Music Theatre
This program 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.
Overview
The Actor Training curriculum begins with rigorous classical training in acting, movement, voice, and speech, then expands into contemporary practices, including acting for the camera and voice-over. Courses in devised theatre and project development prepare students to create and develop original work—not only to interpret the work of others. Graduates emerge as versatile, entrepreneurial artists equipped for careers across theatre, film, television, and new media.
During the third year, students travel to England for an intensive Shakespeare residency with our partners at Drama Studio London. Working alongside British theatre professionals, they deepen their classical technique while experiencing the rigor and discipline of British conservatory training.
The fourth year bridges training and the profession. Students work with New York–based agents and casting directors to develop audition and showcase materials. They also gain practical industry experience through professional engagements with leading regional companies, including Hartford Stage, Playhouse on Park, and TheaterWorks Hartford.
About the Program
The Hartt Theatre Division provides extensive performance opportunities designed to challenge students and expose them to a broad range of theatrical traditions, styles, and voices. Beginning with process-centered second-year projects and culminating in fully staged, professionally designed productions, each experience strengthens artistic growth, ensemble collaboration, and professional discipline. Our season connects enduring works with urgent contemporary questions, and Actor Training and Music Theatre students are encouraged to audition for both plays and musicals.
Beyond performance, electives and workshops in directing, playwriting, devising, and related disciplines empower students to expand their artistic voices and build sustainable careers as multidimensional theatre-makers. Students in the Honors Program may bring these skills together by conceiving and leading an original senior-year project.
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, view the Course Catalog.
Career Ready
Through close relationships with professionals in their field from our faculty to guest artists to alumni, students graduate from Hartt with solid network of support. Our rigorous training and professional relationships with theaters including the Tony Award winning Hartford Stage Company, Theaterworks Hartford, Goodspeed Musicals have prepared them to work alongside industry veterans. When they walk through our doors, Hartt graduates are ready for their next stage!
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 Actor Training applicants and will be conducted via virtual/recorded video format. Pre-screens must be submitted by December 1!
Shawn-Caulin Young
BFA, Actor Training, 2004
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Shawn-Caulin Young is an accomplished actor, director, producer, and respected acting coach. He has had acting roles on TV series including True Detective, Santa Clarita Diet, and Godless. Recently, Young played the role of Crystal in the film Heart, Baby, the story of George Lee Martin, an African American prison boxer who turned down freedom and Olympic glory to stay in prison. In addition to acting in the film, Young was one of the producers. Prior to filming, Young returned to Hartt to work with Theatre faculty to prepare for the role of Crystal, a real-life transgender female inmate.
LEARN MORE about Shawn
Hartt possesses a unique and very special staff of artists who knew exactly how to elevate my craft and prepare me for the role of a lifetime.
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