Musical Theatre

From Design Through Production, Students Gain Experience Training with Costume Studio Manager Michael Montgomery

Friday, April 14, 2023 "Students have the opportunity to be a part of the creative process from design through actual production; to see and learn by doing, and to see their work realized, all while training in a state-of-the art facility."

Alumni Profile

Viveca Chow '16

"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."

Pictured is Viveca Chow. Photo | Sam Pickart Photography

Alumni Profile

Annie Gagen '15

"At the time I was looking at schools, Point Park was one of the few that offered a concentration in jazz, rather than just ballet and modern. That was one of the first things that drew me there, aside from the excellent reputation that both the dance and musical theatre departments had."

Annie Gagen (second from right) and the Company of Hairspray. Photo | Jeremy Daniel

Alumni Profile

Tianna Davis '22

Tianna Davis '22 was accepted into the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop as a composer and lyricist.

Student Profile

Jenna Clover '24

"I encourage anyone who is interested in majoring in musical theatre to seriously consider Point Park — I have grown in ways I never thought possible."

Pictured is Jenna Clover. Photo | Madi Fisher

Alumni Profile

Jana Larell Glover '22

"I had the best time auditioning for SIX. As an alternate, I cover three of the six queens and use so many skills I developed in college. This show was beautifully written, composed and choreographed, and as an actor, it is my job to portray that the best I can."

Alumni Profile

Caleb Mathura '22

2022 musical theatre alumnus Caleb Mathura plays Kevin G. in MEAN GIRLS the Musical.

Pictured is Caleb Mathura. Photo | Darnell Bennet

Alumni Profile

Andrea Weinzierl '14

"I chose Point Park because of how well-rounded the Conservatory is. I knew I would get top-notch training in all three disciplines: singing, dancing and acting."

Pictured is Andrea Weinzierl. Photo | Tony Moux

Alumni Profile

Melessie Clark '15

"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," said Clark.

Alumni Profile

Connor Russell '12

"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."

Pictured is Connor Russell. Submitted photo.

Pittsburgh Playhouse Announces 2022-23 Season

Friday, May 20, 2022 This year's season will feature dance, theatre, music, circus and more.

In Honors Symposium, Students Present Research Projects with Real-World Applications

Monday, April 11, 2022 "The Honors Program enhances my education by giving me the opportunity to learn more about the things I love. The program gives me a chance to delve deeper into certain topics outside of the classroom. It gives me the chance to learn more and have a more well-rounded educational experience."

Pictured from left to right in the top row are Christl Caspar, coordinator for the Center of Inclusive Excellence; Jessica McCort, Ph.D., director of the Honors Program; and Katherine Griffith, senior cinema production major. Pictured from left to right in the bottom row are Cloe Loosz, freshman creative writing major and gender studies and public relations and advertising minor; Diana Navarrete, junior public relations and advertising major; and AJ de la Cruz, freshman creative writing major,

Alumni Profile

Lamont Walker II '17

"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."

Alumni Profile

Maya Bowles '20

"The faculty prepared us for the professional world through mock auditions, having talk-backs with artists and learning/being evaluated by current choreographers in the industry. I began auditioning in New York my senior year and was so surprised by how prepared I felt in the room."

Theatre Faculty Feature: Yan Pang, Composer, Performer and Scholar

Friday, October 15, 2021 "I envision myself as a stepping stone for the groundbreaking artists in the theatre department in the Conservatory of Performing Arts. I believe that my initiative, energy for innovation and enthusiasm will aid in students’ learning of music."

Alumni Profile

Jeff Gorti '16

"The training I had at Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts 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."

Garfield Lemonius Named Dean and Artistic Director

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Garfield Lemonius, M.F.A., has been appointed dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) at Point Park University and artistic director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Lemonius was previously appointed acting dean and artistic director, and prior to that served as chair of the Department of Dance.

