With about 70 undergraduates, the Musical Theatre program is a thriving fusion of music, theatre, and dance within a conservatory atmosphere. Our “Actor first” curriculum emphasizes versatility in performance and the individuality in each student’s unique talents to create high-caliber artists that graduate and go on to work in regional theatres, Broadway, and TV/Film

Students in the program spend ample amounts of time on stage. With a full season of mainstage productions each year, regular on-campus workshop performance & studio shows, a robust student performance organization, recitals, and showcases of our talent each semester, there is an opportunity for everyone during their time at CUA. Juniors and seniors are also encouraged to audition for professional regional theatre. Current students have performed at all of Washington’s major theatres, including Arena Stage, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Olney Theatre, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, and Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Seniors perform an annual senior showcase in D.C. and New York for casting agents.

Guest artists come from all over the industry to give master classes to our students. Master classes have included Brian Stokes Mitchell, Alice Ripley, Marni Nixon, Parker Esse, Tara Rubin from Tara Rubin Casting, Casting director Dave Clemmons, and Rene Flemming.

Dance receives special emphasis in our program with multiple levels of classical and modern techniques. Ten semesters of dance are required on campus, but students are also encouraged to enroll in additional classes on and off campus. Preparing our students for the professional world is our utmost goal. Teaching beginners to move and pushing them to proficiency, or challenging already advanced dancers to true artistic heights, the dance sequence is designed for students of every level. Making dance a priority within our already extensive program ensures more triple threats than ever are leaving with diplomas and are working in their field.

With all of the performance and special intensive programs, the Musical Theatre Academic Area is molding our students into the best musicians and artists that they can each become, with the knowledge that there is a place for all types of voices, faces, and personalities on stage. We hope that you and your talents can find a place with us.

 

Where Our Students Are Working