MUSICAL THEATRE — The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts

MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE

MT Performance focuses on the individuality of the student and fostering what they bring their uniqueness and skill set. MT Performance is an acting-based program with a foundation in Meisner technique supplemented by equal parts vocal and dance training. Our MT Performance faculty includes a plethora of Broadway veterans most of whom are currently working in the field. From core classes like Acting Styles, Jazz, and Harmonies & Vocal Styles to unique offerings like Acting for the Camera and Commercial Hip Hop our focus is training well-rounded performers who are ready to enter today's theatrical market. Our MT Performance program is crafted specifically for those seeking to play principal roles in musicals and plays and those whom are interested in pursing a career in television and film. MT Performance is a two-year Associates Degree.

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MT Performance Curriculum Two Year Program

Major Courses
BAL Ballet (1 credit)
CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)
GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)
HVS1 Harmonies & Vocal Styles 1 (3 credits)
JZD Jazz Dance (2 credits)
LAB1 Laban 1 (1.5 credits)
MTA MT Audition Technique (3 credits)
MTS1 MT Scene Study 1 (2 credits)
TAP Tap (1 credit)
VOV Voice Over (1.5 credits)
General Education
BSK1 Business Skills 1 (1.5 credits)
MUS1 Music Theory 1 (1 credit)
PSY1 Psychology 1 (1 credit)
TVF1 History of TV/Film 1 (3 credits)
Major Courses
ACT-MT Acting for the Camera (1.5 credits)
BAL Ballet (1 credit)
CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)
GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)
HVS2 Harmonies & Vocal Styles 2 (1.5 credits)
IMP1 Improvisation 1 (1.5 credits)
JZD Jazz Dance (2 credits)
MEI-MT Meisner (1.5 credits)
MTA MT Audition Technique (3 credits)
MTS MT Scene Study (2 credits)
TAP Tap (1 credit)
General Education
BSK2 Business Skills 2 (1.5 credits)
ENG1 English Composition I (3 credits)
MUS2 Music Theory 2 (1 credit)
Major Courses
ACT-MT Acting for the Camera (1.5 credits)
CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)
GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)
JZD Jazz Dance (2 credits)
MEI-MT Meisner (1.5 credits)
MTA MT Audition Technique (3 credits)
TAP Tap (1 credit)
VCS1 Vocal Styles 1 (2 credits)
VOV Voice Over (1.5 credits)
VAS1-MT Voice & Speech (1.5 credits)
General Education
NEU1 Neuroscience 1 (3 credits)
PLY1 Playwriting 1 (3 credits)
Major Courses
ACM1-MT Acting for Commercials 1 (1 credit)
CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)
GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)
JZD Jazz Dance (2 credits)
MTA MT Audition Technique (3 credits)
MTE MT Dance Ensemble (1 credit)
SHW1 Showcase 1 (1.5 credits)
TAP Tap (1 credit)
General Education
ENT1 Entrepreneurship 1 (3 credits)
ETH1 Ethics 1 (3 credits)

The Conservatory was originally founded as The LINK Program. Check out some brilliant alumni:

Shereen Pimentel - Maria in West Side Story

David Breeds - U/S Evan, Jared, Connor in Dear Evan Hansen

Emily Owens - U/S Madame Thernardier and Ensemble in Les Miserables

Aaron James McKenzie - A Beautiful Noise

Jordan Cunningham - Ensemble in Everybody's Talking About Jamie West End

Jaimie Pruden - U/S Jenny & Susan in Company

Jason Schmidt - Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount Plus

D'Kaylah Unique Whitley - Dear Evan Hansen

Jojo Fleites - The Winchesters on The CW

Jaylan Evans - My Life With the Walter Boys on Netflix

Amaya White - An Officer and a Gentleman

FAQs

How many students do you accept?

We accept 16 students per year.

How often do we receive voice lessons?

All students work with a voice teacher weekly, every semester.

How diverse is your program?

We accept students with varying ethnicities, religions, gender identities, sexualities, and disabilities into our programs.

What are your facilities like?

Our facilities include a variety of building types. From large dance studios to state-of-the-art recording studios, many of our facilities are used by professional arts businesses. Dormitory housing is offered within walking distance of all our buildings.

Are there any specific materials or equipment required for my major?

All requirements are communicated to students by Admissions during the enrollment process. The Director of Admissions meets with all Department Heads to ensure that all requirements are accurately communicated to prospective and incoming students.

Are there performance opportunities?

Of course! Students in any semester are able and encouraged to audition for the MainStage musicals as well as many student directed and led productions. We are proud partners with the A1 Conference, allowing our students to audition for summer theatres across the country, annually.

Can I audition for professional shows while in school?

Yes! In fact, we encourage our students to continuously audition for professional work. The Conservatory’s main goal is to train employable artists, we pride ourselves on working with students who are actively auditioning and booking to continue and complete their education.

If I don’t have a strong dance background, will I still be considered?

Absolutely. This major includes training specific to playing principal roles in musical theatre. We strive to nurture and enhance the abilities of students who may be new to dance. All students participate in assessments on the first day of class and will be placed in the appropriate level class.

What type of programs do you offer?

Currently, we offer three conservatory major — each lasting two years and offering an Associates Degree. In an industry where opportunities for youthful artists are in high abundance, we believe our students are ready to join the workforce within two years. Our students graduate typically with less debt and receive training from the most brilliant Broadway creatives.