Why Texas State Musical Theatre

What Sets Us Apart:

  • The TXST Musical Theatre degree plan is unique because the curriculum was built under one umbrella, with everything housed in the Theatre Department. No classes are taught out of the Music or Dance School.

    This allows our classes to be fully integrated, with the musical theater faculty only serving our musical theater students. The curriculum was designed to be collaborative in all aspects, with each class informing and building on the other classes. Musical theater is its own art form and as such, the curriculum was designed to reflect that. The average class size is 12-14. With a total of 10 full-time faculty who serve a total of 50-56 students at any one time within the entire program and 3 additional faculty who work with the MT students who are part of the BFA Acting faculty. A student should expect a lot of individual attention. This sets TXST apart.

  • TXST is one of the most affordable programs in the country. We have the added benefit of being able to award in-state tuition to our out-of-state and international students.

    Out-of-state students are automatically awarded a $1,000 scholarship that is guaranteed for all four years, which qualifies them for in-state tuition. Currently, this saves students close to $13,000 in out-of-state tuition costs and fees a year, a total of $52,000 over 4 years. In addition, academic and need-based scholarships are also awarded to qualifying students.

    “One of the best college deals can be found at Texas State University” - Huffington Post

    For additional information click here: https://www.sbs.txstate.edu/billing.html

  • During their junior and senior year, musical theater students have a series of Business Labs designed by Broadway veteran Kaitlin Hopkins.

    Labs Include: 

    • Contracts (theater/film/tv)
    • Mock Agent interviews
    • How to do your taxes on tour (National/International)
    • Financial planning (with Merrill Lynch VP)
    • Social media/branding/website 
    • Interview skills (on camera and print)
    • Resumes and cover letters
    • How to read tv/film call sheets
    • Budgeting
    • The Unions
    • How to get jobs
    • Professional expectations
    • First year transition post-graduation and more
  • Texas State is committed to training the whole performer. In addition to performance, students are also trained in multiple areas of self-care.

    In addition to vocal health, physical health and wellness, students also receive the Living Mental Wellness program which is an evidence-based life skills curriculum designed specifically for performing artists by Texas State musical theatre program founder Kaitlin Hopkins, along with sports psychologist Dr. Hilary Cauthen Ph.D. and communications expert Dr. Marian Hauser. These skills include: brain science, mindfulness and meditation, goal setting, time management, coping, communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

    To learn more visit www.LivingMentalWellness.com.

    “Be well first. Be an Artist second. Your first priority as an actor is to be well or all the rest won’t matter. To be a successful professional means doing what you love in a healthy, sustainable, repeatable way. As educators is it our job to make sure that is a foundational skillset offered as part of your training in this program.” - Kaitlin Hopkins


    Student Perspective:

    “Texas State is one of the only programs I auditioned for that even mentioned mental health. The musical theatre industry is physically strenuous, and it is also very trying for your mental wellbeing. Training at a program that not only talks about mental health but encourages practicing mindfulness was a huge asset that set Texas State apart from other programs for me.” - Paul Amrani '22

    “The mental wellness course gave me the tools to work more efficiently and with greater consideration for my health. I applied these skills to my training, my school work, and my life and noticed huge differences in the quality of my work and my overall happiness. I am so happy to go to a school that values a holistic approach to training and offers skills that teach us to put our wellness above all things.” - Camille Duvall '21
    “It is so important to believe in yourself as a performer, and that comes from believing in yourself as a person. The mental wellness lab can help you to achieve this; to really trust that you are enough.”-Colin Trudell '21

    “The mental wellness program provides many helpful tools for managing stress and setting daily personal goals. These tools are as useful in life as they are in school, and I use them often to ensure I’m devoting my energy to the important things and to keep a bad moment from becoming a bad day.” -Riley Edwards '21

    “As an individual who already struggles with mental health issues, I learned new techniques to help organize my thoughts and emotions, analyze them, and then actively work to transform them from thoughts of negativity to thoughts of positivity and productivity.”-Austin Kelly '21

