The Institute for American Musical Theatre is a post-secondary, two-year professional training program with regard to students 17 years of age and up (exceptional dancers who are 15 or 16 years of age may be considered). The musical theatre program is located in New York City and features a wide range of faculty members currently working in the theatre industry.
Many former students have also gone on to success on Broadway and beyond. Miriam Ali , who is currently the swing in Funny Girl on Broadway says, “IAMT was a safe space where I could explore my artistry on a daily basis with the most awesome people. I felt that I could do anything, and that no matter what I am a storyteller first. The possibilities were endless, and my teachers helped me explore the craft from a place associated with love. I was excited to come to school every single day to dig deeper. I’m forever grateful. ”
To learn more about the program, BroadwayWorld sat down along with Michael Minarik (Les Mis, Rock of Ages, Matilda) , the Director and Acting Head at the Company for United states Musical Theatre, to discuss what sets IAMT’s system apart, studying in Brand new York Town, and the importance of seeking joy.
What do you think units Institute regarding American Music Theatre’s plan apart from others like it?
What is special about IAMT that models it apart from other programs is that you get in order to learn from past and present working professionals every single day. With that advantage, you’re building a professional network and community which will be incredibly important in any world of business. Networking is usually one associated with the key factors within succeeding in every form of business whether it be in architecture or playing basketball. Especially in the particular arts, as it is definitely the most collaborative business there is. So meeting individuals from all different facets associated with the industry is vital, which is the bedrock of IAMT.
What is the admissions/audition process like and what kind of students are you generally looking for?
At IAMT, we look for passionate people looking to put in the particular time plus effort into their profession. Many people are talented, but the work ethic, and the kindness and joy while doing that work, is what is so incredibly important in order to us at IAMT. Our students work because they are usually talented yet they are also good people who have worked really hard to cultivate that talent.
Our audition process can be either virtual or in person and all that information can be found upon our website.
What advantages do a person see in going to the school within a city setting like New York?
The benefits of likely to a school in NYC are vast. From getting your apartment early on, to getting a side job if need be, to learning to navigate the city, taking extra classes on top of your weekly classes in order to meet plus work with other people, to seeing the particular shows and performances that are presently happening in the world you are working to become a part of. You also get in order to meet new people plus expand that will community associated with friends, and professionals before you even begin your career. It’s tough going to a college outside the city and then being thrust into it without a lot of help. When going to IAMT, you start along with a group around you to ease a person into the world you are about to join.
Have a lot of alumni gone on in order to success in the business? What kind of careers are they pursuing?
IAMT has many grads already working in the professional field, from Broadway to Off-Broadway, national tours, regional theaters, TV/film, cruise ships, theme parks, voice-over work, commercials, music videos, and actually performing on the LIZZO tour! IAMT students are very eclectic plus realize it’s not just Broadway–there are so many different avenues of being a working artist. We also have college students looking to stage manage, direct, and choreograph, which they have opportunities to perform as well.
What would you say to a prospective student who isn’t sure that further education is necessary intended for a career in the particular arts?
You will always need to keep training. Your artistry is certainly like the muscle. If you don’t use it, it’s hard to ramp back up again. Almost like a runner training to get a marathon. Broadway performers are doing voice lessons almost all the time. Professionals are usually taking TV/film classes, as well as dance courses. Training is the base of becoming a working artist and IAMT helps you begin your journey with that coaching.
What has been probably the most rewarding part of being a part of the Institute pertaining to American Musical Theatre team?
The joy. At IAMT, we teach with joy every day. We possess sayings upon our stairs when you walk within that state “Seek Your own Joy, ” “Choose Love, ” “Breathe, ” and “Get a Snack. inch We have got pictures just about all over the school that will denote happiness and love and joy. It’s the bedrock of everything that we teach at IAMT: love plus kindness and choosing to experience the globe and your art through that will joy plus love. All of us strive to have that environment everyday along with the staff and learners and parents, so when the students graduate they bring that love with them wherever they go and impart that on their job, their friends, their co-workers, and the particular world. It’s the most important part associated with what we do at IAMT. Seek our joy and choose really like. That’s this. That’s exactly what everything will be based upon.
Applications meant for Fall 2023 are now open. To learn more regarding the program or to apply, click here .
Photo Credit: Beau Austin
