<p>Anyone a Point Park grad or know some Point Park grads? How is the job outlook for musical theater? Are many employed in the Pittsburgh area? Do many go to New York or Chicago? Is there a network to help find work among Point Park grads? Thanks!</p>
<p>Okay, I’ll bite! COPA kids seem to go everywhere…on cruise ships, on tour, to Chicago, LA, NYC and yes, some stay in Pittsburgh and work in its thriving theatre district. There is also much networking, as older grads help out younger ones. In fact, some grads continue to come to Conservatory shows to cheer on their classmates. If you ‘like’ the facebook pages of the Pittsburgh Playhouse and the Point Park Conservatory and scroll through them, you will get some idea of how the students are faring. My child and some classmates (sophomores) will be earning equity points this summer in productions around the country, others will be singing and dancing in theme parks. The job outlook I would say is much the same as for any MT grad…talent, work ethic, making and keeping professional contacts and luck might get you the job. Hope this all helps you.</p>
<p>I was at PPU to watch my son’s directing project yesterday. He is graduating on Saturday, so I spoke to many of his graduating friends. They have several things lined up already. It was quite exciting to hear. My son is working at CLO this summer. He is also starting Graduate School at California University of PA in the Fall. It was a wonderful FIND. He can earn his masters degree in two years and will also earn a teaching certificate for grades 7-12 Communications. (He has met all of the theatre requirements for this degree already. YAY) The most wonderful things about this masters program is that most of the classes are online. This will allow him to perform and audition while still getting the masters degree. There is one semester where he will actually student teach. I really encouraged him to do the masters program while he is still in a “school mentality.” He does want to teach “eventually.” But, this program truly suits all his needs right now. </p>
<p>This recent post on the Playhouse’s facebook page speaks to the success of COPA students…</p>
<p>"The Tony nominations are out! Congrats to all the Point Park alumni involved in the biggest productions on Broadway now.</p>
<p>Mike Cannon and Bobby Pestka are in the cast of “Aladdin” nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and more!</p>
<p>E. Clayton Cornelious is in “Beautiful” nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and more!</p>
<p>Stephanie Shafer is in “Rocky,” with nominations for Best Performance by a Leading Actor: Andy Karl, Best Choreography: Steven Hoggit and Kelly Devine, Best Scenic Design: Christopher Barreca and Best Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind.</p>
<p>We’re still rooting around to see who we’ve missed. CONGRATS ALL!"</p>