LOS ANGELES Welcome and Orientation Guide

Transcription

1 LOS ANGELES Welcome and Orientation Guide

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3 CONTENTS Welcome to AMDA 3 ORIENTATION INFORMATION Before You Arrive 4 CHECK YOUR ! ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST WHAT TO BRING MORE INFORMATION Placements 6 Required Supplies 8 Required Dance Attire 8 Health Services 11 AMDA HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER HOLLYWOOD WALK-IN CLINIC COUNSELING SERVICES AT AMDA Getting to AMDA 12 AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION: LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL (LAX) AND BURBANK BOB HOPE (BUR) GETTING AROUND THE LOS ANGELES AREA Area Hotels 13 Frequently Asked Questions Academic Calendar 16 Contacts 17 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 1

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5 WELCOME TO AMDA ORIENTATION INFORMATION We are eagerly awaiting your arrival on campus! To ensure you receive necessary information and updates regarding Orientation, visit the Orientation webpage at amda.edu/laorientation. Orientation begins the week before classes start. For specific check-in dates and times, please visit amda.edu/laorientation. All Orientation activities have been carefully planned to prepare you for your specific program of study at AMDA and are mandatory, unless otherwise noted. Families and guests of incoming students are welcome and encouraged to participate in all activities on check-in day. An informational Family Welcome Meeting will take place on that day as well. All incoming students will be assigned an AMDA Orientation Leader who will be available throughout Orientation to provide assistance and answer questions. Students living on campus will receive a housing containing building assignments and roommate information prior to their arrival at AMDA. A list of local hotels is included on page 15 of this guidebook in the event that you will be arriving in Los Angeles prior to your check-in time. AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 3

6 BEFORE YOU ARRIVE CHECK YOUR ! As we draw closer to Orientation, important information will be ed to you. Please check your daily and read s thoroughly. All information will also be available on the Orientation webpage: amda.edu/laorientation You will receive regarding the following: Textbooks Required textbook lists by program, as well as information on how to purchase books. Links to Required Assessment Exams English Assessment Exam: All BFA students (1st semester students and 5th semester alumni) are required to take this exam unless English Composition transfer credit has been approved. Musicianship Assessment Exam: This exam must be completed by 1st semester students and 5th semester alumni enrolling in the following programs: BFA Music Theatre, BFA Performing Arts/Music Theatre, Integrated Conservatory. AMDA Student Portal Registration Information Instructions to register for the online portal where students obtain valuable information such as , class schedule, grades, etc. Housing Information Details regarding housing assignments and specific room amenities. Please be aware that your housing license must be submitted prior to being able to move into housing. ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST The following forms are required to complete your enrollment at AMDA. The link to access these forms will be ed to you. If you do not receive this , please contact your Admissions advisor. Forms can also be accessed at: amda.edu/laorientation. Completed forms must be submitted prior to Orientation. Retain copies of all forms for your records. Disregard any you have already submitted. Scan and the following documents to Enrollment Agreement Housing Survey Housing License Performance Fact Sheet Waiver and Assumption of Risk Authorization to Release Information (if applicable) Scholarship Agreement (if applicable) Parking Registration (if applicable) Individual Voice Lesson Request Form (if applicable) Café Account Form (if applicable) Mail the following documents to the address below (or bring them to Orientation): Health Certificate (original document, signed by your physician) Final/Official High School Transcript (original document, in sealed envelope) AMDA Attention: Records P.O. Box 768 Los Angeles, CA mystudentbody.com Registration Information MSB is an online education program that focuses on risk reduction and prevention initiatives. 4 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

7 The Yucca Vine Tower on the AMDA campus WHAT TO BRING Apartments are furnished with basic furniture; do not bring any with you. Microwaves are provided in either the housing unit or communal kitchen (refer to your housing assignment). Remember that space is limited. It is best to pack lightly and acquire additional items as needed after your arrival. We recommend bringing the following. Twin XL linens for your bed Pillows Towels Toiletries Hangers Extension cords and power strips Laundry basket and detergent Cleaning supplies (AMDA provides communal vacuums and brooms) Basic kitchen items such as dishes, eating utensils, etc. (You may want to speak with your roommates before purchasing these.) MORE INFORMATION Please refer to the following sources for more information regarding AMDA policies and student life. HOUSING LICENSE Complete policies for those residing in AMDA housing, including those regarding guests, roommates, keys, security, maintenance, and conduct. Your housing license must be submitted before you are able to obtain your room keys. AMDA CATALOG The Catalog is the primary source of information on academic life at AMDA: academic policies, financial aid and student accounts, program information, and course descriptions. STUDENT HANDBOOK The essential guide for student life at AMDA, the handbook contains information on living in the city, transportation, AMDA departments and resources, and our Code of Conduct. These documents are all available for download on amda.edu. AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 5

