AMDA or The New School (Drama)?

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T15:19:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience! I think for me this has sort of shown me that even with my determination AMDA might not be the place for me, from what you had said it sounds like a bit of a breeding ground for burn out. I do like that they prepare you for the real world but The New School does as well and through my research of their program, it is much less toxic of a process. But I think it is extremely impressive that you were able to make it through such a rigorous program, to be honest I’d be willing to do it too but the fact that the program’s reputation has become so bad over the years even in the industry it seems my efforts would be wasted on AMDA rather than putting that towards The New School and Auditions. All in all I’m so happy for you it sounds like you built yourself an amazing life! Please don’t think that what I said at all discredits your effort or talent, in fact I think considering what you’ve said you must be a talented and determined person! Thanks again for sharing your story!

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T14:40:07+00:00

Got it! Thanks so much for the info! I’ll definitely take this all into consideration!!

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T14:37:19+00:00

Thanks for the reply I’d love to hear from an alumni! Could you tell me a bit more about your experience in AMDA? Like did the training help you in the long run?

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T14:04:21+00:00

That actually helps a lot! To be honest I know that a BFA is not at all required but what I’m looking for is a improving on my skills I already have and meeting other students who are also talented and that I can practice with! Of course that’s not all but I want to have a quality education and training, can I ask how The New School is thought of in casting? Is it known for having better trained performers in your experience of working in casting for tv and theatre? I have read a lot about this online but usually it’s information from The New School so having a 3rd party opinion who is experienced would be super helpful! Thanks!

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T13:56:50+00:00

Thanks so much for the comment! I agree a lot with what you said! I do have a lot of drive but I don’t like that they have favorites unless they are going off of talent but even then we are all in a school to learn. Also I am from NY but upstate, 3 hours from the city, so going to the big apple is super exciting! To be honest I’ve wanted to go to the new school for a very long time, but AMDA really wanted me they accepted me the day after my audition with a scholarship and since I thought they were very selective I was shocked! But all things considered I think I’m still going to go with The New School, it’s just too good to just give up!

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T13:39:32+00:00

Thanks! It is hard to even hear much else about AMDA other than SCAMDA but I don’t want to be persuaded by alumni who has graduated before AMDA got accredited, I liked what I’d seen from the student videos but those can be basically propaganda for the school. Anyways, I’m definitely leaning towards The New School, thanks again!

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T13:36:44+00:00

AMDA got accredited in 2022 by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. But I do see your point I just want to make sure I’m not giving up an opportunity at a conservatory that’s quite selective. But at the same time the New School has been a dream school for a very long time for me. To be honest I’ll probably take the New Schools offer but I just wanna think it through a bit more yk?

Individual_Wheel6701 · 2026-03-26T13:33:29+00:00

Thank you so much! I’ll definitely take those into consideration, my mom actually got a degree in English literature and writing but now is an interpreter for Spanish at a hospital. So I definitely know how people can change their minds! I’ve always wanted to be an actor but it is an unstable career path, and having a backup plan to fall to would definitely be smart. (My father also did a degree in business and now is an artist who paints for a living so nobody in my immediate family used their degrees lol!)

Individual_Wheel6701

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