2021 Summer Theatre Intensive

Monday, July 19, 2021 "I learned what a B.F.A. experience would be like in college and it really helped me to prepare for next year. I loved having intense core classes in acting and dance each day," said Sarah Kate Barton, Montgomery Academy, Montgomery, Ala.

COPA Theatre Club Hosts Virtual Benefit Concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) is an organization that raises money for actors across the country. This benefit concert — Stronger Than Ever — will raise money for those who have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alumni Profile

Benjamin Mapp '07

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

Pictured is Benjamin Mapp. Submitted photo.

Dance Students and Alumni to be Featured in Upcoming Commercial for Sheetz Convenience Stores

Friday, January 15, 2021 "Our students are professional-quality dancers, so I saw this as an incredible opportunity for them to obtain hands-on experience and earn a television commercial credit,” said Professor Kiesha Lalama. “Sheetz is a well-known brand in our region, so it was an especially fun and exciting opportunity for us.”

Point Park University dance students and dance alumni will be featured in an upcoming regional commercial for Sheetz convenience stores.

Alumni Profile

Justin Peebles '08

"As for the dancers, I am speechless! No one does it like Point Park University. The dance faculty has trained these dance majors to be so marketable in all fields of the industry. I am very impressed EVERY time I come across a Point Park dancer in my everyday business."

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.

Pictured is Adam Wachter. Photo | Nick Koehler

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

Thursday, August 29, 2019 Point Park University is ranked No. 9 on Playbill.com’s list of the 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway.

Students perform on the new PNC Theatre stage for the opening gala. Photo | Chris Rolinson

Alumni Profile

Gabe Reed '18

Gabe Reed, 2018 Pioneer Records artist winner and musical theatre graduate, recently placed second in the International Songwriting Competition's unpublished category.

Pictured is Pioneer Records 2018 winner and musical theatre alumnus Gabe Reed. Photo submitted by Reed.

Student Profile

Frankie Seratch '21

"Point Park welcomes you and you are meant to be here. Live in the moment and know this school will help you get where you have always been destined to go." - Frankie Seratch '21

Pictured is Frankie Seratch, Musical Theatre Major

Theatre Showcase 2019

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Thirty-six B.F.A. acting and musical theatre majors will perform for casting agents, directors and producers at the annual Senior Showcase May 6 at The Theater Center in New York City.

The Class of 2019 theatre showcase candidates. Photo | Dirty Sugar

Regional Premiere at Prime Stage Theatre Features Point Park University Alumni and Students

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 "It’s comforting and exciting to see Point Park fostering connections with professional theaters. It’s an example of the fact that training is working; script analysis, movement, and voice and speech are all pivotal to telling this story with justice," said Vanessa Vivas, theatre major.

(L-R) Krystal Rivera, Evelyn Hernandez, Vanessa Vivas and Frances Tirado. Photo | Laura Slovesko

Theatre Faculty Q&A: Tim Marquette, M.A.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 As an actor, singer, stage director, musical director, vocal coach and accompanist, Tim Marquette, M.A., has enjoyed working in the United States and around the world.

Pictured is Tim Marquette. Photo | Nick Koehler

Alumni Profile

Gabriel Florentino '18

2018 musical theatre alumnus Gabriel Florentino plays 'Manolin' in the world premiere stage adaptation of "The Old Man and the Sea" at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

Pictured is alumnus Gabriel Florentino in The Old Man and the Sea. Photo | John Altdorfer

"Hamilton" Actors Host Q&A with Point Park University Students in New Pittsburgh Playhouse

Friday, January 18, 2019 Peter Matthew Smith, a former Point Park theatre major, and Edred Utomi made their Pittsburgh Playhouse debut hosting a Q&A with students. Smith is "King George III," and Utomi plays "Alexander Hamilton."

Pictured left to right: Peter Matthew Smith and Edred Utomi from Hamilton in the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Photo | Nick Koehler

Pittsburgh Playhouse to Become Launching Pad for Innovative Plays and Musicals

Friday, November 9, 2018 Point Park University will collaborate with RWS Entertainment Group to produce new works, beginning with the world premiere stage adaptation of "The Old Man and the Sea."

