Sexton Institute For Musical Theatre

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The Sexton Institute

The Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre at SMU Meadows School of the Arts offers a premier training ground for the next generation of musical theatre artists. With a curriculum that blends rigorous acting, singing, and movement training with a deep exploration of the evolving musical theatre landscape, students receive unparalleled preparation for professional careers. Guided by world-class faculty and industry mentors, our students develop the skills, artistry, and connections to thrive on Broadway, in regional theatre and beyond.

Musical Theatre

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B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

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Get to Know Kimberly Grigsby

Music Director of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre

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Auditioning

Faculty

Joel Ferrell

Professor of Practice in Theatre and Inaugural Director of the Sexton Institute for…

Kimberly Grigsby

Assistant Professor of Practice, Musical Theatre

Blake Hackler

Chair, Division of Theatre,
Head of Acting Professor

Reiko Aylesworth

Professor of Practice

Tiana Kaye Blair

Professor of Practice, Acting and Movement

Kristi Dana

Associate Professor

Carter Gill

Visiting Professor of Acting

Anne Schilling

Associate Professor

Jennifer Joan Thompson

Assistant Professor

Carter Alexander

Chair of Dance and Professor of Practice

Christie Bondade

Assistant Professor

Julia Buckelew

Adjunct Professor

Brandi Coleman

Assistant Professor

Christopher Dolder

Associate Professor

Silas Farley

Armstrong Artist in Residence in Ballet

Michelle N. Gibson

Professor of Practice

Parisa Khobdeh

Assistant Professor of Practice

Leslie Peck

Adjunct Professor

Alvon Reed

Artist-in-Residence in Jazz

Anne Westwick

Professor of Practice

Curriculum Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Musical theatre students have a wide range of performance experiences, from intimate cabarets and workshops to large-scale mainstage productions beginning in their junior year.

Conservatory-Style Training with Liberal Arts Excellence

Students receive elite, hands-on training in performance disciplines while benefiting from a well-rounded academic education at SMU, a research-driven liberal arts institution.

Masterclasses and Special Lectures

The Sexton Institute regularly welcomes guest artists, Broadway performers and industry leaders for exclusive masterclasses, lectures and residencies. These experiences provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

Alumni Connections

With an extensive alumni network spanning Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres, Sexton Institute students gain direct access to mentorship, networking and career guidance from accomplished professionals.

Collaborations

Students at the Sexton Institute benefit from DFW’s vibrant theatre scene, with opportunities to work directly with professional companies like Theatre Three and the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center. Many of our faculty actively perform in the region, giving students the unique chance to see their professors on stage — and even occasionally perform alongside them, gaining valuable real-world experience and building industry connections before they graduate.

The Musical Theatre Program

This degree offers an immersive conservatory-style training experience within the context of a rigorous liberal arts education. Students will receive top-tier instruction in acting, voice, movement and musicianship while engaging in a variety of performance opportunities. Our curriculum emphasizes collaboration with industry professionals, fostering creativity and preparing students for the demands of today’s musical theatre industry.

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Broadway World Q&A with Joel Ferrell

                                
                                Joel Ferrell Talks Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre at SMU Meadows School of the Arts
                            

Featured Courses

THEA 2303/2304 Acting for Musical Theatre	Intensive training in acting techniques specific to musical theatre, including character development, scene study and integration of singing with acting.
THEA 2307/2308 Movement for Musical Theatre	A specialized movement course that includes physical theatre techniques, dance fundamentals and expressive movement to enhance stage presence.
DANC 3374 Evolution of Musical Theatre	A historical exploration of musical theatre from its origins to contemporary works, analyzing key productions, composers and industry trends.
DANC 3374 Evolution of Musical Theatre	A study of theatrical traditions and literature, providing context for understanding musical theatre's place in the broader performing arts landscape.

Marlyne Sexton – Benefactor, Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre
                                
                                Broadway producer and philanthropist G. Marlyne Sexton has made a transformative $15M gift ��ҹAV Meadows School of the Arts, founding the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre. Her generosity ensures that aspiring musical theatre artists receive world-class training, mentorship and opportunities to shape the future of the industry. Through her support, the Sexton Institute stands as a premier destination for the next generation of performers and creators.

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