that's what community theatre is for. They are money hungry fiends. They accept people that don't have an ounce of talent and I am NOT joking. Some of the things I've seen there are scary. It's not fair to the kids that are truly talented, either. AMDA DOES have truly talented artists on the rise... they just get lost amidst the one's who just don't have it.


I'm not telling you not to go, I'm just telling you my own personal experience. My roommate is studio, I was integrated... I've witnessed both ends. I think you're definitely going in with the right attitude. You have to experience it for yourself and it may work for you, it may not. Hopefully it will. Keep us updated.

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 2:01pm

Well, I guess this will have to be one of the things I do in fact have to experience for myself. To answer your questions: No, I haven't been speaking with far previous alumni. the people I spoke with were not even AMDA alumni, but they WERE the people who are working currently in casting and choreography on Broadway, some Off-broadway, and several regional theaters. The AMDA alumni I spoke with from the integrated program did, in fact, say that there was not enough acting training, and that they felt they were being prepared to be in the back line of the chorus, but the ones from the Studio program are satisfied and happy. These are recent alumni, all of whom are working, and one of whom was the person who suggested I apply. I understand what you mean about the 4 out of 15. However... I've had considerable training in theater (as I mentioned, my father was an actor and dancer in New york during the late 60s-early 70s), although the bulk of my training has been in music. I only recently began to think of acting as a career (a severe injury to my left hand ended my flute career, I used to play with the Atlanta Symphony), but everyone I've talked to says I've "got it". Hopefully, that will work to my advantage when I get to AMDA. Oh, and an update I just got from my friend who is an alumni.... The integrated program hired 4 new (opera trained) vocal coaches who will start next fall. Let's hope the school is moving in the right direction to regain its once stellar reputation. Look for me in upcoming showcases, if you like talent. Hopefully, you won't be disappointed. :)

[HunterFosterIsMyGod]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 2:15pm

yay!

[SweetTea]

Posted: 5/11/04 at 3:36pm

Oh, and by the way..... I just checked on AMDA's website.... 95% of their individual voice teachers have opera training or experience, and about 80% of their musical theater dept. has opera experience. Just a note I thought might be of interest. Like I said, I'm not an integrated program student, but I do understand the basic concept: Belting = bad, opera = good. :) Hope that helps some of you.