AMDA’s 2026 Visit
The LIHSA Dance and Musical Theatre Departments welcomed artists from AMDA College of the Performing Arts for an incredible day of learning and exploration on September 29, 2026!
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is a private conservatory for the performing arts in New York City, New York, and Los Angeles, California.
Dance students participated in an inspiring contemporary master class led by Nicole Hagen, a New York–based performer, choreographer, educator, and AMDA faculty member. Our Musical Theatre students worked with J. Elaine Marcos, a ten-time Broadway veteran whose credits include A Chorus Line, Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and The Wedding Singer, for an engaging acting and musical theatre workshop. The workshops allowed students to work directly with AMDA faculty and representatives while developing their skills, receiving feedback, and experiencing the type of training they may encounter in a conservatory setting. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about AMDA’s programs and admissions process. Following their classes, students from both departments had the exciting opportunity to audition for AMDA.
LIHSA Musical Theater students also had the opportunity to participate in a master class and receive feedback on their technique.
For many of our students, the visit provided a unique opportunity to connect their high school training with potential next steps after graduation. Having college representatives come directly to LIHSA allows students to explore their options in a familiar environment while still being challenged to step outside of their comfort zones. The on-site audition also gave interested students the chance to showcase their talents and potentially take an important step toward continuing their education in the performing arts.
Opportunities such as this are an important part of LIHSA’s commitment to exposing students to a variety of postsecondary and career opportunities. We are incredibly grateful to Nicole, J. Elaine, and the entire AMDA team for providing our students with such a meaningful experience—one that allowed them to grow as artists, challenge themselves, and take an exciting step toward their future goals!