The 550-seat PNC Theatre whose backstage and inner workings are visible from the street, resulting in an intentional glimpse into performing arts classes. Photo | Nick Koehler

Student Profile

Reyna Guerra '20

Meet Reyna Guerra, a musical theatre major from Bronx, N.Y.

Pictured is Reyna Guerra, Musical Theatre Major. Photo by Grace Ruiz.

Point Park University Welcomes 12 New Full-Time Faculty Members

Thursday, September 27, 2018 Point Park University welcomes 12 new full-time faculty members for the 2018-19 academic year. These faculty bring both industry expertise and real-world professional experience into the classes they teach.

New Pittsburgh Playhouse Opens in Downtown Pittsburgh

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 After 28 months of construction, the painstaking deconstruction and reconstruction of three historic-facades, and the unprecedented restoration of a 22 stained-glass-paneled ceiling from Pittsburgh’s historic Stock Exchange Building, the gleaming new Pittsburgh Playhouse is ready for its close-up.

A photo of the PNC Theatre in Point Park University's new Pittsburgh Playhouse

Conservatory  Named to Playbill.com Top 10 List for Broadway Representation

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 “Being perennially ranked among the most-represented schools on Broadway is confirmation of our Conservatory’s consistent track record in developing successful artists,” said Paul Hennigan, Ed.D., president of Point Park.

The cast of Kiss Me Kate by the Conservatory Theatre Company. Photo | John Altdorfer

Point Park University’s Musical Theatre Program Ranked No. 9 in the Nation by OnStage Blog

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 “We take a great deal of pride in guiding our students through all areas of the artistic process,” said Aaron Bollinger, M.F.A., chair of the theatre department. “This kind of recognition validates the impact we are having on our students as we prepare them to build long and successful careers.”

A photo from 42nd Street. Photo | John Altdorfer

Faculty Q&A: Meet Samuel G.C. Muñoz, Associate Professor of Movement

Monday, July 2, 2018 "To be an actor you have to love being a storyteller and creator. Observing your peers, enormous amounts of focused detailed practice, a willingness to play with the unknown, and failing will help you on your journey."

Pictured is Samuel G.C. Muñoz, assistant professor of movement. Photo | Nick Koehler

Students to Perform Show-Stopping Productions for Opening Season of New Pittsburgh Playhouse

Monday, May 14, 2018 Point Park University will open the doors to its brand new four-story, state-of-the art Pittsburgh Playhouse with a highly-anticipated season featuring Cabaret, Sunday in the Park with George and History Boys.

A photo from 42nd Street at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Photo | John Altdorfer

New York City Theatre Showcase Helps Launch Students' Careers

Tuesday, April 3, 2018 Fourteen acting and musical theatre students will represent the Conservatory of Performing Arts in the 2018 New York City Senior Showcase, held May 7 at the Westside Theatre - Downstairs.

Pictured are the 2018 Theatre Showcase candidates. Photo | Dirty Sugar

Pioneer Records Selects its Latest Recording Artist

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Gabe Reed was the newest artist to join the label. The multi-talented singer-songwriter was selected from nearly 30 submissions from all over the Pittsburgh region along with Point Park students.

Playbill Ranks Point Park as a Top 10 College on Broadway

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Artistic Producing Director at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center is a Point Park Alumnus

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

From Point Park to Pittsburgh CLO: Summer Season Casts Students, Alumni On-and-Off Stage

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Musical Theatre Alumnus Connor Russell Stars as Flounder in Disney's The Little Mermaid

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Pictured is Connor Russell. Photo | Annie Brewer

CBS Executives Present "Student of the Business" at Point Park University

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Students to Develop, Produce and Perform New Works with Pallas Theatre Collective

Monday, March 20, 2017

Musical Theatre Major Tony Lorrich Performs in The Royale at City Theatre Company

Monday, February 6, 2017

Alumni Profile

Sarah Meahl

"When I auditioned for Point Park's musical theatre program, I had a feeling that this was where I was supposed to be. My choice was so simple," said Meahl.