8 PLACEMENTS Placement Demonstrations for all disciplines take place during Orientation and the first week of classes. These are private performances for a panel of faculty and administration. Placement Demos allow us to form class sections intended to foster your success and may be used for performance selections throughout the semester. The following descriptions stipulate what you should prepare and the proper attire for each demo. General Appearance for all Placement Demonstrations Clothing should be age-appropriate and professional. Long hair should be worn up or pulled away from your face. No excessive body ornamentation is permitted. All jewelry, including nose or eyebrow rings and tongue studs, must be removed (with the possible exception of wedding bands). Hair coloring of an extreme nature is not appropriate. Monologue Demonstrations For students in the Acting BFA, Studio Conservatory, Music Theatre BFA, and Integrated Conservatory Programs At the discretion of your acting teacher, you may be asked to perform an Acting Demonstration during your first week of class. Prepare two monologues of contrasting styles for your first class session. Each monologue should be one minute in length and should be from a published play. It is recommended that you present the same pieces from your audition for admission, shortened to one minute. Attire for Men: Men are expected to wear long sleeve dress shirts, slacks and dress shoes. Ties and jackets are optional. Blue jeans, sweat pants, T-shirts, flip-flops and sneakers are not acceptable attire for demos and or rehearsals. Attire for Women: Women are expected to wear dress pants, skirts or dresses of at least knee length. Long or short sleeve blouses may be worn. Character shoes should have a minimum 2-inch heel, and either a single strap or a T-strap that buckles over the instep is recommended. Flat shoes or traditional heels are an acceptable substitute. Blue jeans, sweat pants, T-shirts, tank tops, hats, spaghetti straps, flip-flops, mules, opentoe or open-heel shoes and sneakers are not acceptable attire for demos and rehearsals. Voice Demonstrations For students in the Music Theatre BFA and Integrated Conservatory Programs You will be required to present the same song (musical theatre or classical) that you performed at your audition for admission. Please bring your sheet music, shortened to one minute, in the correct key. A professional accompanist will be provided. Attire for Men: Men are expected to wear long sleeve dress shirts, slacks and dress shoes. Ties and jackets are optional. Blue jeans, sweat pants, T-shirts, flip-flops and sneakers are not acceptable attire for demos and or rehearsals. Attire for Women: Women are expected to wear dress pants, skirts or dresses of at least knee length. Long or short sleeve blouses may be worn. Character shoes should have a minimum 2-inch heel, and either a single strap or a T-strap that buckles over the instep is recommended. Flat shoes or traditional heels are an acceptable substitute. Blue jeans, sweat pants, T-shirts, tank tops, hats, spaghetti straps, flip-flops, mules, opentoe or open-heel shoes and sneakers are not acceptable attire for demos and rehearsals. Performing Arts BFA Students: Placement Demos Students enrolled in the Performing Arts BFA Program will perform the demonstrations for their concentration Acting, Music Theatre or Dance Theatre. Refer to those descriptions for details. 6 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

9 Dance Demonstrations For students in the Dance Theatre BFA and Dance Theatre Conservatory Programs Your first Dance Placement occurs during Orientation Weekend for each discipline (ballet, jazz, tap and modern). Students will be shown contrasting combinations and progressions and asked to perform them in small groups. Students will then be placed in appropriate levels for the semester. For students in the Integrated Conservatory Program During Orientation Weekend, Integrated Conservatory students will meet with members of the dance faculty for an overview of the dance curriculum. Additionally, students will participate in Dance Placements for the following disciplines: ballet, tap and jazz. Students will be shown contrasting combinations and progressions and asked to perform them in small groups. Students will then be placed in appropriate levels for the semester. No preparation is necessary. For students in the Music Theatre BFA Program During Orientation Weekend, students will meet with members of the dance faculty for an overview of the dance curriculum. Music Theatre students will participate in Dance Placements for ballet. Students will be shown contrasting combinations and progressions and asked to perform them in small groups. Students will then be placed in the appropriate level of ballet for the semester. No preparation is necessary. Attire for All Dance Demonstrations: Body-conscious dancewear is preferred. Bring all appropriate dance shoes (ballet slippers, tap and jazz shoes). All dance class assignments will be finalized by the end of the first week of the semester. AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 7

