Point Park University's Musical Theatre Summer Intensive Prepares High School Students for Pre-Screens and College Auditions Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Nearly doubling in size in its second year, Point Park University's 2026 Musical Theatre Summer Intensive welcomed 52 high school students from across the United States who spent two weeks studying singing, dance and acting in the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
"Our Musical Theatre Summer Intensive is taught by some of the greatest teachers in the world and includes dance, voice, movement, mindfulness and repertoire for the young actor," said Program Director Gary Kline, associate dean of the School of Theatre, Film and Animation. "Students in this intensive will find a plethora of material to prepare them for pre-screens and college auditions in the fall."
Co-Program Director Michael Campayno, assistant professor and director of musical theatre, said one of the biggest decisions a young artist will make is choosing a college program.
"Our summer intensive really brings to light what most of the B.F.A. programs are looking for: we focus on foundational technique, authentic connection and truthful storytelling," Campayno said. "Our hope is that this intensive provides students not only with valuable audition preparation, but also with a genuine sense of what it feels like to train at Point Park."
Thomas Lynch, from Rochester, New York, said the intensive is an opportunity to prepare for the college audition process and become a better performer.
"Point Park's Musical Theatre Summer Intensive is a really great place for students involved in theatre at the high school level to prepare for their college auditions and learn everything they need to know, how to connect with their pieces and find new repertoire," Lynch said.
In the classroom, sessions were led by faculty and staff with real-world experience, including:
- Musical theatre: Gary Kline and Michael Campayno
- Acting: Milia Ayache and Ingrid Sonnichsen
- Vocal/singing: Colin Ruffer
- Dance: Gustavo Zajac
- Mindfulness: Lisa Klein
- Live accompanists: Camille Rolla and Catie Brown
"The foundation of our art — of acting— is to play," said Ayache, assistant professor and director of acting. "Come to this intensive to find out where the glitches are in your imagination and how you can smooth those over to have fun while you're doing the difficult things. It's not easy to be an actor, but we encourage you to have fun, play and find that serious fun in your art."
For Elizabeth Rosales, a student from the Pittsburgh region, the intensive made her a better performer, particularly through her acting.
"I was very insecure about my acting skills, but the teachers at the intensive taught me so many new skills to become a better actor," Rosales said. "If you are thinking about pursuing musical theatre at all in college, you should come to this program. It helped me understand what musical theatre will be like in college and clarify my decision."
Outside of the classroom, students saw a live performance of "Mean Girls" at the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District.
"When we went to see Mean Girls, I noticed that it made me a better audience member, because it made me less afraid to be myself and helped me realize that audiences want to know who I am," said Sophia Temple from Hudson Valley, New York. "I'm so grateful for the tools I've been gifted here at the intensive. This experience has made me a better performer, and whether I come to Point Park or not for college, this will always be home for me."
2027 Musical Theatre Summer Intensive
Point Park University is thrilled to host the Musical Theatre Summer Intensive again in 2027. Stay tuned for details.