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AMDA Graduate School Admissions

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  1. Completion of the AMDA Graduate Degree Application +

    Students who are qualified to apply for this program will:

    1. Have a passion for the arts and a strong desire to contribute to the field
    2. Be committed to actively supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst our community and beyond
    3. Hold a completed undergraduate degree at time of enrollment
  2. Statement of intent for graduate study +

    In 250 words or less, please explain your goals for engaging with the program, if admitted. Please submit your statement to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

  3. Writing portfolio +

    Please send a sample of writing materials that includes examples of theatre history, criticism and analysis. A minimum of two completed pieces is required, which could include written work from undergraduate degree or independently written pieces. Please submit your documents to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

  4. WRITING SAMPLE RESPONDING TO PROMPT +

    In 300-500 words, please identify a significant social movement and reflect on how it impacted both the performance and study of Theatre. Please submit your writing sample to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

  5. Interview with an AMDA representative +

    Once you have completed your application, an AMDA representative will reach out to you by phone to discuss your interests, background, and experiences related to the focus of this program.

  6. Reference letters +

    Three reference letters from people who have known the applicant for two years or longer, such as instructors, directors or faculty advisors, or employers (but not a friend or family member). Reference letters may be emailed to graddocs@amda.edu or mailed to the address below and should note the relationship of the writer to the applicant.

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

  7. Official transcripts +

    Please submit transcripts for completed undergraduate degree and any graduate coursework attempted or completed. The minimum grade point average (GPA) expected for AMDA's graduate programs is 3.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

  8. Submit Proof of English Proficiency (International Only) +

    The ability to communicate fluently in English is essential to academic success at AMDA. All courses at AMDA are taught in English, and AMDA does not provide English language training. Applicants whose first or native language is not English will need to demonstrate mastery of the English language by providing test scores or documentation.

    Testing must have been completed no more than two years before the date of application. Test results must be received by AMDA directly from the testing service. Scores listed are AMDA’s minimum threshold for direct admission.

    Test Name Minimum Score
    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    AMDA NY School Code: C064
    AMDA LA School Code: 8571
    80 iBT
    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.5
    Duolingo English Test 105
    Cambridge English Language Assessment C1
    Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) 60

    You may also provide proof of English language proficiency by providing an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from the U.S. or overseas campus of an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.

    For English language proficiency examinations and documentation not listed, please contact your advisor.

  1. Completion of the AMDA Graduate Degree Application +

    Students who are qualified to apply for this program will:

    1. Have a passion for the arts and a strong desire to contribute to the field
    2. Be committed to actively supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst our community and beyond
    3. Hold a completed undergraduate degree at time of enrollment
  2. Statement of intent for graduate study +

    In 250 words or less, please explain your goals for engaging with the program, if admitted. Please submit your statement to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

  3. Writing portfolio +

    Please submit a sample of writing materials that includes examples of original dramatic work. A minimum of two completed pieces, which could include written work from undergraduate degree or independently written pieces. Please submit your documents to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

  4. WRITING SAMPLE RESPONDING TO PROMPT +

    In 300-500 words, please respond to one of the prompts below. Please submit your writing sample to graddocs@amda.edu or click the button below.

    1. Option 1) What is the role of the artist in society and what makes you want to be a storyteller and creator?
    2. Option 2) Tell us about a powerful work of theatre, film or television that has inspired you to create and describe its impact on your artistry.
    3. Option 3) What type of stories do you want to tell and through which artistic mediums?
  5. Interview with an AMDA representative +

    Once you have completed your application, an AMDA representative will reach out to you by phone to discuss your interests, background, and experiences related to the focus of this program.

  6. Reference letters +

    Three reference letters from people who have known the applicant for two years or longer, such as instructors, directors or faculty advisors, or employers (but not a friend or family member). Reference letters may be emailed to graddocs@amda.edu or mailed to the address below and should note the relationship of the writer to the applicant.

  7. Official transcripts +

    Please submit transcripts for completed undergraduate degree and any graduate coursework attempted or completed.

    AMDA Records
    211 West 61st Street
    New York, NY 10023

  8. Submit Proof of English Proficiency (International Only) +

    The ability to communicate fluently in English is essential to academic success at AMDA. All courses at AMDA are taught in English, and AMDA does not provide English language training. Applicants whose first or native language is not English will need to demonstrate mastery of the English language by providing test scores or documentation.

    Testing must have been completed no more than two years before the date of application. Test results must be received by AMDA directly from the testing service. Scores listed are AMDA’s minimum threshold for direct admission.

    Test Name Minimum Score
    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    AMDA NY School Code: C064
    AMDA LA School Code: 8571
    80 iBT
    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.5
    Duolingo English Test 105
    Cambridge English Language Assessment C1
    Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) 60

    You may also provide proof of English language proficiency by providing an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from the U.S. or overseas campus of an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.

    For English language proficiency examinations and documentation not listed, please contact your advisor.

  • Start Dates for AMDA Programs

    • 2024 Fall: Oct. 21st, 2024
  • Application Deadline

    AMDA has rolling admissions, which means we accept students throughout the year. It is recommended that you complete your admissions file no later than 60 to 90 days from your intended start date.
  • Program Length

    AMDA offers three terms per calendar year (Fall, Spring, Summer) with a minimum of a week off between each term.
    Term (Semester) Length in Years
    MA 2 Semesters + 1 Summer
    Thesis Seminar
    1 yr
    MFA 6 Semesters 2 yrs
  • Tuition + Housing Costs

    The following is the direct cost of education for one academic year; Fall 2024/Spring 2025. The housing costs listed below are for students planning to live in AMDA's Student Housing. Students who choose to secure housing on their own should expect costs to be higher than those listed here. Residential students live at one of the AMDA Housing locations.

    Below are the 2024-25 costs for the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles for Fall 2024.

    2024-2025

    Direct Costs (cost paid directly to AMDA)

    Off Campus On Campus
    Tuition $46,628 $46,628
    Fees $300 $300
    Housing N/A $14,800
    Total $46,628 $61,728

    Indirect Costs (cost that does not appear on your bill)

    Off Campus On Campus
    Housing $14,800* N/A
    Books $1,200 $1,200
    Transport $1,200 $1,200
    Food $4,300 $4,300
    Misc $2,300 $2,300
    Total $23,800 $9,000
    * Off campus housing estimate