From auditions to opening night, students are involved in every step of the production process, gaining valuable experience in all aspects of theatre production. Classes explore human and social conditions, performance skills, audition technique, text analysis, musical theatre history, culture, and the concepts of community teamwork through the performing arts.

Not only does the Musical Theatre program strive to turn out the next generation of performing artists, we also believe in fostering the next generation of theatre creatives and educators! Student leadership roles such as assistant directors, choreographers, dance captains, and stage managers are available to our students looking to explore leadership opportunities within the arts. These students work closely with their professional overstudies as active participants in the production and creative processes. Not only does this provide excellent tutelage for our aspiring theatre creatives but these experiences make for incredible additions to our student’s growing artistic portfolios for future jobs or admittance into their postsecondary program of choice.

At WAA, students’ educational experiences don’t stop when the school year is over! Our three-week-long Summer Musical Theatre Intensive gives our students and students in the greater Pittsburgh region an opportunity to continue working towards their artistic goals in a fun and enjoyable way! During the intensive, students will take part in classes in all of the core concepts of performance, take masterclasses from Broadway and industry professionals, as well as rehearse and mount a fully produced musical.

Studying Musical Theatre helps develop transferable skills: creativity, leadership, responsibility, analytical and critical thinking, self-confidence, attention to detail, discipline, and perseverance; all of which are highly desirable in today’s competitive job market. The Musical Theatre program at Westinghouse Arts Academy is a challenging and rewarding experience that provides students with the skills and tools they need to succeed in the competitive world of the performing arts.

Students seeking admission to the musical theatre program should:

• Display a sincere want to gain a deeper understanding of the American Musical Theatre.

• Demonstrate a desire to improve their technique and ability.

• Commit themselves to behave in a manner consistent with professionalism.

• Be willing to make big mistakes….and make a concerted effort to fix them.

• Support their peers on-stage, behind the scenes, and in the classroom.

• Be willing to take corrections on technique and material. We always have more to learn, be a forever student!

• Know how to respect peers, instructors, materials, and facilities.

• Be willing to explore new pathways of discovering your art.

• Be prepared to work equally as hard on their academic success.

• Musical Theatre Practicum (Fall- MT Majors only)

• Spring Musical

• Fall Play

• Gala Performance

• Monthly Performing Arts Studio Class

• Summer Musical Theatre Intensive

Gene Kelly Awards 2022 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

–  Best Musical (Won!)

–  Best Scenic Design (Won!)

–  Best Costume Design (Won!)

–  Best Lighting Design (Won!)

–  Best Vocal Ensemble (Won!)

–  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! In 2022, After being nominated for ten awards WAA took home six wins including best musical, best vocal ensemble, and best dance ensemble giving us the most wins of the evening! While the GKAs are a competition, it is viewed by our community as a celebration of high school musical theatre.