Point Park University's Renowned Conservatory of Performing Arts Establishes School of Dance and School of Theatre, Film and Animation Monday, January 6, 2025

Point Park University is proud to announce that its renowned Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) will be home to the newly established School of Dance and the School of Theatre, Film and Animation. Changing from departments to schools allows Point Park to strengthen its established role as an educational leader in arts and entertainment by continuing to adapt to industry needs.

“The creation of these schools will build upon the strong foundation of Point Park’s already nationally recognized programs,” said Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, president of Point Park. “With this transition, we will further enhance the quality of performing arts education nationally and expand opportunities for current and future Point Park students.”

Brussalis led the development and implementation of Point Park’s current strategic plan, Pioneer Vision 2030, which includes an emphasis on innovation and unlocking the full potential of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. The school recently announced the Center for Experiential Narrative Technologies (CENT) and the Entertainment Production Engineering degree program.

Changing the structure of COPA is expected to offer students more opportunities to focus on their core areas of interest and increase enrollment.

School of Dance

Point Park’s Department of Dance has long been recognized as one of the top programs in the United States.

The School of Dance will feature departments in Concert Dance and Commercial Dance, along with the option to minor in Choreography and Musical Theatre. It also provides students the ability to earn a B.F.A. in Dance with concentrations in ballet, jazz, modern dance and hip-hop.

“Hip-hop has taken over the industry, especially in the areas of commercial, entertainment and Broadway dance,” said Garfield Lemonius, M.F.A., dean of the School of Dance, who noted the change will allow for the retention of the conservatory model while offering students more opportunities. “What keeps the industry moving forward is the idea of innovation and reimagination. We are prepared to continue evolving so that our dancers leave Point Park prepared to succeed in whatever field of dance they choose.”

The change to a School of Dance also provides opportunities to partner with Point Park’s other schools, including the Rowland School of Business, the School of Communication and the School of Education.

“We already offer something no other schools are offering — with our Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs — you can earn a B.F.A. and a graduate degree (MBA, Master of Communication or Master of Education) in four years and one summer,” he said. “As a School of Dance, we can increase those kinds of collaborative efforts with our other schools.”

School of Theatre, Film and Animation

Innovation and responsiveness to industry changes also drives the establishment of the School of Theatre, Film and Animation, according to Kiesha Lalama, M.F.A., interim dean of the School and executive producer of the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

“Both the arts industry and higher education are facing challenging transitions,” Lalama said. “Our university is leaning into these transitions and committing to a significant change in how we educate our students in theatre, film and animation."

Lalama added: "While Point Park has an established track record of preparing students for careers in the entertainment industry, we understand that being recognized as innovative leaders in the years ahead requires us to be bold and dynamic as we consider the future of our programs.”

To that end, Lalama will be joined by Gary Kline as interim associate dean.

Kline is a pioneer in musical theatre through his long association with Carnegie Mellon University and is nationally known as a voice teacher, having taught many Broadway stars and Tony winners.

“In partnership with Gary and our gifted faculty, we are well-positioned for success,” Lalama said.

“Establishing this School gives us the opportunity to cultivate multifaceted artists and develop dynamic projects for the audiences of tomorrow.”

In the News

 

• "Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts Establishes Two New Schools," KDKA-TV.
• "New Year, New Focus on Performing Arts at Point Park, President Says," TribLive.com.
• "Point Park University Establishes Schools of Dance, Theatre Within Conservatory," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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