10 REQUIRED SUPPLIES You are required to have specific items for your first day of classes, including textbooks, dancewear, and basic classroom supplies. Please budget accordingly for these materials. Additional materials may be requested for specific classes throughout the semester. REQUIRED DANCE ATTIRE Required Classroom Supplies notebooks three-ring binder audio recording device (instructor s permission is required to record classes; smart phone may be used at instructor s discretion) highlighters (five colors) small hand mirror (for Voice Production and Speech classes) Textbooks, Plays and Other Materials You may be required to purchase some textbooks prior to the begining of classes. Information will be ed and available online at amda.edu/laorientation. In addition, throughout the semester, you may be required to purchase play scripts or sheet music. The AMDA Performing Arts Library has a wide selection of sheet music, scripts and various additional class materials available for use. See Where to Buy, below, for additional sources. Costumes and Props For scene and musical theatre work, you will need to bring or purchase costume and prop materials. Materials will vary depending on the scene or song chosen. These are suggested standard costume guidelines: Women: An elegant dress outfit such as a skirt and top or dress, and high-heeled shoes. Men: Sport coat or blazer, dress slacks, and black hard-soled shoes such as loafers or dress shoes. All students are required to have the appropriate dance attire. Black attire is required for all dance demos throughout the semester. Students without appropriate dance attire by the first day of classes will not be admitted to class, and will be marked absent. The chart to the right lists items and quantities required for each program. (Performing Arts BFA Program students will need the supplies listed for their focus.) Teachers will announce in classes if they will permit you to wear other colors or clothing. Where to Buy The following are some suggestions for online sources for requisite supplies and other materials. Textbooks: amazon.com Plays, Scripts: amazon.com, dramabookshop.com Dancewear: capezio.com, discountdance.com, dancewearsolutions.com, danskin.com, allaboutdance.com, justforkix.com 8 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

11 DANCE ATTIRE CHECKLIST (FOR ALL PROGRAMS) RECOMMENDED QUANTITIES FOR EACH PROGRAM* Dance Theatre Integrated Studio Conservatory Conservatory Conservatory Female Students Dance Theatre BFA Music Theatre BFA Acting BFA Black leotard Black or tan/flesh tights to match heels (optional alternative: form-fitting leggings or jazz pant) Dance tights should be full length to be worn inside shoe or slipper; convertible are best for footed and footless use. Proper bra or supportive undergarment Multiple straps should not be visible when worn. Circle character skirt (knee length, full cut) Character shoes (black or tan, to match tights) T-strap or single strap character shoe with minimum 2 1/2 inch heel. Shoes need dance rubber and should be braced. Ballet slippers (black or pink) 1 1 Jazz oxfords or sneakers (soft, black) 1 1 Tap shoes (black or tan) Minimum 2 1/2 inch heel. 1 1 Pink tights 2 1 Black footless tights 3 Black footless leggings 3 Dark-colored loose layers (for Hip Hop) Should fit over body-conscious dance wear Loosely-fitted black long sleeve T-shirt (no visible logos or designs) Flesh-colored dance paws or footies 1 Hip hop sneakers or boots 1 Black socks 5 Male Students Fitted tank tops or T-shirts (black or white with no visible logos or designs) Jazz pant or form-fitting pants (no sweatpants) (optional) Dance belt Dance-specific supportive undergarment Black socks Character shoes (black) Black dance tights 3 1 Elastic waistband is recommended. Ballet slippers (black) 1 1 Jazz oxfords or sneakers (black) 1 1 Tap shoes 1 1 Must have dance rubber on soles. Loosely-fitted black long sleeve T-shirt (no visible logos or 1 designs) Dark-colored loose layers (for Hip Hop) 2-3 Should fit over body-conscious dance wear Flesh-colored dance paws or footies 1 Hip hop sneakers or boots AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 9

12 From the top: Sculpted figures keep watch over Hollywood from the roof of the Art Deco AMDA Tower. 10 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

