The TXSTMT program is housed entirely within the Texas State Department of Theatre and Dance, meaning no classes are taught outside our area, making TXSTMT unique.
This integration allows for a fully collaborative approach, with each class informing and building upon the others. Designed to provide individualized attention, our program's eight full-time faculty members serve the current 50-56 students pursuing the degree.
Rest assured, Texas State is not just an excellent academic institution but also one of the most affordable universities in the country. We guarantee in-state tuition to all our students, regardless of their residency.
During their junior and senior year, TXSTMT students have a series of Business Labs designed by Broadway veteran and program founder Kaitlin Hopkins.
Texas State is committed to training the whole performer. In addition to performance, students are also trained in multiple areas of self-care like 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 TXSTMT program founder Kaitlin Hopkins, sports psychologist Dr. Hilary Cauthen Ph.D. and communications expert Dr. Marian Hauser. Through this program, students are taught skills that include brain science, mindfulness and meditation, goal setting, time management, coping, communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
During Sophomore year, musical theater students spend the spring semester creating an 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.
The project holds space for students to collectively develop as creative leaders in the art form through the collaborative process of creating original work.
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.
In addition to the class curriculum, students have the opportunity to work with top industry professionals in masterclasses and workshops.
TXSTMT's philosophy is cultivating a rich community culture culture amongst our current and past students, ultimately providing a lifelong support network. Our current students participate in a mentoring tradition (Bigs/Littles), where two upperclassmen ("Bigs") guide and assist a first-year student ("Little") throughout their adjustment to college life.
This relationship extends beyond the four years at Texas State, with our alums actively assisting our students in transitioning to the professional world. Our Bobcat families are also engaged in supporting the program's commitment to the community.
At TXSTMT, we are more than just a school. We are a collective of artists, faculty, and students who strive daily to lead with love, compassion, and integrity. This shared approach to leadership allows us to be fully present in every class, rehearsal, and creative process. Together, we take responsibility for nurturing and fostering a healthier, safer, and more challenging learning environment, one that is based on the principles of community and shared culture.
Texas State offers individualized tracks for musical theater majors, who in addition to their performance degree want to focus on other professional skills. These tracks are not a four-year commitment, and can be explored at anytime during your collegiate career.
TXSTMT’s Composer Track provides opportunities for talented musicians and composers/songwriters to further explore their craft. Students on this track have the opportunity to work one-on-one with top industry composers as part of our guest artist/new musical development workshops. In addition, student composers have the chance to hear their works performed by their peers in workshop, reading or concert settings and even full productions. There is also a student led Singer-Songwriter Club that has a program sponsored showcase presentation of their work.
Musicians in the program interested in music direction work closely with the program’s Musical Direction faculty, 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.
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 the individual, but can include:
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.
TXSTMT’s 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:
*Please note: Directing I 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
*These opportunities are in “addition to” the curriculum, not “instead” of.