Point Park University Alumni in Showbiz Reunite in Times Square for "Pittsburgh on Broadway"

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Get to Know Tracey Brent-Chessum, Assistant Professor of Theatre at Point Park

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

2016 Musical Theatre Alumnus Peter Hughes is a Mainstage Performer for Disney Cruise Line

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

#PittsburghMe: Meet Elise Dorsey, Musical Theatre Major

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Troy Centofanto Recruits Top Talent for Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 "Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts is one of the top conservatories in the country. Having the opportunity to work with the current and future leaders of the industry is very exciting and rewarding."

Pictured is Troy Centofanto. Photo | Shayna Mendez

Advice to the Class of 2020 at Convocation: Set Goals, Get to Know Faculty, Classmates and the Community

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Musical Theatre Students Spend Summer Performing for Music Theatre Wichita

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Point Park Welcomes 14 New Full-Time Faculty

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 Point Park University welcomes 14 new full-time faculty members for the 2016-17 academic year. These faculty bring their industry expertise and real-world professional experience into the classes they teach.

Faculty Profile: Zeva Barzell, Musical Theatre

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 "Each student is a unique individual, so as we work together, I remind them that they are the vessel through which all the characters they play will come through. To do that, it is important to be as healthy as possible in mind, body and spirit."

Pictured is Zeva Barzell. Photo | Chris Rolinson

Graduate Hooding 2016: New Grads Discuss Their Journey to a Master's DegreeWho has helped you achieve where you are today?

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Broadway's Tony Yazbeck to Give Commencement Address, Receive an Honorary Degree

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

People of Point Park: Sierra Zellmer, '18, found her artistic family in COPA

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

On Veterans Day, Point Park gives thanks to those who have served

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Entire Cast of Pittsburgh CLO's 'Altar Boyz' Features Point Park Students and Alumni

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Students Perform for Renowned Composer Stephen Flaherty at Pittsburgh Playhouse

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Students Gain Workplace Experience, Make Industry Connections During Summer Internships

Friday, September 25, 2015

Musical Theatre Major Studies Shakespeare at London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Student Profile

#PittsburghMe: Meet Musical Theatre Major Zane Wagner

Pictured is Musical Theatre Major Zane Wagner

Student Profile

#PittsburghMe: Meet Musical Theatre Major Davion Heron

Pictured is Davion Heron, musical theatre major

Conservatory Theatre Company Announces New Season

Monday, June 29, 2015

2013 Alumna Nicole Soriano Lands Leading Role in Berenstain Bears Live! The Musical

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Faculty Profile: Meet Jack Allison, Theatre

Friday, June 5, 2015

SAEM Senior Discusses Internship with Attack Theatre, Studying Abroad

Thursday, March 26, 2015 Meet Tove Johnson, administrative/production intern for Attack Theatre.

Sesame Street Live Features Alumnae Alexandra Zegar and Eileen Janesz

Monday, February 23, 2015

Pittsburgh CLO Chooses SAEM Students as Gene Kelly Awards Interns

Thursday, February 19, 2015 Junior sports, arts and entertainment management majors Amber Flevaris, from Fair Oaks, Pa., and Logan Farren, from Monroeville, Pa., are interning for the Pittsburgh CLO as Gene Kelly Awards coordinators.

Conservatory Theatre Students Present World Premiere of "21"

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Musical Theatre Major Discusses Summer Job at Waldameer Water World

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Conservatory Theatre 2014-2015 Season Announced

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Alumnus Performing in Tour of West Side Story Hosts Master Class on Campus

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Conservatory Theatre Company and Alumna Gab Cody Collaborate on The Alchemists' Lab

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

2012 Alumnus Earns Best Actor Nomination for Web Television Awards

Monday, December 23, 2013