13 HEALTH SERVICES A comprehensive list of community health services, including local hospitals, urgent care facilities, clinics and offices of physicians is available in the AMDA Health and Wellness Center. AMDA HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER AMDA Campus, Vine Building Room 401 Located on the AMDA Campus on the 4th floor of the Vine Building, the AMDA Health and Wellness Center provides students with first aid treatment and rehabilitation for minor injuries. Other services include preventive care and referrals to outside health care providers for general medical queries. Appointments are recommended. COUNSELING SERVICES AT AMDA AMDA Campus, Tower Building Room 601 AMDA offers Mental Health Counseling to help meet the emotional and psychological needs of our students. Our goal is to create a campus environment that facilitates the health and well-being of all of our students and advances our academic and performance mission. Our counselor can also provide referrals to community resources as needed. Appointments are required. Services include: first aid and ice for injuries evaluation and rehabilitation of injuries referrals for general medical conditions Services include: counseling support groups referrals to community resources Shari Sipka Director of Health and Wellness [email protected] HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon Fri: 9:00 am 6:00 pm (Hours may vary. Please call or check postings at the Health and Wellness Center.) Christine Triano, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Mental Health Counselor [email protected] TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Contact Christine Triano, LCSW at or [email protected] Visit the Health and Wellness Department in the Vine Building Visit the 4th floor reception desk in the Tower Building HOLLYWOOD WALK-IN CLINIC 6430 Selma Ave., Hollywood, CA The Hollywood Walk-In Clinic is located two blocks south of the AMDA campus. The Hollywood Walk-In Clinic treats minor to moderate medical and urgent care needs; no appointment necessary. Their staff comprises Board Certified Emergency physicians and ER and urgent care trained practitioners. Hollywood Walk-In Clinic fees are up front and fixed [email protected] HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon Fri: 8:00 am 8:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am 4:00 pm Sun: 9:00 am 3:00 pm AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 11

14 GETTING TO AMDA AND AROUND THE LOS ANGELES AREA The Hollywood and Vine Metro Station is just blocks from AMDA. Airport Transportation: Los Angeles International (LAX) and Burbank Bob Hope (BUR) Taxis: Cabs should be picked up only at designated cab stands. Do not accept a ride from a driver who solicits you outside of a cab stand. Please speak with your AMDA Admissions Advisor to discuss approximate costs for cab fare from airport. Private shuttle service: Many private companies offer transportation between airport terminals and local accommodations. You can contact Super Shuttle at , PrimeTime Shuttle at or find other providers online. Getting Around the Los Angeles Area Taxis: Taxis do not offer curbside pickup in Los Angeles (except at the airports and certain train stations). Numbers for licensed cab companies canbe found on the City of LA Taxi Services site, taxicabsla.org. Car services: App-based private car services such as Lyft, Sidecar and Über are readily available in the area, offering both ridesharing and black car options. (Drivers for these services can currently provide rides to regional airports but cannot pick up arriving passengers.) Please be aware that fares fluctuate based on usage ad time of day. For more information, see lyft.com, side.cr or uber.com. LAX FlyAway Shuttle: The LAX FlyAway offers hourly non-stop shuttle service between LAX and Hollywood (as well as other destinations). The drop off and pick up location is mere blocks from the AMDA campus. No reservations are required; the one-way fare is $8. Tickets may be purchased online in advance. For more information, visit laxflyaway.org. Metro bus and rail: A Metro Red Line subway station is located at Hollywood and Vine, one block south of campus. The subway connects to downtown LA, Universal City, Pasadena and many other popular destinations as well as regional bus systems and Amtrak. For further information and to plan routes, visit metro.net. 12 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

15 AREA HOTELS The view of Hollywood from the AMDA campus The following is a list of some hotels near AMDA. You are encouraged to make reservations as soon as possible. You may also visit websites that list availability of hotels and room rates, such as: hotels.com, expedia.com, travelocity.com, and roomkey.com. THE REDBURY HOTEL 1717 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA HILTON UNIVERSAL CITY 555 Universal Hollywood Dr. Universal City, CA LOEWS HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1755 N. Highland Ave. Hollywood, CA SHERATON UNIVERSAL CITY 333 Universal Hollywood Dr. Universal City, CA HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA W HOLLYWOOD 6250 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood CA Mention AMDA when booking for a special rate. CLARION INN AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD 3241 Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles, CA HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME 1921 N. Highland Ave Hollywood, CA HYATT WEST HOLLYWOOD 8401 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA You may also want to consider short-term rentals such as private rooms, studios, or even entire apartments. You can find rentals on airbnb.com, vrbo.com, 9flats.com, and roomorama.com. AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 13

