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The Acting and Music Theatre Programs
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
FACULTY & STAFF
FULL CURRICULUM
ACTING CURRICULUM
MUSICAL THEATRE CURRICULUM
ALUMNI
CONTACT
THE ACTING\MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAMCarnegie Mellon University’s renowned Acting/Music Theatre program was the first conservatory acting training program within a university in the United States. For more than a century our graduates have continued to make their mark as professional actors in the world of the stage, film and television.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
Degree Offered: BFA
The Acting/Music theatre option is designed to prepare the student for immediate entry into the profession. As a conservatory training course, we offer acting and musical theatre majors a rigorous four-year sequenced based training program that is grounded in a solid technique and imparted in an atmosphere of curiosity and creativity. Our dedicated faculty instills professional standards of discipline, quality and ethics by artfully blending the teaching of traditional skills with the newest advances in training and technology. Courses in acting, voice, speech, movement, dance and theatre history are integral parts of the Acting and Musical theatre option. Class size averages 10-12 students in a class.
Distinguished Alumni and professional guests regularly visit the school to speak, advise and teach master classes to our students.
As the School of Drama is situated within a world-class university, our students have the opportunity take classes and interact with students and scholars from a wide variety of academic fields.
In the first semester of their senior year students have an opportunity to study abroad in first-rate acting training programs from around the world. Recent graduates have studied in Russia, South Africa, China, Australia, Paris and London.
At the end of the senior year, all senior Actors/Music Theatre students are introduced to the profession through showcase performances in New York City and Los Angeles.
We accept an average of 28 Acting/Music Theatre students into the option each year.
It is our sincerest intention that each student accepted into the program will remain for the entire four years. We are committed to working with each student to ensure that this is possible.
All students must demonstrate a continued openness and commitment to the training show progress in their work in developing knowledge of their craft, and a respect for professional standards and collaboration.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE
ACTING OPTION AUDITION:
For your acting audition, you need to present two contrasting monologues, one contemporary and one classical, not to exceed three minutes in total. The classical monologue should show the ability to use heightened language (Shakespeare is always good). Choose material that you have a strong personal connection to and that you enjoy doing. Make sure you read the entire play, know to whom you are speaking in the scene, and why you need to say these words. Be prepared to perform a third monologue. You should bring a resume and a recent photograph.
MUSIC THEATRE OPTION AUDITION:
If you are applying for the Music Theatre Option, you must fulfill the audition requirement, which is the main basis for admission to the program.
Acting Audition
For your acting audition, you need to present two contrasting monologues, one contemporary and one classical, not to exceed three minutes in total. The classical monologue should show the ability to use heightened language (Shakespeare, is always good). Choose material that you have a strong personal connection to and that you enjoy doing. Make sure you read the entire play, know to whom you are speaking in the scene, and why you need to say these words. Be prepared to perform a third monologue. You should bring a resume and a recent photograph.
Singing Audition
You should prepare two songs, one up-tempo; one ballad. Be prepared to sing 32 bars of each song. Please have your music in a binder. An accompanist will be provided.
Dance Audition
You will perform short jazz and ballet combinations that will be taught to you at the audition. Dance attire is preferred; leotard, tights, T-shirt (men), ballet shoes, jazz shoes or bare feet are acceptable.
We accept an average of 12 Music Theatre students into the option each year. Click here for more information about applying to the School of Drama and for a schedule of interview dates.
Click here for more information about applying to the school of drama and for a schedule of audition/interview dates.