    “The mental wellness program really showed me how to take a break in my day and think about the way that I’m feeling. In this career path especially, it can get to be a habit to just go go go, but now I have the tools to slow down, take stock, and mindfully continue with my day in a healthy and productive way. I live in the world completely differently now and am so grateful for those tools!”-Emily Edwards '21

    “The mental wellness program allowed me to fully understand how to face the challenges musical theatre takes on me emotionally and mentally. This program was so important to me because it taught me that taking care of yourself and your mind is vital to the success of your art and creative mind."-Michaela Lamas '21

  • Sophomore Project is a cornerstone in the Texas State musical theatre program experience.

    During Sophomore year, musical theater students spend the semester creating a culturally responsive original devised piece in a collective investigation of who they are and what they stand for both as artists and as people. The goal, in part, is to allow students an opportunity to explore their unique voice and perspective as storytellers and how they can bring that to their work. Sophomore Project holds space for students to collectively develop as creative leaders in the art form through the collaborative process of creating original work. 

    TXST is an institution committed to social justice, the celebration and support of a diverse group of people, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community. We are united by one shared purpose: to make a positive impact on our world. We are a student-centered program dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching, research, including creative expression and service. Sophomore Project is a reflection of these principles.

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO-knnuCbRTWRtmg4iTZtXyXYZsrioNsa


    Student Perspective:

    “Sophomore project gave me the confidence to create my own work in a safe and encouraging environment. I don’t think I would be a songwriter had it not been for this class and because of the help that I received in my writing. It also taught me a lot about collaborating, which made me and my classmates vulnerable and open.” -Bella Coppola '20

    “Working on the sophomore project has been one of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had. As artists, I believe that making the type of work we got the opportunity to make is not only extremely fulfilling but absolutely necessary for the good of our well-being.”-Marcus Brooks '22

    “This was one of the most, if not the most, artistically fulfilling experience I have ever had.”- Samantha Beckman '22

    “I feel like I received a clue to creative freedom!”- Anyae Reed '22

    “This experience helped me to understand collaboration, celebrate my individuality and my essence, and understand the power of art and how it inspires and changes people’s lives.”- Emiliano Morales '22

    “I have found over the past couple of years that being an artist doesn't necessarily mean just being one kind of artist. I don't just fit into one box or can only do one thing. I think the sophomore project also helped me understand that my purpose as an artist is much greater than just booking a job, or playing a dream role, or being on Broadway. That is still very much a dream, but it has shifted from being my main focus to just another goal. There is a greater purpose to my artistry which is to share this with the world, make it more accessible, create awareness on the injustices that exist in our industry, and through our art also tell the stories of those voices that have remained unheard. That is much greater and gives me much more fuel and passion than the simple goal of getting to New York.” -Lucia Chavez '22

  • Texas State is home to the Harrison New Works Commission and Guest Artists Series.

    Thanks to generous donations from Patti Strickel Harrison the musical theater program is able to develop and produce new musicals and plays in collaboration with top award-winning Broadway professionals and our gifted students.

    All Artists in Residence teach classes and mentor our students in addition to working on their new show.

    New Musical Development

  • In addition to the class curriculum,  students have the opportunity to work with top industry professionals in masterclasses and workshops. To view past guest artists, click here.

  • Texas State’s philosophy is to create a culture of family that will translate into a lifelong support system. Our current students and alumni are a part of a mentoring tradition called Bigs/Littles, where each incoming freshman has two upper classmen who are their “Bigs”. This relationship continues beyond the 4 years at Texas State, with our alumni taking an active part in helping our students transition into the professional world. Our Bobcat families are also an active part of supporting the program's commitment to community. 

    We are an ensemble of artists, faculty, and students striving each day to lead with love, compassion, and integrity. This way, we can better approach every class, rehearsal and creative process being fully present. Together we take responsibility for nurturing and fostering a healthier, safer, and challenging learning environment that is based in community and family.


