Right now i am attending at university and i really want to move to NY, and am seriously considering AMDA. I know people who have gone there and like it a lot. But i have heard so many bad things. Any input? I need to move to NY,

I personally went to AMDA.

First off?

I'd love every minute of it.

This is a program where, "What you put into it, directly affects what you get out it." The teachers can only do so much with what you give them and wholly, it's up to you to decide what you want to get out of it.

For example, I never been introduced to ballet and jazz technique when it came to dance. And I wasn't even in the integrated program (musical theatre). My whole dance background was just in hip-hop. Now with that being said, every where I went, if I had a moment, I would do a pirouette--even on the subways. Constantly pushing and pushing myself to do what I can to make a clean single turn. And each class I had with my teachers they would give me more and more tips to work with because I was giving them what I've been practicing with.

The same goes with a scene and/monologue. If it's unprepared... What do you think you're going to get out of it? Tips to make a unprepared scene/monologue more prepared.

I will tell you first hand, the NYC campus, the teachers and faculty, don't take any BS. If you stare at a clock, they will kick you out. Obviously if you are willing to look at the clock and not the people who are working, you're in the wrong environment. It's personally was a boot-camp for me. Especially entering the school when I was 17 (I graduated High school early) it helped me discipline myself.

The teachers there are amazing and I've learned so much.

You're going to get mix views, the same goes for every single school you ask questions about. Everybody's experiences are different and the only ones that will help you are your own. Discipline yourself because you're going to be entering an industry that gives no mercy.

You're going to be getting up at 6 am to go to a required yoga class 2 times a week. Your attendance is mandatory, no if's, an's, or but's. You're absent, you fail for the day. After you hit a certain limit, they will begin to question your intention with your education and ultimately the birth of your career.

For some people, the school isn't for everybody. When I first entered the school, about 1:11 people dropped out because it was too much for them. There are so many reasons and variables as to why people leave or stay. But again, the decision will be yours.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions about either Campus. I will be more than willing to give you my input.

You'll make the right decision for yourself. Just trust your gut and heart.

Much success!

The only "bad" I have heard about it is that it is not very selective. I haven't heard about anyone not enjoying it. Like Destinatus said, what you put into the program (or any program) is what you are going to get out of it.

Why don't you look at other schools, too? Circle in the Square, Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, all have great reps, and are more selective.

I went to the one in LA and the nickname we have for it is SCAMDA lol. If you get the good teacher's it's good if you don't you r outta luck. It's way too much money for what you get. It's better to take specific classes at a studio than go to this conservatory where your schedule is mandated by administrators who haven't the foggiest idea of what they are doing. It wasn't all bad though, I got the good teachers and learned a lot from them and about myself, but in all honesty amda only cares about the money. If you really wanna go to amda though go the 1st year and skip out on the second. I learned a lot the first year and I felt like it prepared me with the tools necessary to go out on my own and further my studies in avenues i liked or wanted to grow in. The 2nd year felt like a waste of time and most students became depressed, did drugs (in class),and came to class unprepared. Also the teachers and admin have favorites. I know cuz I was one of them, and those they didn't like got the short end of the stick. My advice, look at other studios. They have plenty in NY. HB Studios is a great one as well as the other's mentioned above.
Oh and just so you know they do not help you in getting an agent or having an agent attend your showcase. all that work is up to you even though they say the opposite. They said a lot to me before I started and after i did, alot of that stuff was out the window. look around you'll do better that way

AMDA? You can do better.

I know several people who have gone, or are going to AMDA. They all seem/seemed to love it. Also, LA now offers a BFA program, so that is a plus for those looking for a degree. http://www.amda.edu/pages.cfm?page=aBFA

I would try asking "Secret Agent Man" about the reputation of this school.

quote:

Originally posted by somuchtodo:
I would try asking "Secret Agent Man" about the reputation of this school.

That would be a great idea.

Also, try asking on the Showfax.com board. I know that Bonnie Gillespie speaks (I think yearly) at AMDA LA and she or others on showfax may have some more input.

Any school you go to will have its pluses and minuses. The major factor in your success? The attitude you have throughout the training. Any school that has teachers more experienced than you can teach you something new.

My advice to get the best out of your education? Write out the goals you want to achieve while in school. And then while you are in school, modify your plan. It works. That is what I did in graduate school to get my M.F.A. in classical stage performance.

Hope this helps