AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Test-Optional
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Essential blend of music, acting, and dance training for aspiring Music Theatre artists
•Individual voice instruction, piano, and sight-singing for strong musical foundation
•Courses in acting techniques, scene study, acting for the camera, and voice production
PRODUCTIONS
•Access to AMDA's Mainstage production opportunities
•Culminates in an original Showcase Production in Los Angeles
•Over 170 productions per year across AMDA
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Christopher Jackson — Tony-nominated as George Washington in Hamilton, Emmy winner, founding member of Freestyle Love Supreme
•Anthony Ramos — originated dual role of John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in Hamilton, starred in In the Heights film
•Caissie Levy — Olivier-nominated, originated Elsa in Broadway's Frozen and Fantine in Les Misérables revival
•Sky Lakota-Lynch — originated Johnny Cade in The Outsiders, 2024 Tony nomination
PROGRAM OPTIONS
•Offered on the Los Angeles campus
•Accelerated option allows degree completion in 2.5 years
•WASC-accredited institution
Key Info
Audition Requirements
Songs
ONE SONG, 2 min or 32 bars
•From the musical theatre or classical repertoire
•Must sing to musical accompaniment — accompanist provided at live auditions
•Bring sheet music in your key with clearly marked start and end points
•Tape music accordion-style or place in a binder if photocopied
•Be prepared to communicate cuts and tempo to the accompanist
•Prepare an additional song — adjudicators may request a second piece
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Choose songs that show the most secure parts of your vocal range
•Select songs that reveal something about you
•Choose songs with lyrics you understand
WHAT TO AVOID
•Long narrative songs
•"Signature" songs of star performers
•Overexposed songs from very popular or current shows
•Songs with difficult piano accompaniments
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, 2 min max
•Contemporary or classical — from a published play
•No original material permitted
•Must be performed in English
•No props or costumes
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Choose characters you could play today or five years from now
•Contrasting styles: Classic or Contemporary (1950s–current), Comedy or Drama
•Read the full play and know the playwright's name
•Prepare an additional monologue — adjudicators may request a second piece
WHAT TO AVOID
•Material you do not fully understand emotionally or intellectually
•Overt sexual references or excessive profanity
•Portraying victims or perpetrators of violence, addiction, or abuse
Good to Know
ADMISSIONS
•Rolling admissions — apply anytime
•Three enrollment terms per year: Spring, Summer, and Fall
•Must be a junior or senior in high school, or a high school graduate
•Minimum GPA: 2.0
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
•Completed undergraduate application (Common App or AMDA direct)
•Personal essay
•Letter of recommendation
•Official academic records (transcripts)
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Total audition performance should not exceed 4 minutes
•Live audition with an AMDA audition coach — campus, national, or virtual via Zoom
•Video audition option available for those unable to attend live
•Be prepared to articulate why you are auditioning for AMDA and your professional goals
DRESS CODE
•Dress neutral — casual but nice (no denim, shorts, flip-flops, sneakers)
•Women: character or jazz shoes acceptable; light natural makeup
•Men: pants/khakis, shirt and/or sweater
•Hair pulled back and away from face; no extreme color
•Remove all jewelry before auditioning
VIDEO AUDITION
•Request video submission form from your Admissions Advisor
•Slate: date, full name, city/country, program, and titles of pieces
•Contact: (323) 490-1284 or admissionsteam@amda.edu
Scholarship Info
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Up to $25,000 per year — automatically considered upon acceptance
•No separate scholarship application required
•AMDA awards over $25 million in scholarships annually
ULTIMATE TALENT COMPETITION (YEAR 2)
•Partnership with iHeartRadio Broadway — one winner each in singing, dancing, and acting
•Grand prize: full-tuition scholarship and live performance at Broadway in Bryant Park (Summer 2026)
•Runs through May 18, 2026 — winners announced by June 1, 2026
•Enter by opting in when scheduling your AMDA audition
FINANCIAL AID
•FAFSA school code: 016082
Program info updated 4d ago
TRAINING
•Essential blend of music, acting, and dance training for aspiring Music Theatre artists
•Individual voice instruction, piano, and sight-singing for strong musical foundation
•Courses in acting techniques, scene study, acting for the camera, and voice production
PRODUCTIONS
•Access to AMDA's Mainstage production opportunities
•Culminates in an original Showcase Production in Los Angeles
•Over 170 productions per year across AMDA
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Christopher Jackson — Tony-nominated as George Washington in Hamilton, Emmy winner, founding member of Freestyle Love Supreme
•Anthony Ramos — originated dual role of John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in Hamilton, starred in In the Heights film
•Caissie Levy — Olivier-nominated, originated Elsa in Broadway's Frozen and Fantine in Les Misérables revival
•Sky Lakota-Lynch — originated Johnny Cade in The Outsiders, 2024 Tony nomination
PROGRAM OPTIONS
•Offered on the Los Angeles campus
•Accelerated option allows degree completion in 2.5 years
•WASC-accredited institution
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
24%
Admit Rate
72%
Grad Rate
1,438
Enrollment
$26,975
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$46,928
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$41,416
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$25,437
Family Income $30k - $48k$27,924
Family Income $48k - $75k$43,968
Family Income $75k - $110k$51,214
Family Income $110k+$59,423
