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Point Park University alumni in Times Square. Photo | Patrick Lazour

Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts alumni on Broadway gathered for a photo on the Red Steps in Times Square Nov. 16.

The reunion was organized by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Steeltown Entertainment Project for "Pittsburgh on Broadway," a Post-Gazette Sunday Magazine feature about the Pittsburgh connections who have worked, or are working, in show business in New York City. Past reunions were held Nov. 16, 2005 and Nov. 16, 1994.

From Point Park to Broadway

Representing Point Park University's Broadway stars in the Big Apple included alumni who have landed roles on-and-off stage in:

  • Hamilton
  • Phantom of the Opera
  • Cats
  • Paramour
  • Wicked
  • Jersey Boys
  • Mary Poppins
  • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
  • A Chorus Line
  • Holiday Inn
  • The Producers
  • Mary Poppins
  • Never Gonna Dance
  • Funny Face
  • Hand to God
  • Kinky Boots
  • The Winter's Tale
  • A Bronx Tale

Alumni share how Point Park prepared them for their future

"Point Park University provided me with the tools to navigate a career in the arts by offering a well-rounded education in dance. The instructors have a wealth of knowledge that was instrumental in my success." - Ahmad Simmons, B.F.A. in dance, 2010. Currently performing in Cats.

"I never had formal acting training before Point Park. In the two years I attended Point Park, I took acting, voice and speech and voice training classes, which provided me the tools I needed to succeed in the audition room and in New York City." - Kaley Ann Voorhees, former musical theatre student, 2010-12. Debuted as the lead role of Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera.

"Point Park taught me everything I needed to know in less than four years. The diverse and eclectic theatre program exposed me to a world of endless possibilities. I turned out to be a well-rounded actor, singer and dancer who started working on Broadway almost immediately after graduation. Thank you, Point Park University!" - E. Clayton Cornelius, B.A. in theatre, 1998. Performed in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

"Point Park got me to Broadway by instilling a great work ethic, drive and a diversified sense of storytelling from all of my class work. I have such gratitude for the program." - Rachel Stevens, B.A. in theatre arts, 2009. Assistant director for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.

"My career has been moving forward ever since Point Park. I made my Broadway debut in the Tony award-winning musical Kinky Boots. Thank you, Point Park!" - Jeff Kuhr, B.A. in dance, 2004. Currently performing in Kinky Boots.

"The versatility of the training at Point Park allowed me to keep all of my options open as a dancer. That, along with connections of the faculty, has really contributed to launching my career!" - Alex Hathaway, B.F.A. in dance, 2016. Ensemble dancer in Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

"Point Park provided me with the technique I needed to not just have a job, but a career!" - Andrea Weinzierl, B.A. in musical theatre, 2014. Working on "Mindhunter" for Netflix filming in Pittsburgh.

"While studying at Point Park, my interest of performing on stage shifted when I had a work-study job in the costume shop. It made me realize that there are so many other fun aspects in theatre other than performing on stage." - Bobbie Zlotnik, B.A. in musical theatre, 2009. Currently a wig/hair department swing for Wicked, Beautiful, The Color Purple, Matilda, Something Rotten and Jersey Boys.

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