The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA): Dominique Francheschi

Dominique Francheschi studied theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

How did you discover your passion for theatre?

I was always involved in the performance extracurricular activities growing up, but it wasn’t until senior year in high school that I was 100% sure. My school had double booked our theater for the regular senior musical dates, and the only dates available conflicted with the IB exams, so the teachers who were usually in charge of the production were busy prepping the AP projects. I was essentially told, “If you want to put on the show, you’re going to have to do it yourself.” And we did. We divided everything between eight people and managed the set design, light design, rehearsal schedule, musical arrangements, box office - everything. I was in charge of choreography and assisted with costume design. With finals and the production, on good days I slept four hours, but I don’t remember ever feeling more alive, happy, and complete. On closing night I remember standing in front of the mirror after the last show, and that’s when it clicked. “This is it. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

What’s your favorite part about performing?

It’s a tie between inspiring others and being inspired. I love being in a room filled with creative people and seeing one idea turn into something tangible. Also, the possibilities. You’re usually given an idea or a movement, but then it’s up to you to tell a story through it.

What’s the hardest part for you about performing?

You can do a step or deliver a line in so many ways, and you have to try them all until you figure out the “right” one. You have to remind yourself to be patient throughout the whole process, and come to peace with the fact that things will change, probably up until opening night or shoot day.

Why did you pick this particular college?

It was a combination of the demanding curriculum and the faculty. Every single teacher at AMDA is a current working professional. At AMDA you’re not just going to learn about dancing, singing and acting, you’re going to have classes that give you the full 360 experience of what putting on a show or a film entails. From learning how to say your name at an audition to understanding how to network in the age of digital marketing, every class you take at AMDA is geared towards making you not just a better performer, but a better professional as well.

What has been your favorite part of this college?

There is so much to do. Added to the standard curriculum, you have the option to take night workshops in voice acting, film editing and songwriting, just to name a few. There’s Open Fitness Classes (twice a day) where you can take Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, and Open Dance Classes where you can take a dance class even if you’re not a dance major. Those are so much fun!

Aside from the very well-built curriculum, my favorite part has to be the teachers. You don’t grasp how important it is for your instructors to be working professionals until you are placed into a real world situation and you realize how well-prepared you are. The fact that they are out there in the world right now means the information you are getting is current, relevant, and accurate.

How do you think this program will help in what you want to do next?

I am learning from professionals who are currently working on projects I want work on, and with people I want to work with. When you combine the knowledge you are receiving with all the different opportunities you have to practice and improve your craft, it’s almost like you are already out in the professional world before you graduate. The adjustment period between graduation and landing your first professional job is very minimal.

Where do you imagine yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I will have my own production company, helping projects develop as well as sharing everything I have learned.