    Student Perspective:

    “Like many young artists, I came into college filled with multi-layered walls that past insecurities built. With every day spent at Texas State, a piece of that wall would slowly come down. In a world where perfection is “expected,” Texas State provides an environment that encourages failing forward and grow. It is a place that fosters an artist’s idiosyncratic fire and celebrates them, transforming the artist into a fully realized performer and human. Kaitlin Hopkins serves as a fountain of knowledge that not only pushes the limits of a student’s creativity and artistry, but inspires them to dig deep within themselves to establish a point of view and live deliberately in this world. The familial and assiduous environment set by the faculty and students is a testament to the core values that promulgates every facet of this program. There is a lot of love that courses through the veins of these Bobcats, and it beats to the rhythm of its own drum.” -Jorrel Javier '18

    “How lucky am I to be in such an amazing and supportive environment? Sure, there are other amazing programs out there but I truly believe that the sense of community we have here is something special that other places do not have. Everyone is full of love and support and wants everyone here to succeed. What we have here at Texas State is so beautiful.” -Rachel Webb '20

    “As a student who went through the college audition process, I have to say that my interaction and audition experience with Texas State University’s musical theatre program was the BEST experience I had. As an incoming freshman, I already felt welcomed (long before my first day of class) by current students, faculty, and alumni. The guidance that was given to me before I started my freshman year was second to none compared to what my other friends experienced with other programs!” –Madeliene Bourgeois '22

  • Individualized Tracks

    • Texas State offers individualized tracks for musical theater majors, who in addition to their performance degree want to focus on other professional skills. These opportunities are in “addition to” performance curriculum, not “instead” of.

      Composer Track

      The Texas State University Musical Theater Program Composer track provides numerous opportunities for talented musicians and composer/songwriters. Composers enjoy the opportunity to work one-on-one with major industry composers visiting under the auspices of the Harrison/Bowman New Works Commission program. In addition, these young composers have the invaluable chance to hear their works performed by their peers in workshop settings and even full productions.

      Musical Direction Track

      Musicians in the program interested in music direction have the opportunity to work closely with the program’s Musical Direction Department, including mentorships with award-winning faculty music directors, the opportunity to act as Assistant Music Director on main stage productions, and even act as lead music directors for student-composed or directed productions.


      Student Perspective:

      "One of the reasons that I chose Texas State over other schools with similar Musical Theatre programs was because I knew that I would be able to pursue other artistic disciplines during my time here--for me, that meant pursuing Musical Theatre composition. In my time here, I've been met time and again with encouragement and guidance as I've presented my teachers with things that I've written, and I have been given opportunities to sing my work in class, see it performed by my colleagues, and even have it critiqued by industry professionals such as Andrew Lippa, Mark Hollman, and Kim Sherman.

      The most exciting opportunity that has come from my teachers' support happened recently: I was commissioned by the department to extend a young, one-act musical I'd been working on into a full-fledged production. I've been writing and working on developing the piece with my advisor Jim Price and my director, graduate student Tom DelBello, all while completing the full requirements of a Musical Theatre major. I can't think of anywhere else that I would be able to say yes to such unique opportunities!" -Daniel Z. Miller '19