FACULTY & STAFF
| Natalie Baker | Associate Professor, Voice and Speech |
| Claudia Benack | Assistant Teacher Professor, Singing |
| James Caton | Associate Teaching Professor, Dance |
| Judith Ann Conte | Teaching Professor, Dance |
| Thomas Wesley Douglas | Associate Teaching Professor, Singing |
| Byron Easley | Associate Teaching Professor, Dance |
| Janet Feindel | Associate Professor, Voice and Speech |
| Matthew Gray | Assistant Professor, Acting |
| Gary Kline | Associate Teaching Professor, Singing |
| Barbara MacKenzie-Wood | Raymond W. Smith Professor of Drama, Acting Option Coordinator |
| Anthony McKay | Associate Professor, Acting |
| Catherine Moore | Assistant Professor, Movement |
| Ingrid Sonnichsen | Associate Teaching Professor, Acting |
| Don Wadsworth | Professor, Voice and Speech |
| Kaf Warman | Associate Teaching Professor, Movement |
For faculty bios, click here.
For staff bios, click here.
ACTING/MT OPTION CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW OF CURRICULUM PROGRESSION:
Freshman; The Discovery year:
Year I: The first year provides an introduction to basic skills. Knowledge and beginning understanding of the components of training are introduced. Students develop a stronger and freer acting instrument. (Body, voice, imagination and intelligence)
Sophomore: The Transformation year:
Year 2: In the second year, skills are solidified and deepened as more sophisticated, verbally complex material is introduced through in-depth scene study, focusing on both contemporary and Shakespearian plays.
Junior year: The Interpretation year:
Year 3: In the third year, students expand their technique as they explore a variety of ever more challenging and demanding styles. They collaborate and perform in ‘new works’ with our graduate playwrights and directors. Skills are now tested and strengthened through public performance in the studio theatre.
Senior year: Bridge from training to the professional world.
Year 4: In the forth year, students are introduced to the larger world of theatrical possibility by means of our International Director Residency Program. The students perform in larger roles on the main stage of the Chosky Theatre and have exposure to ‘on camera’ work for film and Television, through classes and workshop presentations at WQED Television. Students are prepared to enter the profession by means of their showcase presentation and specific classes on the business side of acting. Specific to the Acting Option Curriculum:
In addition to studio classes all acting majors are required to take at least one liberal arts class each semester outside the school of drama to expand their intellectual curiosity and worldview beginning in the second semester of their first year.
Specific to the Music Theatre Option Curriculum:
Students in the Music Theatre option share the same curriculum and training philosophy as those in the acting option. Music Theatre students take all core acting classes with the students in the Acting option. In addition, Music Theatre students take courses particular to the demands of music theatre. These include weekly individual singing lessons, ballet, jazz, tap and Broadway styles dance classes.
The School of Drama considers the Music Theatre Option to be the equivalent of a double major. Minimal non-departmental electives are required.
Music Theatre students also have an opportunity to study abroad in the first semester of their senior year.
ACTING OPTION CURRICULUM
Freshman Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-011 | Warmup | 1 |
| 54-101 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-103 | Speech I | 6 |
| 54-105 | Voice/Alexander I | 5 |
| 54-107 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-159 | ProductionSymposium I | 6 |
| 54-175 | Conservatory Hour | 1 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I* | 6 |
| 64-100 | Critical Histories of the Arts | 9 |
| 99-101 | Computing at Carnegie Mellon | 3 |
Required Units – 45 -51
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-012 | Warmup | 1 |
| 54-102 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-104 | Speech I | 6 |
| 54-106 | Voice/Alexander I | 5 |
| 54-108 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-160 | Production Symposium I | 6 |
| 54-176 | Conservatory Hour | 1 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I* | 6 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
Required Units – 51-57
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-201 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-203 | Voice & Speech II | 5 |
| 54-207 | Movement II | 5 |
| 54-211 | Actor Dance II | 3 |
| 54-221 | Directing II | 6 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II** | 6 |
| xx-xxx | HSS Approved Course | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Non Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-213 | Singing for Actors II (Optional) | 3 |
Required Units –46 - 49
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-202 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-204 | Voice & Speech II | 6 |
| 54-208 | Movement II | 3 |
| 54-212 | Actor Dance II | 3 |
| 54-242 | Improvisation | 2 |
| 54-322 | Directing III - Forms/Formats | 4 |
| 54-282 | Foundations of Drama II** | 6 |
| xx xxx | HSS Approved Course | 9 |
| 54-294 | Make-Up for Performers | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-214 | Singing for Actors II (Optional) | 3 |
Required Units – 48 - 51
Junior Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-301 | Acting III | 10 |
| 54-303 | Speech III (accents) | 6 |
| 54-305 | Voice/Alexander III | 5 |
| 54-307 | Movement III | 5 |
| 54-311 | Acting Symposium III | 16 |
| 54-325 | Actor Dance III | 3 |
| 54-381 | History of Drama*** | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-317 | Singing for Actors III (Optional) | 2 |
| 54-xxx | Junior Auditioning (Optional) | 2 |
Required Units – 54-57
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-302 | Acting III | 10 |
| 54-304 | Speech III (dialects) | 6 |
| 54-306 | Voice/Alexander III | 5 |
| 54-308 | Movement III | 5 |
| 54-312 | Acting Symposium III | 1 |
| 54-325 | Actor Dance III | 3 |
| 54-382 | History of Drama*** | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-318 | Singing for Actors III (Optional) | 2 |
| 54-xxx | Junior Auditioning (Optional) | 2 |
Required Units – 54-57
Senior Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-401 | Camera Lab | 3 |
| 54-405 | Grad Directing Future Stages | 5 |
| 54-409 | Theatre Lab | 4 |
| 54-411 | Acting Symposium IV | 20 |
| 54-413 | Showcase | 4 |
| 54-437 | Acting IV | 5 |
| 54-494 | Business of Acting | 4 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
| 54-407 | Movement IV | 3 |
| xx xxx | Non-Drama Physical Content Course | 3-9 |
Required Units – 57 - 60
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-438 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| 54-406 | Grad Directing Future Stages | 5 |
| 54-410 | Theatre Lab | 4 |
| 54-412 | Acting Symposium IV | 20 |
| 54-414 | Showcase | 9 |
| 54-464 | Acting IV | 5 |
| xx-xxx | Non-Drama Elective | 6-9 |
Required Units – 55
*Foundations of Drama I will be taken Only one semester
**Foundations of Drama II will be taken Only one semester. Sophomore Actors will be required to take an approved HSS Course during the semester they are not taking the Foundations of Drama II course.
***All Actors will be required to complete two History of Drama minis during the Junior year.
MUSIC THEATER CURRICULUM
Freshman Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-101 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-103 | Speech I | 6 |
| 54-105 | Voice/Alexander I | 5 |
| 54-107 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-123 | Ballet I | 5 |
| 54-125 | Music Skills I | 2 |
| 54-159 | Production Symposium I | 6 |
| 54-175 | Conservatory Hour | 1 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I* | 6 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 64-100 | Critical Histories of the Arts | 9 |
| 99-101 | Computing at Carnegie Mellon | 3 |
Required Units – 56-62
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-102 | Acting I | 10 |
| 54-104 | Speech I | 6 |
| 54-106 | Voice/Alexander I | 5 |
| 54-108 | Movement I | 4 |
| 54-124 | Ballet I | 5 |
| 54-126 | Music Skills II | 2 |
| 54-160 | Production Symposium I | 6 |
| 54-176 | Conservatory Hour | 1 |
| 54-177 | Foundations of Drama I* | 6 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument (English) | 9 |
Required Units – 53 - 59
Sophomore Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-201 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-203 | Voice & Speech II | 5 |
