Why do people like to suggest "Don't go to AMDA (or other acting schools) because they "take everybody"?
This really is more of a statement. I auditioned for and was accepted at AADA (no, not AMDA), years ago. About 1000 of us auditioned on the West Coast for the "East Coast" school and they only chose the best five (5), yes, only us to attend.
That said, I do not know AMDA policies. I do know, recently, a friend of mine auditioned for AMDA, auditioned in her country (Canada), and was NOT accepted. So, so much for "accepting everybody". The did not.
Finally, please, people . . . if they do, indeed, "accept everybody". Wouldn't all the wanna be actors line up to go there?! I mean, at least, if you cannot "get accepted" at AADA or Julliard,. etc and you really, really want to act and get training (which you pay for, either way). Hey, go to the school that take "everybody"!!! Why not?
Finally, they CANNOT TAKE EVERYBODY. Everyone and their mother wants to be an actor, especially in New York . . .and the school is not big enough to hold the 1000s of those who dream this big dream in NY alone! Between Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn we have 6.2 millions people -- I would bet that 2 million are probably actors or want to be actors.
AMDA could not fit them all.
In fact, any other school in NY or Los Angeles, CA (i.e. TVI Studios, Weist Barron, etc., etc.) will take "anybody" and "everybody" willing to pay for it.
Yes, I understand wanting to be "accepted" at one of the exclusive schools . . . it makes the ego feel good. Still, in the end, even untalented people can "make it" if they never give up.
I can name a few who have "made it" and I don't care who 'accepted' them . . .they CANNOT ACT! It's all opinion, anyway.
AADA only chose five of us from the West Coast to attend the NY campus. Although, the first year class had about 250 students per program (morning and afternoon). A total of 500 from all over . . .just us five from the West.
Sweety, I am also in New York City for many more years than you've been alive. If you have not heard of these great, famous acting schools . . . then, at least, two of them . . . you are not looking.
AADA is "The American Academy of Dramatic Arts" on Madison Avenue. It is over 100 years old and their alumni include myself, Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Ruth Gordon, Kate Jackson, Lillian Gish and many, many legends. If you have not heard of these people, you must look them up if you plan on being an actor. They are legends!
AMDA is "The American Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts" and I don't recall it's location (near Lincoln Center, I think). A little younger, but also has some famous alumni, too.
TVI Studios is on Times Square, they give classes with casting directors and agents, mostly.
Weist Barron is older, I forget it's location (probably not far from Times Square) and they also give classes with casting directors and agents.
It is true, dbear. Just because you never heard of them doesn't make it untrue. Look it up, they are on the internet. http://www.aada.org for starters.