      “As I auditioned for college theatre programs, I had a very specific requirement that I needed from my future college choice. I wanted a program that would be willing to give me opportunities to train as a Music Director without compromising my training as a performer. When I spoke about this idea with the faculty at Texas State, not only were they willing to individualize my training, but they were truly excited about it. They greatly valued that creative part of me. Over my four years in the Texas State Musical Theatre program, I was given a myriad of opportunities to grow as a Music Director IN ADDITION to all the training I received as an actor/singer/dancer/creator: I was part of the music direction team on 3 mainstage musicals; I was a composer/arranger for 5 mainstage plays that commissioned original music; I was a professional accompanist for auditions, masterclasses, vocal coachings, undergraduate courses, and rehearsals; I played in the pit for our mainstage production of Legally Blonde; AND, I was personally mentored by the MT faculty head of Music Theory and Music Direction, Greg Bolin. Through these incredible opportunities, I received, firsthand, years of experience working in a professional environment. By the time I graduated, I had a fully stocked resume with the experience to back it up. I improved immensely as a pianist, I learned techniques for leading rehearsals and techniques for following singers, I learned how to analyze a song within an inch of its life, and all these additional skills only amplified my prowess as a performer. Texas State truly excels at fostering what makes you unique as an artist. Every single member of the faculty went out of their way to provide additional training for me (everyone from the Dance faculty to the Vocal Coaches) simply because they recognized the value in this part of my creativity that I wanted to explore. It sounds like a fun time in college, but let me assure you, I gained benefits from this training that extended beyond artistic fulfillment. My professional life has flourished because of the opportunities I was given in school. Since beginning my education at Texas State, I have been hired professionally as a Music Director at two equity regional theaters, every summer, since my sophomore year of college. I have worked as a professional accompanist in New York City. I was also hired as the Music Director for the first National Tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas within two weeks of moving to New York. I had barely stepped off the plane, and I was already seeing the real-world benefits of the training Texas State provided me. This program revolutionized my life, my career, my confidence, and it gave me the skills I need to achieve all of my dreams. I couldn't recommend this school, this program, and/or this Music Director track more enthusiastically if I tried.” – Spencer Hansen '14

    • Texas State offers individualized tracks for musical theater majors, who in addition to their performance degree want to focus on other professional skills. These opportunities are in “addition to” performance curriculum, not “instead” of.

      The Choreography Track allows students to be mentored by faculty choreographers and build skills necessary to work as an assistant or choreographer in the profession. The track is tailored to each individual, but can include:

      • Developed curriculum on choreographing for musical theatre that covers every step of the production process
      • Dance Captain and/or Swing for a production
      • Assistant Choreographer for a production including choreographing at least one entire number
      • Associate Choreographer for a production, participating in every aspect of the choreography process including casting, pre-production work, design meetings, choreographing 1-2 numbers, and assisting in tech rehearsals.
      • Choreographer/Co-Choreographer for an entire production
      • Leadership in dance projects for the program including the Choreography Group Showcase
      • Connections to current industry choreographers

      The Choreography Group Showcase is open to all musical theatre majors. Students have a chance to explore their creative voice by choreographing dance pieces using other students while receiving faculty mentorship. These entirely student-choreographed, student-danced numbers are then presented in an annual showcase.


      Student Perspective:

      “I have had an incredible experience being on the choreographer’s track. Through this track, I have been able to choreograph pieces for a choreographer’s club and I was lucky enough to have my piece go viral on Facebook last year. Next semester, I get to dance captain Ragtime and choreograph a number for the production. Texas State’s choreographer’s track has given me the best of both worlds because I am able to pursue both of my passions simultaneously." - Beau Harmon '20

      “I have always been interested in all aspects of musical theatre, rather than exclusively performing. As a lifelong dancer, choreography is a passion of mine, and I knew that Texas State would be the perfect place for me to hone that skill. Our vastly knowledgeable and experienced dance faculty have created numerous opportunities for me and my peers to flex our choreographic muscles. Between in-class exercises and our annual choreographer’s club, I have been challenged to create dances ranging in styles from boy band hip-hop to contemporary partnering. In my three years thus far, I have worked behind the scenes assisting with our musicals, dance captained both educationally and professionally, and have been asked to set musical staging for mainstage and studio plays here at Texas State. Kaitlin, Kiira, and Cassie have gone out of their way to create these opportunities for me, integrating them seamlessly into the rest of my curriculum. All these different perspectives of dance and choreography have allowed me to develop my skill set in a way unlike I could have anywhere else, and I’m so grateful to have all this experience in my back pocket for when I head into the industry.” - Jacob Burns '19

