AMDA is full of its own little quirks and quotes. Laura and Carly have compiled a few of our favorite sayings by a few of our favorite teachers. These slogans really sum up a typical day at AMDA.
- “Au Revoir, Felicia!” – Michelle Bruckner
- “Ya follow?” – Harry Woolever
- “Be gone, Folliculites! Until we meet again!” – Gail Dennison
- “Fancy Sheep, Baa Baa Baa!” – Rocky Sansom
- “Right?” – George Nieves
- “For me!” – Andy Leech
- “Ya Dig?” – LaQuet Pringle
- “What’s up [insert first/last name]?” – Jim Elliott
- “Teeth and Titties!” – Nic Thompson
- “Is there any talent in here?” – Casey Colgan
Michelle is known for whipping her students into “showbaby” shape. Using her “showgirl rules,” she teaches us how to waltz like Broadway stars. And if you mess up in her class, then it’s Bye Felicia to you!
If you’ve never heard this before, then you have not met the AMDA legend himself, Harry. In every midterm or final, he says this phrase at least 20 times, but that’s why we love him.
Receiving a class mascot and creating a group cheer are essential parts of Gail’s acting classes. Also, as a part of our warm ups, she encourages the students to release the tension in our bodies through our hair follicles, hence the phrase, “Be gone, Folliculites!” This phrase only works, however, in a dramatic, high-pitched, crazy voice.
Between “Big summer blOWout,” “Cool and approachable,” “Straight up,” and “There I said it and I’m glad,” Rocky has a great many of quotes to live by. Each vowel in the vowel scale is attached to a joke that he repeats endlessly; the repetitiveness of his jokes drills the VPS concepts into our minds, making them both fun and memorable.
A spin-off of “ya follow,” George checks in with us to ensure that we are paying attention or understanding what he is teaching. Every teacher has their own little phrase that they use to check in with their student’s attentiveness. Next time you’re in class, listen for different versions of “are you listening?”
If you’re looking for high energy and a ball of fun, then Andy’s the teacher for you. Or, should we say, for me? This is another one of those repetitive idioms that a teacher uses to get the concepts, like specificity, into our heads. This famous line used by Andy comes from the musical "Gypsy."
Another version of “ya follow,” LaQuet uses her own spunky lingo to check in with us. LaQuet is wonderful at keeping us connected to her teaching and she’s excellent at getting her point across. In her own high-spirited way, LaQuet keeps us engaged through the whole class.
Acting legend Jim Elliott always pushes his students, but deep down we all know he’s a big softy. He greets all of his students by first and last name, showing that he really cares. Jim is the father figure of AMDA.
Bonus quotes from AMDA’s sassy power couple:
A spin-off of the famous AMDA rule “lights on,” Nic lovingly reminds his students to smile (teeth!) and keep your chest lifted (titties!). Every class with Nic is a hilariously fun time, an unexpected adventure of sass and opportunity to learn.
Casey fiercely enters the dance studio with this famous slogan, and the students all aim to please him. In case any of the students mess up or “have no talent,” Casey will remind you that he always has a bus waiting downstairs to drive you back home.
Good luck with finals... "May the odds be ever in your favor."
Lots of love,
Laura and Carly xx
man running in forestPhoto by 
