Musical Theatre Degree

"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 envision myself as a stepping stone for the groundbreaking artists in the theatre department. I believe that my initiative, energy for innovation and enthusiasm will aid in students' learning of music."

"I strive to draw connections between all elements of a student's training to best prepare them for success in the industry. What I love about teaching at Point Park is the individualized approach to learning and the collaborative spirit between all departments."

"Keep an open mind about what is available and consider a range of options for your training. Imagine your life in the theatre. Point Park offers multiple paths to get you where you want to end up."

"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."

"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."

"I have a very hands-on approach to teaching. We spend more time doing than talking. I aim for a class that is both challenging and fun."

"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.

Jaquel Spivey '21 starred in A Strange Loop, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Spivey was also nominated for a Lead Actor Tony Award and is in rehearsals for Mean Girls Movie 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."

"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."

"I wanted to pick a program that had the most to offer me when auditioning for a college. I visited Point Park during COPA Experience Day, and after interacting with students, taking a class and watching students perform, I felt that Point Park was exactly what I needed."

"I chose Point Park because of the well-rounded musical theatre program that I believed created triple threats. Point Park’s campus is in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, making it the perfect place for me to adjust to city life before moving to New York."

"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."

"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."

"The training I had 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."

"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."