      “Something I always hear from industry professionals is to take the opportunities to get behind the table and experience the musical theater process from a different perspective. Texas State’s Musical Theater program allows for me to experience the process of a musical from the audition to opening night all behind the table and with experienced choreographers and directors. I’ve learned so much about choreographing and what goes into a musical besides what the performers put into it because of the opportunity to Assistant Choreograph a musical at Texas State University” -Logan-Raec'19

      “Texas State is unique in that it allows artists to explore their creative potential beyond the confines of performance. In my time at school, I was able to explore my passion for choreography. The “Choreography Track” is a special addition to the program and was designed to allow students the opportunity to develop their skills in both casual and professional settings. The choreography club gives students the chance to try out new work on dancers and explore their own movement styles in a safe and collaborative space. Additionally, the faculty provides students with the opportunity to assist choreographers on the main stage shows and even professional productions. This track was instrumental to my growth as an artist and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue creative leadership roles in the professional community.” –Ty Hunter Taylor '17

    • Texas State offers individualized tracks for musical theater majors, who in addition to their performance degree want to focus on other professional skills. These opportunities are in “addition to” performance curriculum, not “instead” of.

      The Texas State University Musical Theater Program Producer/Director track provides numerous opportunities for students interested in producing and/or directing. Those opportunities are customized for the individual and their interests. Opportunities might include independent projects mentored by a faculty member, industry internships, working behind the table on shows, and other facilitated opportunities to produce and/or direct. 

      Past examples of student producer and/or director opportunities include: 

      • Annual Broadway Backwards Cabaret
      • Numerous dance projects
      • Assisting on new musical workshops with industry professionals
      • Assisting on school productions
      • Facilitated student-produced/directed shows and projects
      • EP’s, music videos, podcasts, documentaries, and more.

      *Please note: Directing is a required class in the Musical Theatre degree plan, with the option to take an advanced Directing course. 

      *Playwriting and writing for tv/film/web series classes are also available


      Student Perspective:

      “At TXST I was able to experience the behind-the-scenes work that goes into being a producer. I was fortunate enough to produce Beehive, alongside the head of the program. This opportunity helped me gain the knowledge on producing that will be vital to me as I plan on pursuing producing and choreographing musicals. After this process I feel confident in my ability to produce a musical in a way that allows the creatives and artists to trust me with the logistics so they can focus on their storytelling.”- Alex Aponte '22

      “The Texas State Musical theatre program gave me the opportunity to learn how to be a producer within the safety of a liberal arts program. I was able to learn hands on from industry professionals such as Megan Larche (Every Little Step, The Muny, TUTS), Jim Cooney (Broadway Dance Center), Scott Michaels (Wagon Wheel) and the head of the program, Kaitlin Hopkins. Working one on one with these professionals allowed me to begin to build my own producorial style and feel empowered to branch out. I began to produce away from the education system. Because of TXSTMT I now have a production company (JP + KC Productions) that regularly creates work that is viewed by thousands, I have been invited to join producing teams of new musicals being workshopped across the country, and I have been able to find work with professional companies and make my living as a theatre producer. TXSTMT gave me the strength, knowledge, and confidence to sit in my power and become a leader in our industry - and for that I am forever thankful.”- Kaycee Swierc '18

      “At Texas State, I was able to explore, demystify, and learn exactly what the role of a producer is. My junior year the head of the program reached out to the program to see if anyone wanted to produce an open mic night at a local bar that was looking for the weekly entertainment. I had never spearheaded anything like that, but something inside me told me to do it. So, I did. My job entailed creating different themed nights, finding talent to fill each show, setting up space, and coordinating with the owner of the bar. Then my senior year, I had this dream to put up a Broadway Backwards Cabaret. So, I approached the head of the program and she said, "Great. I can get you the space, a stage manager, help with promo, etc. just take charge of it." I ended up producing and directing the show. I conducted auditions, created the rehearsal schedule, and directed the piece. That cabaret had gone on to become an annual event and one of the many student-produced and directed work supported by the program.