16 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Are Orientation events required? Yes. These events have been carefully planned to orient our new students to AMDA and their new homes here in Los Angeles. Additionally, students will be completing required demonstration/placement activities that will determine their first semester class schedule. If you have any conflicts, call the Admissions Office. student portal. Login information is provided to new students through prior to Orientation Weekend. Placement Demonstrations (described in this booklet) will affect class schedules, which may be revised. Students should review their class schedules up to the Sunday prior to the start of the semester to view their most-current schedule. Where is AMDA Los Angeles located? The AMDA campus is located in the heart of Hollywood below the famed Hollywood Hills, at 6305 Yucca Street (one block north of the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street). The official entrance at the historic art deco Yucca Vine Tower is on Yucca Street, just west of Vine. This is where administrative offices and some classrooms are located. Nearby landmarks include the Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards), the Pantages Theatre, Capitol Records, the Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Park and Observatory, Paramount Studios, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, NBC and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. LA s famous beaches are a short drive away. When will I receive my class schedule? Class schedules are viewed by students via their online Can I work while attending AMDA? It is feasible; however, we recommend that students not work during their first semester. Students need time to acclimate to their new environment and focus on the rigorous AMDA program. Students who work while in school can generally work up to 20 hours per week (for an employer who offers a flexible schedule). Remember that work hours cannot interfere with the course of study at AMDA. Students planning to work at AMDA or elsewhere must bring either their Social Security card or US birth certificate, and a photo ID (such as a state driver s license, state ID card or school photo ID). A US passport or Permanent Resident Card (with photo) is also acceptable for the purpose of eligibility to work. See the AMDA Catalog for more information. 14 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

17 A summer performance on AMDA LA s outdoor stage Does AMDA offer on-campus employment? AMDA participates in the Federal Work Study Program and has a school-funded Student Employment program. Students cannot apply for campus employment prior to their arrival at AMDA. Applications will be available after classes begin. It is best to anticipate using these funds for living expenses rather than tuition or housing costs. Most on-campus student employment requires that a student has completed his/her first semester in order to be eligible to apply. Additional information will be provided during Orientation and is available in the AMDA Catalog. When will I need to renew my Financial Packaging? Your Financial Plan covers your first year (your first two semesters) at AMDA. Near the end of your second semester a new Financial Plan will be sent to you for next year. Additional information will be provided by the Financial Aid Department. Please check your regularly! Where can I get college student health insurance? AMDA does not have a specific insurance plan with which we are affiliated. Please see the Health Services section on page 13 or contact AMDA Admissions for general recommendations. Can I have cable, telephone or high-speed internet service in AMDA student housing? Students living in on-campus housing can have cable television and phone services installed. WiFi is available at all facilities; login information will be provided during Orientation. Most students use personal cell phones rather than land lines. Cable television can be installed in your housing unit by calling the local cable television provider. Details will be available at housing move-in. Internet workstations with Internet access are also available in the Tower and Vine buildings and some housing facilities. See your Housing License for more information. Can I send my belongings to AMDA prior to arrival? Students who will be living in AMDA student housing may mail some of their belongings to Los Angeles in advance. Space is limited and it is important that you pack lightly. This applies to the things you bring with you on move-in day and to anything you wish to send in advance. Items should arrive no sooner than one week prior to move-in. Packages received earlier than the date specified may be returned. Please label boxes or other mail as follows: [Your Name] Incoming Student 6305 Yucca Street Los Angeles, CA Can I have guests if I am living in AMDA housing? For security reasons, the only guests that students are allowed to have in AMDA housing units are immediate family members. Overnight guests are not permitted. See your Housing License for more information. Can I bring my car? Yes. If you intend to bring a car to AMDA, call Student Services as soon as possible for information on space availability and rates. Parking permits may be purchased during registration if space is available. AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION 15

18 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Please refer to dates pertaining to your enrollment semester. SUMMER 2015 June 29 - October 9 June Orientation June 29 July 3 September 7 October 9 Classes begin Independence Day observed, no classes Labor Day, no classes Classes end FALL 2015 October 19 February 12 October Orientation October 19 November December 21 January 1 January 4 February 12 Classes begin Thanksgiving Break, no classes Winter Break, no classes Classes Resume Classes end SPRING 2016 February 22 June 3 February Orientation February 22 May 30 June 3 Classes begin Memorial Day, no classes Classes end Orientation start dates vary depending on program. Please contact Admissions for more information. 16 AMDA LOS ANGELES 2015 ORIENTATION

19 CONTACTS ADMISSIONS OFFICE When mailing or contacting the Los Angeles Admissions Office, please use the information provided below: 6305 Yucca St. Los Angeles, CA Karen Jackson, National Director of Admissions , Maryann Willett, Assistant Director of Admissions/DSO Laura Fernandez, Senior Admissions Advisor Ingrid Tejada, Senior Admissions Advisor/DSO Nicole De Jesus, Admissions Advisor Erin Dowling, Admissions Advisor Daija Lewis, Admissions Advisor Jeremy Whatley, Admissions Advisor Brianna Lehmann, Admissions Outreach FINANCIAL AID DEPARTMENT Jillian Doyle, Associate Director of Financial Aid Darlene Reynoso, Financial Aid Counselor STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

20 6305 Yucca Street Los Angeles, CA /// amda.edu AMDA_LA amda.edu/videos