If you have been lucky to be chosen to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy then congratulations, you should know that only a very small percentage of applicants are lucky enough to be accepted to this prestigious school, which is an indication of your talent and the potential which they believe that you have. I was lucky enough to attend AMDA for 4 wonderful years after high school and what I learned and experienced there has greatly improved my life and helped to kickstart my career in the arts. There can be some conflicting information around what it is like at AMDA, so I thought I would share my experiences with you, so that you may have an idea as to what to expect.

Fiercely Competitive

A performing arts college has two main functions, they must be able to look after and nurture the talent that you have got and they must be able to prepare you for the real world. As I am sure you are well aware of, the world of showbiz, in any of its forms is fiercely competitive and you are likely to face rejections and setbacks along the way. It is for this reason that AMDA have created a culture of competition in the classroom, which at first may be tough but it will help you to toughen up and get ready for the real world.

Hard Work

I have absolutely no idea why so many think that studying performing arts is easy or that it doesn’t require hard work, because that is exactly what you are going to find when you get there. Whether you are completing an assignment or planning for a project, there is always work to do and seriously you won’t have a moment to stop. At some points I was working for 16 hours per day, such was the workload and whilst it was fun, it was very intense.

Fun

Despite the long hours of hard work, the tough competition and the lack of a social life, I can honestly say that I have never had more fun than I did during those years at the college. You are surrounded by creative and expressive people and this mixture of talents creates a fun and happy atmosphere. I made some of the best friends ever at the college and I have no doubt that you will have just as many laughs and make just as many friends as I did.

Professors

The professors at this college have so much experience in the arts and they are just brilliant at their job. I would strongly advise that you take the opportunity to learn as much as you possibly can from these men and women because they have been there, seen it and done it. Whatever you may be dreaming of, they will probably already have achieved it and they are so keen on watching you and your talent grow.

This is what you have to look forward to at AMDA.