Musical Theatre Grad Andrea Weinzierl Performs with Pittsburgh CLO

Meet Andrea Weinzierl

Job Title & Employer: Performer (Singer, Actress, Dancer, Model)
Major/Program: Musical Theatre
College Activities: Conservatory Theatre Productions (A Chorus Line, Dark of the Moon Rises, Oklahoma!), One Acts and Playhouse Jr.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Avonworth High School
Now Living In: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Fitness, traveling and spending time with my family and boyfriend

"I chose Point Park because of how well-rounded the Conservatory is. I knew I would get top-notch training in all three disciplines: singing, dancing and acting. I knew the faculty are not only working actors in the industry, but also excellent educators. The reputation of Point Park has spoken for itself."

Andrea Weinzierl

You recently performed in A Chorus Line with Pittsburgh CLO. Tell us about that and what it was like working with Point Park alumni.

Working with Point Park alumni instills a sense of pride graduating from a Pittsburgh Conservatory that trains working actors, stage managers and musicians.

My first Conservatory Theatre Company show at Point Park was A Chorus Line playing Sheila Bryant.

From 2012-13, I was the female swing in the National Tour, and a few years later, I played Judy Turner at The Westchester Theatre.

This summer at CLO, I was a swing for the same roles I covered on tour 10 years ago. It was an incredible opportunity to revisit the characters, choreography and story.

What professional opportunities have you had since graduating from Point Park?

Point Park paved the way for me to succeed in the industry.

When I first graduated, I performed in Pittsburgh for a year and eventually moved to New York City. The first year there, my goal was to book a show with a director/choreographer I had never worked with before, and that winter, I got a call from my agent that I received an offer to perform in the musical Mame in Florida.

The following year my goal was to perform in a show in New York City, and I booked an off-Broadway show. Looking back on the six years I lived in New York, I am reminiscent of my beautiful experiences. I told myself I wanted to do good work that challenged and fulfilled me and also paid the rent.

Lastly, I'm grateful for the opportunity to work on local commercials with Docherty Talent Agency. Since graduating, I've also worked on a Netflix series and the movie The Irishman.

Why did you choose Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts?

I chose Point Park because of how well-rounded the Conservatory is. I knew I would get top-notch training in all three disciplines: singing, dancing and acting. Plus, the faculty are not only working actors in the industry, but also excellent educators. The reputation of Point Park has spoken for itself.

How did Point Park’s musical theatre program prepare you for your career?

As a musical theatre major, you are required to present your book of songs at the end of senior year, which is a binder of music that consists of songs of all different styles, lengths and genres. Having a strong 'book of the song' is crucial in auditioning. Typically, you are responsible for selecting the song you sing in an initial audition, so it has to be perfectly appropriate and showcase your talents.

In addition to many performance opportunities in the Conservatory, musical theatre majors have several mandatory classes that educate students on the history of musical theatre, which I always enjoyed. Survey of Musical Theatre was one of my favorite courses at Point Park. That class helped when selecting repertoire for auditions.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

My advice is to work hard. Go above and beyond and go after what you want. Introduce yourself to people, follow up and stay connected. Much of my success has come from emailing updated resumes to my contacts.

Take care of yourself. It is a very competitive industry, but there is only one of you. I have joked that I am #243 in line to sing at an audition, but #243 could be the one that gets the job.

Also, be supportive of others. When someone gets a part over you, which will often happen, learn to be happy for them. That is their journey and you have your journey. The rejection of the industry, which is expected, will be easier if you embrace it and be happy for others. Also, always be early. In the theatre, we say early is on time, on time is late, and late is fired!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I moved back to Pittsburgh during the pandemic. I lived in New York for six years, frequently leaving to do regional work around the country.

I have lived in Pittsburgh for two years and am thrilled by how much the performance scene is thriving. We are very fortunate to have so much live theatre. Whether it’s Point Park, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Quantum Theatre, or shows at The New Hazlett Theater, it is such a gift that the Steel City has so many opportunities to see shows.

Musical Theatre Grad Andrea Weinzierl Performs with Pittsburgh CLO Alumni Profile