What Is AMTC?

At the time that my daughter and I attended AMTC (January 2003), AMTC stood for American Modeling and Talent Convention.  It seemed that many people were often unsure about what the letters actually stood for.

I always wondered why it was called American rather than International or World, since it is international and not just American. I know I saw people from Canada, China, France, and many other places when we were there — not just the United States.

At some time in the last couple of years, it appears that they decided to change the name.  Why did they change the name? And what do the letters AMTC now stand for? What is AMTC?

One of the reasons that they changed the name from American Modeling and Talent Convention could be because of the “A” standing for American when it is in reality a world talent competition.

Another reason for the change could be because the name “American Modeling and Talent Convention” suggested that the convention has more emphasis on modeling rather than acting. People often did not realize that acting is also a big part of the competition.

AMTC currently stands for Actors, Models, and Talent Competition and not American Modeling and Talent Convention as it once did.

What is AMTC?

AMTC is a family-oriented international talent competition. They have strict standards and all talent presentations and clothing must be approved as family friendly.

AMTC was started by Carey Lewis Arban, the daughter of model Millie Lewis, in 1982. She upholds high moral standards for herself and for AMTC.

AMTC is held twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer, most often in Orlando. The AMTC talent contests have sometimes been held in Charleston, SC, but currently they are being held in Orlando.

AMTC includes competition in commercial, sitcom, monologue, photography, runway, singing, dance, and many other related categories.  The exact categories may change somewhat  from one year to the next.

The contestants are entered into age-based groups, so contestants compete with others in the same age groups.

Based on the performances in the initial competitions, those with the highest scores awarded by the industry professionals are selected to be in the final talent shows. Awards are given in various categories and sub-categories based on these scores and performances in the final talent shows.

Industry professionals/judges give callbacks at the convention to those of particular interest to them. On the final day of the convention, participants are invited to visit with the representatives who gave them callbacks. Those who receive no callbacks are given the opportunity to also meet with several of the industry professionals of their own choosing.

AMTC Auditions

AMTC auditions are held in various places around the world.  The purpose of the auditions is to select those who are the most ready for the talent contests at AMTC or who can be ready for the talent competitions with a few months of training. See additional discussion on talent contests and AMTC in  “Should Your Child Attend Talent Contests?”

After talent is selected through the auditions and after entry fees are paid, contestants go through a training process to prepare them for the competitions. AMTC now even has extensive training materials available for contestants online.

For additional details about AMTC, including pricing information, go to www.amtcworld.com.

For more information about talent contests, including AMTC, and many other topics related to becoming a child actor, be sure to subscribe to Your Young Actor’s Newsletter.

Sincerely,

Debbie Sikkema