American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Review: AMDA's new ownership is focused on profit rather than preparing students for a career. There is a pending class action suit alleging professors are forced to teach classes in which they have no training or knowledge; the classrooms are grossly inadequate (prospective students are toured on weekends to prevent them from this knowledge); dorms lack air conditioning, wifi connection and have serious safety issues. In my experience, AMDA frequently has no one available to answer phones during business hours. What do students do in case of emergency? AMDA purposely prevents students from auditioning during the 2 year conservatory program because it fears losing tuition should the student be employed. There is a dearth of complaints that AMDA is better known as SCAMDA. Once upon a time, AMDA was a exemplary academy; the new owners have demolished its credibility. [redacted]'s "counselor, was indifferent, failed to communicate, and laughed when confronted about his attitude. To list AMDA on a resume is no longer advantageous; its reputation has sunk that low in the industry. [redacted] has lost a year in pursuing her education as an actress as it is now too late to register for another school until fall of 2014. I requested of [redacted] and [redacted] a refund of $700 on 7/**/13. [redacted] says a check has been expedited; that I will receive by Friday.Desired Settlement: I ask that the owners (I believe the [redacted]) respond regarding their greed at the expense of students. I request a letter of explanation outlining steps taken to provide appropriate education, housing and classroom essentials. If they will not, I will contact the board of education and request an investigation into the business practices of this once recognized school. I ask further that the owners address their misrepresentation of AMDA as accredited; when, in fact, only some classes are transferable (this is very limited.) AMDA's tuition is very high. [redacted] was told she could reaudition for additional scholarship assistance. This was a lie. AMDA, sans an overhaul of its present mindset, should close its doors as it lacks conscience and integrity. If I do not receive a check from AMDA by Friday, August *, as promised by [redacted], then I demand an instant credit on my American Express card. The real damage cannot be undone. This was a unfortunate, time consuming experience.

Business

Response:

RE: Complaint ID # [redacted]

AMDA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution with campuses in Manhattan and Los Angeles. For nearly 50 years, AMDA has been one of America’s premier educational institutions for the performing arts. AMDA is an accredited institution of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and is licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education in the State of California.

The customer complaint referenced above is simply erroneous on all points. The daughter of the complainant has never attended AMDA but rather made a deposit to reserve a place for the Fall 2013 semester. This deposit was paid to AMDA on June **, 2013. This deposit was refunded to the customer on August *, 2013 prior to AMDA receiving this letter.

Regarding the specific allegations made by the complainant, they have no basis in fact. AMDA is fully compliant with all local, state and federal regulations regarding health, safety, financial and educational matters. AMDA is proud to have a long and illustrious list of successful and satisfied alumni working in the field of the performing arts and looks forward to continuing its mission of educating talented young individuals to find their voice as artists.

Consumer

Response:

AMDA falsely led [redacted] to believe she could reaudition for additional "scholarship" funds. When she attempted to to so, she was told that was a "miscommunication."

AMDA tacks on extra charges to gouge students. It conducts tours on weekends so that the prospective students cannot see how barren the classroom setting is.

AMDA forbids students to audition during the 2 year conservatory term to safeguard its own interests; it does not want students employed as it would deduct from tuition received.

AMDA does not answer its phones during business hours for days at a time, by my own experience.

Mr. [redacted] failed to respond to [redacted]'s and my request for needed information for weeks at a time and was insolent.

There is also a plethory of complaints against AMDA online and in a pending class action lawsuit.

This is a predatory institution. AMDA's credits are not transferable; or if so, in random situations.

AMDA is known as "SCAMDA"; it is not considered credible on an actor's resume.

AMDA's professors (I spoke with one) are forced to teach subjects in which they have no training or experience.