Triple Threat Musical Theatre Program Ranked Best in the Country
Continually ranked as one of the leading musical theatre training programs in the United States and recognized by Playbill in recent years as one of the top 10 programs with the most alumni on Broadway, Point Park University's B.F.A. in musical theatre prepares graduates for a performance career in the professional theatre.
Students are trained with equal emphasis on acting, singing and dancing. This triple threat approach provides training in all areas of style from traditional musical theatre to contemporary pop/rock, which supports students in developing their craft, fostering a taste for excellence and celebrating the countless ways in which stories can be told.
Students learn from faculty who have trained and worked on stages around the world. Acclaimed guest artists, playwrights, directors, choreographers and casting directors regularly come to Point Park's Downtown Pittsburgh campus to conduct classes and workshops.
While immersing themselves in this rigorous 133 credit curriculum, students have the opportunity to audition for the Conservatory Theatre Company, student-directed films, student-run theatre companies, as well as other performance opportunities within the musical theatre program and the conservatory. This dynamic four-year program culminates in working with industry professionals and a New York and virtual showcase.
Each year, seniors majoring in theatre participate in the Conservatory of Performing Arts annual showcase to help launch their careers. Over the school year, students train with leading professionals to prepare them to showcase their skills to industry professionals.
"Students are unique individuals, the vessel through which the characters they play comes through. It's important they understand they're enough, and feel empowered to tell stories and look backward for perspective and forward to expanding the possibilities of storytelling."
"There is nothing like working with driven, talented, hard-working students who are open and ready to learn, and to see their growth and development over the course of their four years of training."
"I strive to create an atmosphere in which the classroom can become a place of discovery and invention, and not a place of imitation and mimickry. I want to encourage artists to find their way, with guidance, but without limitations and preconceptions."
Sheila McKenna, professor and coordinator of Bridges Theatre Company
"I try to balance the seriousness with which I take the work — and the reason that I'm there to support the student — with a sense of humor and the energy of play that we are making theatre."
"My teaching approach is physical, collaborative and ensemble-oriented. Where the process or journey of the task is to discover a truthful physical life of possibilities related to the performance."
"Theatre students have opportunities to learn about artistic leadership, producing, marketing and publicity and all aspects of creating a four show season. Additionally, students who study advanced directing are the leaders of our One Act Festivals."
"The students are my favorite part of teaching here; their distinguishing characteristic — in addition to their openness, discipline and creativity — is their deep commitment to collaborating with each other, while artistically responding to the world around them.
Musical Theatre Grad Kristin Serafini Returns to Pittsburgh Playhouse Stage to Perform in "Christmas Live! with Joe Serafini & Friends"
"Returning to the Pittsburgh Playhouse was incredibly special for me! Growing up doing theatre in Pittsburgh and training at Point Park shaped so much of who I am as both a performer and a person. Coming back to my roots for this show felt like a full-circle moment."
Musical Theatre Alumnus Austin Schulte '22 Makes Broadway Debut in "Elf: The Musical"
"I would not be the person and performer I am today without the professors I worked with at Point Park. They are in every work I create and their impact on my life cannot be understated ... Special moments like my Broadway debut are as much for them as they are for me."
Award-Winning Actor Jaquel Spivey '21 Reminds the Class of 2024, "Be Loud and Proud That You Went to Point Park University"
"The world is still discovering who Point Park is and what Point Park is, and they don't know the beauty and excellence that is in this university. I hope you leave here today and you are loud and proud that you went to Point Park University."
On Broadway: Point Park Grad Lamont Walker II Performing in MJ the Musical
"Teachers like Zeva Barzell, Robin Walsh, and so many others I was fortunate to work with, knew how to shape young actors who had a passion for their craft. Point Park taught me how to do the hard work and I was blessed to have professors who shaped the actor I am today."
Point Park University Alumna Accepted Into BMI Musical Theatre Workshop as a Composer and Lyricist
"Most, if not everything I learned at Point Park helped me become the artist I am today. I took everything that I learned from the wonderful faculty, and I ingrained it into all of the work I perform and create."
Broadway Award-Winning Musical SIX Features Point Park University's Jana Larell Glover '22
"I had the best time auditioning for SIX. As an alternate, I cover three of the six queens and use so many skills I developed in college. This show was beautifully written, composed and choreographed, and as an actor, it is my job to portray that the best I can."
Point Park University's Musical Theatre Program Equips Alumna with Confidence, Materials and Skills to Succeed in the Industry
"Point Park equipped me with the confidence, materials and skills needed to not only have a successful audition, but it also prepared me for what is required once a role is obtained," said Clark.
Musical Theatre Alumnus Connor Russell Makes Broadway Debut in The Book of Mormon
"Point Park gave me the tools I needed to gain a well-rounded foundation in the arts. I left my college experience feeling like I had a solid footing in every area that I studied. In my opinion, this flexibility has greatly impacted my post-college career."
Musical Theatre Grad Performing in 25th Anniversary Production of Chicago the Musical on Broadway
"The training I had at Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts prepared me for the rigor of real life ... Also, the facilities that you get to train, rehearse and perform in are absolutely incredible. It is truly top of the line."
Point Park University's Musical Theatre Program Prepares Alumna for a Career in the Arts
"I had an incredible support system from all my friends and teachers. The teachers really care about you and your individuality at Point Park, and that's what I loved the most."
