AMDA is in the "Heart of Hollywood" which means you're close to everything. Farmers markets, malls, coffee shops and everything in between. There is always something to do. When you're not in classes you can go to the Hollywood/Highland and immerse yourself in the tourist culture and street performance!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
My biggest tip is to put in as much effort as you plan to get out of AMDA. Your energy must match your teacher's and vice-versa. You can't expect to get anything out of this school if the effort isn't there. Work hard, but enjoy yourself. This is an opportunity to find your limits and experiment with your craft in a healthy, safe, supporting environment. Why not go for it?
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
They push you. Hard. But you can take it because it's your craft, what you love. Don't get discouraged. Like I said before, this is your opportunity to put in as much effort as you can muster. Do it with pride.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
They really try to put you with people you can jive with. If you're not comfortable in the rooming situation, they with help you feel more comfortable by reassigning you if that's what you need. Residence Halls activities take place during orientation and it's a great opportunity to meet and get to know the people you'll be living with for the next year or two. AMDA knows it important for us to create a bond, and that's what they try to implement.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The AMDA Cafe is great for a quick snack, or a study sesh. It's located in the Piazza and has great vibes. I love to go and just hang out with friends and work on scenes. Great environment.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
AMDA is expensive. But they have a two-year program and a four-year program so you're not locked into paying for four years. The two-year program is more intense but it allows you to be in the field sooner. The four-year program is more traditional. With either program you can study at the New York City campus for a semester or year which helps you create networks with the teachers in NYC, and you really get a feel for the more theatrical part of acting versus acting for film.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
When I went to the Accepted Students Brunch the summer before I moved in Karen Jackson, the National Director of Admissions, talked about creating our own opportunities. If you don't get into one of the main stage performances, write your own and show it to the committee and it could be produced! Poetry is often read in the AMDA Cafe. You can try out a monologue you've been practicing there on open mic. nights. AMDA is all about creating your open opportunities because that's what it's like in the business. Open your own doors.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
AMDA doesn't mess around when it comes to the safety of their students. 24-hour security on campus helps ensure that no one who doesn't belong gets in. Unless you have a guest pass or an AMDA ID you do not get through the gate. Classes and rehearsals can run late and with a couple residence halls being off campus it can be kind of eerie to walk home, so if you feel uncomfortable you can ask a security guard to walk you home. I've heard that they will soon have shuttles that go back and forth from Gilbert to the main building on Vine so students don't have to walk the 10-15 minutes it takes to get to Gilbert at night which is great!
AMDA is in the "Heart of Hollywood" which means you're close to everything. Farmers markets, malls, coffee shops and everything in between. There is always something to do. When you're not in classes you can go to the Hollywood/Highland and immerse yourself in the tourist culture and street performance!
My biggest tip is to put in as much effort as you plan to get out of AMDA. Your energy must match your teacher's and vice-versa. You can't expect to get anything out of this school if the effort isn't there. Work hard, but enjoy yourself. This is an opportunity to find your limits and experiment with your craft in a healthy, safe, supporting environment. Why not go for it?
They push you. Hard. But you can take it because it's your craft, what you love. Don't get discouraged. Like I said before, this is your opportunity to put in as much effort as you can muster. Do it with pride.
They really try to put you with people you can jive with. If you're not comfortable in the rooming situation, they with help you feel more comfortable by reassigning you if that's what you need. Residence Halls activities take place during orientation and it's a great opportunity to meet and get to know the people you'll be living with for the next year or two. AMDA knows it important for us to create a bond, and that's what they try to implement.
The AMDA Cafe is great for a quick snack, or a study sesh. It's located in the Piazza and has great vibes. I love to go and just hang out with friends and work on scenes. Great environment.
AMDA is expensive. But they have a two-year program and a four-year program so you're not locked into paying for four years. The two-year program is more intense but it allows you to be in the field sooner. The four-year program is more traditional. With either program you can study at the New York City campus for a semester or year which helps you create networks with the teachers in NYC, and you really get a feel for the more theatrical part of acting versus acting for film.
When I went to the Accepted Students Brunch the summer before I moved in Karen Jackson, the National Director of Admissions, talked about creating our own opportunities. If you don't get into one of the main stage performances, write your own and show it to the committee and it could be produced! Poetry is often read in the AMDA Cafe. You can try out a monologue you've been practicing there on open mic. nights. AMDA is all about creating your open opportunities because that's what it's like in the business. Open your own doors.
AMDA doesn't mess around when it comes to the safety of their students. 24-hour security on campus helps ensure that no one who doesn't belong gets in. Unless you have a guest pass or an AMDA ID you do not get through the gate. Classes and rehearsals can run late and with a couple residence halls being off campus it can be kind of eerie to walk home, so if you feel uncomfortable you can ask a security guard to walk you home. I've heard that they will soon have shuttles that go back and forth from Gilbert to the main building on Vine so students don't have to walk the 10-15 minutes it takes to get to Gilbert at night which is great!