      I really learned that a producer very much is a jack of all trades and master of none. They must be both a creative and business brain. Thanks to Texas State I was able to find this love I have for turning my ideas into realities and finding the collaborators to make that happen. That's what a producer ultimately is. I have since started an intergenerational production company (Lavender Public) with other TXST and a podcast Queer Queeries.” - Nick Eibler '19

      “My time at Texas State really opened the doors to taking on more creative responsibility. This program provided multiple outlets to create and set work on my peers; as well as the resources and venue to rehearse and film the pieces. In addition to a curriculum and faculty that encourages artist to initiate their own projects, the theater program as a whole harbor’s creators of many different facets. I was directing a play called Almost Maine with Kaycee Swierc (acting BFA ’20) when covid hit and canceled our production. We ended up creating a digital production company to raise money for various organizations and causes like the Actor’s Fund, BLM, and the National Woman’s Organization. If I’ve learned anything from my time here, it’s that the possibilities are endless when you surround yourself around creative & positive energy.” - Jeremiah Porter '21

What We Look For

We are looking for artists who embrace the craft of storytelling in all its forms and not just the pursuit of their careers. We are looking for brave, curious humans who are inspired by and are committed to the process of learning, being of service through their art form, and developing their unique voices as artists.

Ensemble of Chorus Line at Texas State University.

Artists who embrace diversity.

Elle Woods and ensemble in Legally Blonde at Texas State University

Artists who are committed.

Ensemble of Hair sitting on a van at Texas State University

Artists with integrity.

The Emcee and members of ensemble in Cabaret at Texas State University.

Artists who are joyful creators.

Ensemble of the 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee at Texas State University

Artists who are curious.

Cat in the Hat, Horton, and ensemble in Seussical at Texas State University

Artists who dream.

Evita dancing on stage at Texas State University

Artists willing to fail forward.

Ensemble memebers in Texas State's Hunchback of Notre Dame

Artists who value community.

Mayzie in Texas State's Seussical

Artists committed to service.

The March family in Texas State's Little Women

Artists who are collaborative.

Cast of Hair during the finale at Texas State University

Artists who are compassionate.

Sarah and Coalhouse in Ragtime at Texas State University

Artists that know who they are.

Sally Bowles and ensemble in Texas State's Cabaret

Artists who are fearless.

Ensemble of Spring Awakening at Texas State

Artists who challenge status quo.

Cast of Texas State's Ragtime

Artists who are inclusive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, you can change it. However, we would recommend you don’t do something else if your reasoning is “they already saw that song on the video, so I should show them something else.”  The material you did in your prescreen was why we called you back and seeing it live is part of what we are interested in, and not all of the faculty who attend the callbacks, watched the original prescreen videos. We recommend you change your material if you have something new that you think shows you off better than the material you submitted on your prescreen, or is more contrasting. We don’t mind, either way, it is about what serves you best. These are just guidelines.

  • Each year the Musical Theatre program accepts 12-14 students in the freshmen class. As a result, we are able to provide highly personalized training.

  • All musical theatre BFA majors are required to audition for all plays and musicals beginning spring of freshman year. Freshmen are eligible to participate in performance opportunities outside of the mainstage season. We believe that creating as many performance opportunities as possible to apply your training is important.

  • Transfer students apply to the university as transfers; however, they will be required to audition for the incoming freshman Musical Theatre cohort. Please be advised the curriculum for our Musical Theatre program requires a four-year commitment regardless of previous training.

  • Yes, our showcase is highly attended by top industry professionals. For more information on our showcase visit our Senior Showcase page.

     

  • All musical theater students audition for the Main Stage and Studio productions (plays and musicals) beginning spring semester of freshman year.  Our production season consisting of between 9-12 productions (2-3 of them musicals). Additional performance opportunities include The Black & Latino Playwrights Celebration, The New Works Playwriting Festival, Black History Month Showcase, Choreographer's Club, Singer/Songwriter Club, Broadway Backwards Cabaret, Vocal Libre, short films, New Musical Workshops, special projects with M.F.A. directing and playwriting students, and D2 Festival of student-directed work.