Meet Kelsey Geary '24, SAEM major and BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Vocalist of the Decade Student Profile

You recently won BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh's award for Vocalist of the Decade for your performance in Derry Area High School's production of Les Misérables. What was your role, and how did it feel to receive the award?

I played Fantine, and I was as shocked to have been cast as her as I was when I was named Vocalist of the Decade for playing her. Les Misérables was my senior year musical at my high school, and we were one of the few schools in Westmoreland County that were lucky enough to perform last year. Our show took place the weekend before schools were shut down. I didn’t have much time to be back in school after Les Misérables and before quarantine began. Being named Vocalist of the Decade felt like my high school musical career had finally concluded, and I couldn’t have been more honored to receive the award.

How did your passion for music and performance lead you to Point Park?

I first became acquainted with Point Park when Playbill came out with its list of the most represented schools on Broadway. Point Park was ranked ninth. When I realized that not only was it in Pittsburgh, a city to which I had been traveling since I was 8 years old to see musicals, but it also offered a unique major that combined my love of the arts and business, I decided to apply.

What makes Point Park an ideal school for creative minds?

Point Park is a school that recognizes that its students are three-dimensional. While we may pursue careers in one field, we can also maintain a deep love for the arts. At Point Park, students are encouraged to dive into fields that combine their career aspirations and creative abilities to succeed in their fields. As for those who have decided to make the arts and their careers one and the same, Point Park encourages an all-around knowledge of how the arts operate so their graduates can fully understand their fields before joining the workforce and supplies the knowledge, experiences and connections to do so.

Why did you choose the Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management program?

I have always been extremely interested in the world of business and even opened my own small business in 2017 that is still running to this day. At the same time, I had developed a love for directing and was considering pursuing a career in the arts. When I first heard of Point Park, I was trying to decide between going into either field, but then I discovered that Point Park offered a program that combined my skills in business and my theatrical knowledge. After reading up a little more on what the program entailed, I knew that SAEM was the perfect major for me.

What has your first year been like? What have you learned?

My first year in the SAEM program has been anything but standard. Currently, I am taking all of my classes online and had one hybrid class in my first semester. This unconventional learning style has given me the chance to experience a time when my field is being forced to adapt, and seeing the arts world continue to be strong at an unprecedented time gives me hope for the future post-pandemic. This year has also taught me just how important networking is in the world of SAEM. I was able to virtually shadow a professional in arts management during my first semester in the program. Hearing first-hand about the business I aspire to enter was invaluable.

What advice do you have for prospective students considering Point Park and/or SAEM?

Point Park is an amazing community full of incredible students and faculty. The people you will meet here are so welcoming to everyone, so don’t be afraid to try to get to know people while you’re here. You won’t regret it. As for the program itself, you don’t have to come into SAEM knowing which aspect you want to pursue as a career. Your first courses are tailored for all kinds of live events, so if you can’t decide between sports, arts or entertainment, you have the time to see what you prefer.

Anything else you would like to add?

Pittsburgh is a city that is constantly alive with hundreds of places within walking distance of Point Park. Explore it! The city is absolutely beautiful any time of day!

Connect with Kelsey Geary '24

More About: scholarships, Pittsburgh, sports, arts and entertainment management, accounting, Rowland School of Business, Honors Program, Downtown Pittsburgh