If you are considering taken on a college course in performing arts then it is important that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Last year I graduated from the American Musical and Dramatical academy where I studied on their New York campus. Prior to starting the course I checked out the AMDA reviews which I now know didn’t tell the whole story about what it was like to study here. I wanted therefore to share my experience with you so that you have an idea about what is before you, hopefully this will help.
Student Life
When I compare the social life which I had during my time at AMDA with some of my friends who studied different courses in different colleges, it is quite apparent that mine was significantly limited. There is a vibrant student scene here, of course given the number of creative people and those willing to express themselves, although much of the social scene interlinks with the course itself. The fact of the matter is that you are likely to be too tired or too busy to have much of a social life so if you have chosen performing arts for that reason, you should probably think again.
Emotional Ride
This experience has been one of the strangest of my life and it felt like everyday was an emotional rollercoaster. There are some days when you feel the best in the world, there are other days when you realize that you probably aren’t good enough and these days can follow one after the other. You have to understand just how tough this world is in order to succeed and you have to be prepared to emotionally invest in the process, and then have the steel to overcome any setbacks.
Competition
Just getting a place at a performing arts college is tough enough, so many don’t make it, but when you do get that place you need to compete with some of the very best in order to succeed. You will go through audition after audition where there is only 1 place for 20 who want it, you will have to deliver to the best of your ability or risk someone beating you and you must want it just as much if not more than everyone else. This aspect of the course is very tough and to be honest I saw some students who just couldn’t do it and quit the course.
Incredible
Looking back now, regardless of the hard work which was required, the sacrifice, the soul searching and the emotional rollercoaster which I experienced, this was truly one of the most incredible times of my life. Thanks to the course at AMDA I feel fully prepared for a career in performing arts and everything that goes with it, I learned so much, made many great friends and to be honest, I miss it quite a lot.
Be prepared, be strong and be confident, you are in for quite a ride.