B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Check out the Class of 2021 Virtual Senior Showcase.

Virtual Senior Showcase

(Above) Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company performed Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate, directed and choreographed by Professor Zeva Barzell.

Point Park's B.F.A. in musical theatre is a rigorous eight-semester program designed to prepare graduates for a career in the professional theatre. The 129-credit program places a strong emphasis in all areas of musical theatre - acting, music and dance - and the demands of the training, performance and creative components are intensive.

Students learn from faculty who have trained and worked on stages around the world. Acclaimed guest artists, playwrights, directors, choreographers and casting directors regularly come to Point Park's Downtown Pittsburgh campus to conduct master classes and workshops.

Through collaboration with visiting artists, as well as a senior showcase in New York, the B.F.A. in musical theatre program provides opportunities to ensure a strong foundation for a career on stage.

Students have the opportunity to audition for the Conservatory Theatre Company and Playhouse Jr., as well as select roles with The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company.

A scene from Conservatory Theatre Company's Oklahoma — Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company performed Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical Oklahoma!, directed by Broadway star Patrick Cassidy and choreographed by Professor Zeva Barzell.

Course Offerings

The B.F.A. in musical theatre requires fewer electives, and offers a rigorous structure that encourages students to focus on skills and training towards becoming a professional musical theatre actor.

You will receive a well-rounded education by combining the core curriculum and courses in your major:

Acting
Voice and Speech
Music Theory/Piano/Sightsinging
Foundations of Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre History
Theatre History
Ensemble Singing
Musical Theatre Acting Techniques
Repertoire
Professional Seminar
Stage Makeup
Elements of Stagecraft
Production

Faculty bring industry experience to the classroom

Point Park faculty members bring academic and work experience into the classroom.

Meet the faculty

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Zeva Barzell, M.F.A.

"Everything that I bring into the classroom on daily basis filters through my own training and experience as a performer, director and choreographer. I was very fortunate in my professional career that I wanted to start teaching as a way to give back to train the next generation of artists."

Alumni success

Learn about where our graduates have gone on to build their careers.

More news & features

Sarah Meahl, '12

"Gina" and understudy for "Indigo" in Cirque du Soleil's PARAMOUR on Broadway

Viveca Chow, '16

Swing in Miss Saigon on Broadway

News & Features

Benjamin Mapp '07

Friday, March 12, 2021 Benajamin Mapp received the Audelco Award, following in the footsteps of Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and the Late Chadwick Boseman, among others.

Faculty Q&A: Adam Wachter, Composer, Lyricist and Music Director

Thursday, October 17, 2019 "I try not to differentiate between my active professional career and my teaching — I work with my musical theatre students the same way I work with a cast of actors in an Equity production. This trial by fire prepares them for the rigor and high expectations they will encounter in their artistic careers," said Wachter.

Point Park University Named to Playbill.com Top 10 List for Broadway Representation

Thursday, August 29, 2019 “Our robust and consistent representation on Broadway stages reflects the superb training provided by our outstanding faculty, professional Playhouse staff and nationally-recognized guest artists," said Steven Breese, artistic director and dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts.