Musical Theatre Program
The Musical Theatre program at Westinghouse Arts invites students of all experience levels to explore storytelling through acting, voice, dance, and stagecraft. With a strong focus on collaboration, technique, and creative growth, students build confidence as performers while learning the fundamentals of music literacy and technical theatre. Whether students dream of the stage or are simply curious about performing, this program provides a supportive space to grow, take risks, and develop skills that apply both on stage and beyond.
The Musical Theatre program at Westinghouse Arts Academy offers students the opportunity to explore the art of storytelling through acting, voice, and movement. Designed for students with a passion for performance, the program provides a balanced and supportive environment where young artists grow through training, rehearsal, and production experiences.
Students take focused classes in acting, voice, and dance, while participating in rehearsals for fully staged musical theatre productions. These experiences are enriched by occasional workshops and masterclasses led by guest artists, offering additional perspectives from working professionals in the field.
At Westinghouse, we view Musical Theatre as a deeply collaborative discipline. Students regularly work alongside peers and partner with other departments such as Visual Arts, Costume and Set Design, and Digital Media to bring productions to life. This spirit of teamwork helps students build communication and leadership skills that extend beyond the stage.
Throughout the year, students engage in all aspects of the production process—from auditions and character development to ensemble work and backstage roles. Classroom studies go beyond performance to include topics such as musical theatre history, text and character analysis, audition techniques, and the social impact of the performing arts.
In addition to performance, the program also nurtures students who are interested in creative leadership roles within theatre. Opportunities such as assistant directing, choreography, stage management, and student leadership provide hands-on experience in the artistic process and encourage ownership of the work in meaningful ways.
Our goal is to create an inclusive space where students can develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and a strong sense of community—all while building a foundation for continued artistic growth, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in future academic and creative pursuits.
Learning Objectives
- Develop vocal technique, including control, resonance, and interpretation.
- Enhance acting skills through character development, script analysis, and scene work.
- Build stage presence, performance confidence and stagecraft.
- Develop teamwork, collaboration and communication skills in ensemble performances.
- Expand knowledge of musical theater history, styles, and cultural context.
- Learn effective audition techniques and strategies.
- Increase physical and emotional flexibility and control for stage performance.
- Collaborate with peers and develop teamwork skills for musical theater productions.
- Foster a positive and supportive ensemble environment through rehearsals and performances.
- Increase understanding of musical theater repertoire and musical theater genres.
- Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate and analyze musical theater productions.
- Cultivate creativity and individuality in self-expression and interpretation.
- Improve musical interpretation and storytelling through song.
- Develop stage combat skills and stage safety awareness.
- Expand knowledge of musical theater production including design, costumes, lighting, sound, and stage management.
Artistic Expectations
Students seeking admission to the musical theatre program should:
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Display a sincere want to gain a deeper understanding of the American Musical Theatre.
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Demonstrate a desire to improve their technique and ability.
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Commit themselves to behave in a manner consistent with professionalism.
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Be willing to make big mistakes….and make a concerted effort to fix them.
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Support their peers on-stage, behind the scenes, and in the classroom.
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Be willing to take corrections on technique and material. We always have more to learn, be a forever student!
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Know how to respect peers, instructors, materials, and facilities.
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Be willing to explore new pathways of discovering your art.
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Be prepared to work equally as hard on their academic success.
Required Courses
- Fundamental Techniques I & II (9th – 12th grade)
- Advanced Techniques I & II (10th – 12th grade)
- Acting I & II (9th & 10th grade)
- Music Literacy
- Intro to Piano
- Stagecraft
- Musical Theatre Practicum
- Musical Theatre Senior Capstone Performance
Please view our Program of Studies here.
Audition Requirements
Musical Theatre combines all areas of the performing arts into one major. Acting, Singing, Dancing, and Music are all present in the training of a Musical Theatre Student. Applicants of this program should be aware that they will train in all disciplines as part of their coursework sequence if they are accepted into this program.
The Musical Theatre program at Westinghouse Arts Academy requires applicants to submit the following materials to be considered for admittance into the program:
Component 1: Introduction Video
Please record a 1-minute long video of you introducing yourself and why you would like to be considered for acceptance into the Musical Theatre program at Westinghouse Arts Academy.
Component 2: Vocal Technique Video
Please record a video of you singing 1 – 1.5 minutes of a song that you sing very well.
(A song from musical theatre repertoire is preferred, but not required)
Component 3: Acting Technique Video
Please record a video of yourself presenting a 1 – 1.5 minute monologue from a published play (no movies or musicals).
OR
If you do not have a monologue prepared, you may submit a second video of you singing a song that is contrasting to your first choice. This means that the song is, in some way, different from your first song choice. This could be a difference in style, time period, tempo, or any character contrast. This video should be 1 – 1.5 minutes.
Component 4: Dance Technique Video
Please select one of the pre-recorded dances to learn, learn it at home, and submit a video of yourself performing the choreography. There is a Musical Theatre Jazz Combination, a Tap combination, and a Ballet combination to select from.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF-AW9SEc68
Altogether, you should be submitting four videos for review.
Tips for recording your videos:
- Make sure you record somewhere that is well-lit, relatively quiet, and please make sure you are standing or sitting (if necessary) to present your materials. No laying down!
- Please record your videos in LANDSCAPE (horizontal)!!
- In each of your videos that contain audition material, tell us what your material is before you start to present it. For example, “Hi, this is So Much Better from Legally Blonde”.
- Most importantly, BE YOURSELF!! Show us who you are and what you love to do!
Performance Opportunities/Events
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Musical Theatre Practicum (Fall- MT Majors only)
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Spring Musical
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Fall Play
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Monthly Performing Arts Studio Class/Masterclasses
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Summer Musical Theatre Intensive
Past Masterclasses & Special Guests
Performers
- Jenn Collela – Tony Award Nominee (Come from Away, Chaplin, If/Then)
- Christy Altimore – Broadway Actor (Anastasia, Spring Awakening, Mama Mia)
- Caitlin Kinnunen – Broadway Actor (The Prom, Spring Awakening)
- Matt Gumley – Broadway Actor (Elf: The Musical, The Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins)
- Scout Backus – Broadway Actor – (To Kill a Mockingbird)
- Davis Wayne – Broadway Actor (Hadestown)
- Jordan Leigh McKaskill – Touring Actor (Book of Mormon, Punk Rock Girl, Jagged Little Pill)
- Savannah Bruno – Amusement Park Entertainer – (RWS & Associates
Educators
- Rick Edinger – Program Coordinator: Musical Theatre – Carnegie Mellon University
- Aaron Galligan – Stirele – Musical Theatre Department Head – Slippery Rock University
- David Skeele – Professor of Acting – Slippery Rock University
- Daina Griffith – Actor and Coach – Griffith Coaching Acting Studio
- Dr. Bill Crawford – Psychiatrist and author specializing in empowering young artists.
- Chrisala Brown – West African/Diaspora Dance
- Ben Pimmental – Recent Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Graduate
Achievements & Recognition
​Gene Kelly Awards 2022 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee:
– Â Best Musical (Won!)
– Â Best Scenic Design (Won!)
– Â Best Costume Design (Won!)
– Â Best Lighting Design (Won!)
– Â Best Vocal Ensemble (Won!)
– Â Best Dance Ensemble (Won!)
Along with the many performing opportunities offered to our students, those participating in the spring musical have the unique and distinguished experience of performing for the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre! Since Westinghouse started participating in 2017, we have received over twenty GKA nominations! While the GKAs are a competition, it is viewed by our community as a celebration of high school musical theatre.