| 54-205 | Ballet II | 3 |
| 54-207 | Movement II | 3 |
| 54-217 | Jazz II | 2 |
| 54-219 | MT Lit and Rep | 4 |
| 54-223 | Tap II | 2 |
| 54-261 | Production Symposium II+ | 6 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II** | 6 |
| xx xxx | HSS Approved Course | 9 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
Required Units –42-45
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-202 | Acting II | 12 |
| 54-204 | Voice & Speech II | 6 |
| 54-206 | Ballet II | 3 |
| 54-208 | Movement II | 3 |
| 54-218 | Jazz II | 2 |
| 54-224 | Tap II | 2 |
| 54-226 | Acting a Song | 4 |
| 54-262 | Production Symposium II+ | 6 |
| 54-281 | Foundations of Drama II** | 6 |
| xx xxx | HSS Approved Course | 9 |
| 54-294 | Make-Up for Performers | 3 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
Required Units –46-49
Junior Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-301 | Acting III | 10 |
| 54-303 | Speech III (dialects) | 6 |
| 54-305 | Voice/Alexander III | 5 |
| 54-311 | Acting Symposium III | 16 |
| 54-313 | Ballet III | 3 |
| 54-315 | Jazz III | 2 |
| 54-319 | Cabaret | 6 |
| 54-323 | Tap III | 2 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-xxx | History of Drama*** | 3 |
Required Units – 58
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-302 | Acting III | 10 |
| 54-304 | Speech III (accents) | 6 |
| 54-306 | Voice/Alexander III | 5 |
| 54-312 | Acting Symposium III | 16 |
| 54-314 | Ballet III | 3 |
| 54-316 | Jazz III | 2 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-324 | Tap III | 2 |
| 54-xxx | History of Drama*** | 3 |
| xx xxx | Non Drama Elective**** | 6-9 |
Required Units – 58 -61
Senior Year
| Fall | Class | Units |
| 54-401 | Camera Lab | 3 |
| 54-409 | Theatre Lab | 4 |
| 54-411 | Acting Symposium IV | 20 |
| 54-413 | Showcase | 4 |
| 54-415 | Broadway Styles | 4 |
| 54-423 | Tap IV | 2 |
| 54-437 | Acting IV | 5 |
| 54-494 | Business of Acting | 4 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
| 54-407 | Movement IV (Optional) | 6 |
Required Units – 51
| Spring | Class | Units |
| 54-410 | Theatre Lab | 4 |
| 54-412 | Acting Symposium IV | 20 |
| 54-414 | Showcase | 9 |
| 54-416 | Broadway Styles | 4 |
| 54-424 | Tap IV | 2 |
| 54-464 | Acting IV | 5 |
| 54-438 | Acting for the Camera | 3 |
| 54-500 | Voice Lab | 5 |
Required Units - 52
*Foundations of Drama I will be taken Only one semester
**Foundations of Drama II will be taken Only one semester. Sophomore Music Theater students will be required to take an approved HSS Course during the semester they are not taking the Foundations of Drama II course.
***All Music Theatre students will be required to complete two History of Drama minis during the Junior year.
****All Music Theatre students will be required to take one Non-Drama elective in the spring semester of Junior year.
+ Production Symposium II is only taken one semester of the Sophomore year.
ALUMNI
To view credits from recent alumni, click here.
CONTACT
ACTING OPTION COORDINATOR:
Barbara MacKenzie-Wood
Raymond W. Smith Professor of Drama, Acting Option Coordinator
School of Drama
Purnell Center for the Arts
5000 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 268-5750
bmacwood@andrew.cmu.edu
For general questions about the undergraduate programs at the School of Drama, contact:
Anya Martin
External Relations Officer
School of Drama
Carnegie Mellon University
Purnell Center for the Arts 218B
(412) 268-2068
aamartin@andrew.cmu.edu
Interested in visiting the School of Drama?
Drama school tours are offered Monday through Friday by reservation only. To reserve a space please visit www.cmudramatours.eventbrite.com. Tours are not guaranteed without a reservation. Because of the sensitive nature of a lot of our classes, the School of Drama does not have an open door policy on visiting students attending classes. We will have classes available during Sleeping Bag Weekends for students interested in attending Carnegie Mellon University. Students and their families interested in visiting classes on Sleeping Bag Weekend should meet in the lobby of the Purnell Center for the Arts at 8:30 AM on the Monday of each Sleeping Bag Weekend to obtain a schedule of classes available. To schedule a Sleeping Bag Weekend visit please go to www.cmu.edu/enrollment/admission/sbw/.