Actor Training
The actor training major challenges you to expand both your craft and your creative imagination so that you can be successful in a broad range of theatrical styles from the contemporary to the classical.
Overview
Hartt’s music theatre major integrates comprehensive actor training with rigorous instruction in singing and dance. Weekly individual voice lessons, along with classes in ear training and music theory, provide you with a strong musical foundation. Multiple levels of ballet, jazz, and tap help you develop the dance skills required for professional success.
About the Program
A key part of the program are the performance opportunities. These opportunities at Hartt are extensive and designed to expose students to musicals and other plays from across the theatrical repertoire. Starting with second year projects and culminating with full-scale, professionally designed productions, the season is chosen to provide each class with challenging onstage experiences. In the fourth year, our students are in residence at Goodspeed Musicals for three weeks in January working on a Festival of New Musicals. Music Theatre students may also audition for the Hartford Stage Company's annual production of A Christmas Carol as well as other Equity productions in the company's season. Many of our students join the Equity Membership Candidate Program during their time at Hartt.
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, view the Course Catalog.
Career Ready
Through real world experiences, our graduates are ready for their next stage! Though close relationships with professionals in their field from our faculty to guest artists, students have a solid network of support. Additionally, we have professional relationships with regional area theaters including the Tony Award winning Hartford Stage Company, Theaterworks of Hartford, Goodspeed Musicals.
Success Story
Leslie Walker '19 made her Broadway debut in the revival of Funny Girl as an original cast member. She credits Hartt as providing tools for her success. In addition to the connections made with Hartt’s faculty, the industry partnerships that Hartt cultivates were proven to be paramount in Walker’s post-college career. Through Hartt's relationships with Hartford Stage and Goodspeed Opera House, she was able to be part of their productions, but also received multiple job offers from the creatives she worked with. In fact, Walker was able to be connected to her current agent in her senior year, which resulted in more than half of the jobs she booked.
Admission and Audition Requirements
Theatre auditions and interviews are typically conducted on campus as well as in select cities around the United States, and The Hartt School accepts recorded auditions for applicants who are unable to make it to campus.
Pre-screen auditions will be required for Music Theatre applicants and will be conducted via virtual/recorded video format. Pre-screens must be submitted by December 1!
Keisha Gilles
BFA, Music Theatres, 2012
Keisha Gilles is a New York- based actress. Recently, she was in the ensemble of the Broadway, first and second national tours of The Book of Mormon. She also toured with the national tour of Dreamgirls.
LEARN MORE about Keisha
I remember from the first day I stepped foot on campus and the welcoming energy that was there, I knew that it was the school for me.
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