“We are absolutely thrilled to bring LAMDA acting, public speaking, and private lessons to children (5+), teens, and adults.” – Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MSTDA) Executive Director, Kristi Towey.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
“This program complements our performance theatre for ages 8 and up,” Towey added. “Last year, every single LAMDA student from MSTDA achieved Distinctions and Merits in the in-person examinations, all thanks to the dedicated guidance of a LAMDA examiner from London.
“The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is a prestigious performing arts conservatory located in London, England. It is one of the world’s leading institutions for training actors, musicians, and singers.”
How LAMDA Works
Learners work throughout the academic year on their LAMDA assessment. It includes theater, performance, and public speaking. For younger learners, it also includes poetry and reading.
Each program aims to boost confidence. It enhances self-expression. It also improves communication skills in an enjoyable learning environment. This is done while upholding the integrity and discipline of a professional drama training program.
This year has seen our largest number of entrants. The LAMDA Representative for the US, Mark Waite, and experienced LAMDA tutor, Kiat Sing Teo led the effort. All students received Distinctions and Merits across the board.
Connor Ausman is known for his role as Leonard Vole in the MSTDA production of Witness for the Prosecution. He achieved a Distinction in the Gold Medal Award from LAMDA. This award was one of only five given in the entire US this year.
How to Get involved
Questions? Email MSTDA to reserve a spot in a demo class or to get more information at info@mstda.org.
Semester Pricing
Group Sessions (less than 10 students in a group):
FALL/WINTER $400 (Introductory Level/Level 1 & 2)
FALL/WINTER $480 (Level 3)
WINTER/SPRING $400* (Introductory Level/Level 1 & 2)
WINTER/SPRING $480* (Level 3)
*LAMDA spring exam fee will be added to this semester
Private Sessions (LAMDA Levels 1/2/3 only):
$55 (Solo) $40 (Duo)
History:
- Founded in 1861 as the Academy of Dramatic Art.
- Merged with the Guildhall School of Music in 1948 to form the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
- Reverted to its original name, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, in 1996.
Courses:
- LAMDA offers a wide range of courses, including:
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Classical Singing
- Jazz Singing
- Musical Composition
- Piano
- Violin
- Cello
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Tuba
- Percussion
Notable Alumni:
- Judi Dench
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Helen Mirren
- Alan Rickman
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Emma Watson
LAMDA is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation for producing talented performers. Its graduates have gone on to achieve success in the entertainment industry both in the UK and internationally.
The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) offers a wide range of examinations in music, drama, and speech. These examinations are graded on a scale of 1 to 8, with 8 being the highest.
Here’s a breakdown of the LAMDA examination grades:
- Grade 8: Exceptional performance, demonstrating a high level of technical skill, musicality, and dramatic interpretation.
- Grade 7: Excellent performance, showing a strong command of the subject matter and a high level of artistry.
- Grade 6: Very good performance, demonstrating a solid understanding of the subject and good technical skills.
- Grade 5: Good performance, showing competence in the subject matter and basic technical skills.
- Grade 4: Satisfactory performance, demonstrating a reasonable understanding of the subject matter.
- Grade 3: Passable performance, but with some areas for improvement.
- Grade 2: Weak performance, requiring significant improvement.
- Grade 1: Very weak performance, indicating a lack of understanding of the subject matter.
It’s important to note this. The specific requirements for each grade can vary depending on the subject. They also vary depending on the level of examination. For example, a Grade 8 vocal examination will have different requirements than a Grade 8 piano examination.
Rivercross and the Quiet Green Light
Rivercross privatization was enabled in 2010. This matters now because the same governance structures that allowed Rivercross to privatize without formal conflict controls are still in place. The same public authority oversees land leases, settlements, and redevelopment decisions that affect every resident on Roosevelt Island today.
