Daina Michelle Griffith

B.F.A. in musical theatre, 2003
Actress

"The Conservatory of Performing Arts program provided a safe, artistic outlet that allowed me the opportunity to create and take risks. I trained with professional artists, and discovered that I was actually capable of being an actress when performing in conservatory shows."

Amadeo Fusca

B.A. in acting, 2009
Actor

"I only wanted to do acting if I went to school, and Point Park's program had an excellent reputation. At Point Park, playing Romeo in Romeo & Juliet was a life-changing experience for me. I was so proud and honored to be given the role, that I wanted to make everybody proud in their decision and confidence in my abilities. I studied the role vigorously (in retrospect maybe too vigorously) and put my heart into the production."

E. Clayton Cornelious

B.A. in theatre, 1998
Actor

"Get as much training as you can while you are at Point Park. This is one of the best schools in the country. Students need to learn more about the business, not just the creative side, because this is a business. That's why they call it show business."

Marlana Dunn

B.A. in musical theatre, 2007
Actress

"The conservatory program taught me to be a well-rounded performer. I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses, which have prepared me to execute my work well in a rehearsal process and performance. I feel very well prepared for what I might encounter in the professional world."

John Magaro

B.F.A. in theatre, 2005
Actor

"Point Park grants students great freedom that many other schools do not provide — the freedom to develop as artists inside and outside of the classroom. In the classroom, students have the chance to work with faculty who nurture an appreciation and awareness for theatre. Students at Point Park also have many opportunities to apply what they've learned and develop it further, like working on productions at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and other theatres in community. This allows students to work side-by-side with experienced professionals in an industry setting. That is a priceless gift for students."

Luke Murphy

B.F.A. in dance, 2009
Choregrapher, Dancer

"Point Park's dance program is very versatile because it is part of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. Students are immersed in performance and film from all sides and views. The potential to grow in that atmosphere is endless."

Marcus Stevens

B.F.A. in musical theatre, 2003
Actor, Writer

"I was challenged in all of my classes by great teachers that stretched me in unbelievable ways and truly taught me to be a versatile actor. The energy at Point Park is warm and inviting, and you can feel that the faculty and the students are a family working together."

Ashley Archambeau

B.A. in musical theatre, 2009
Actress

"My professors at Point Park helped me grow in all aspects of my life. They inspired me to be a better artist and a better person. I considered leaving acting to pursue stage directing, but one of my professors encouraged me to live in the moment and see what happened, to ‘be in the struggle because beautiful things will result from the work.'"

Shawn D. Bronson

B.A. in cinema and digital arts, 2008
Art Director

"The cinema and digital arts program is a great start to introduce yourself to and try out the many different areas that a career in film has to offer. In addition to that, with the continual professional filming that has been occurring in the Pittsburgh area, I think the program lends you the opportunities for internships and post-graduation entry-level positions to gain experience and build your network that will help you get to where you want to be someday."

Franco Nieto

B.A. in dance, 2009
2012 Recipient of Princess Grace Award
Company Member, Northwest Dance Project

"It's such an honor to be a Point Park alum and a recipient of this award. I still can't wipe the smile off my face. I can't believe I graduated three years ago and had the opportunity to come back to Point Park to teach a master class — it was so great to be back on campus."

Adam Meys

B.F.A. in stage management, 2007
Entertainment Technician, Disney's Animal Kingdom

"Point Park gave me every opportunity to succeed. The class sizes were small, so I got the individual attention I needed from all of my instructors, who always truly cared about my education. The schedule was extremely demanding with all my classes, rehearsals, shows and work, but I wouldn't change a thing. Point Park really made me the person I am today."

Jordan Grubb

B.F.A. in musical theatre, 2008
Actor

"At Point Park, I was given the chance to be in various conservatory shows and cabarets, participate in workshops and readings with Broadway talent, learn behind-the-scenes work in stage management and stagecraft, perform in a dance company, audition for feature films, work at a professional regional theatre (Pittsburgh Public Theatre), and perform in the New York and Los Angeles showcase for industry personnel. Essentially, I was able to explore every facet of myself as an artist. When I moved to New York, I felt confident, knowing that the vast experience I received in my four years at school would come in handy."

Kevin Kaufmann

B.A. in cinema and digital arts, 2009
Director/Producer

"Point Park has one of the only digital programs in the country and it's the best. Compared to some of the bigger West Coast cinema programs, the digital focus really gave me an advantage in the professional world. The program allows students to begin writing and working on films as a freshman. Many other programs do not allow their students to begin work toward their majors until their sophomore or junior year."