Get Career-Ready with: Joel Balinao '27, Musical Theatre Major Student Profile
Photo by Nadia Jones
Meet Joel Balinao '27
- Major/Program
- Musical Theatre
- College Activities
- Competitive Dance Team
- Hometown
- Savannah, Ga.
- High School
- Savannah Arts Academy
- Dream Job
- Working on Broadway for a national tour
- Hobbies & Interests
- Baking, music, dancing, going to the park and food (especially sweet treats).
"Point Park’s B.F.A. musical theatre program is one of the best in the country. Not only does it have access to amazing facilities, but it also has a really welcoming, heartwarming and open-minded group of faculty and staff."
Why did you choose Point Park University’s B.F.A. musical theatre program?
Point Park University’s B.F.A. musical theatre program is one of the best in the country. Not only does it have access to amazing facilities — including the University's Pittsburgh Playhouse, practice rooms, dance studios and piano access — it also has a really welcoming, heartwarming and open-minded group of faculty and staff.
During my audition, Zeva Barzell, head of the musical theatre program, created a safe and welcoming environment that went above and beyond the ambiance of my other auditions.
While looking for musical theatre programs, I knew I wanted a B.F.A. program with strong dance classes; with Point Park being one of the top dance schools in the country, I had to choose this program.
What advice do you have for a prospective student auditioning and interviewing for the Conservatory of Performing Arts?
Audition material that you like and enjoy doing. Instead of doing what you think a college or Conservatory program is looking for, show off what you do best to enjoy your experience and display your best work.
Also, relax and have fun. Your best work is performed when you are relaxed and not tense. Take 5-10 minutes for yourself before your audition to breathe. Listen to music that relaxes you or even pumps you up. My go-to for this is classical music.
@pointparku Let Joel Balinao '27 bring you behind the scenes of what it's like to get career-ready at Point Park as a first-year student in the B.F.A. musical theatre program 🎭👏 Full Q&A at pointpark.edu ✨ #GRWM #GetReadyWithMe #PointParkUniversity #PointParkU #TheatreTok #PointParkTheatre #MusicalTheatreTok #MusicalTheatreTikTok #MusicalTheatreMajor ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.
When did it all come together that you made the right decision to major in musical theatre at Point Park?
It all came together when I saw Closer Than Ever at Point Park's Pittsburgh Playhouse. I remember turning to my friend and saying that will be us in the coming years. It was an amazing experience, and I love having the opportunity to work with Point Park's faculty, staff and my talented peers.
What activities you have been involved in on campus?
Because of the rigorous work and practice required for musical theatre, I haven’t been able to be involved in many activities on campus. However, I am on the competitive dance team and it’s really fun! We meet on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday to practice for competitions that happen during the spring semester.
What are three things every Pioneer should check out around Downtown Pittsburgh?
- Point State Park: I go on Friday afternoons to reflect on the week and take a moment to relax and breathe fresh air.
- Genoa Pizza: I LOVE their ranch dressing. It’s always a great midnight snack really close to campus.
- Pittsburgh Pirates' game: Go at least once to pick up on the vibe of the sports atmosphere in Pittsburgh. The stadium is beautiful!
More About: musical theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Downtown Pittsburgh, faculty, George Rowland White Performance Center, Get Career-Ready, athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, theatre, Conservatory of Performing Arts