Sexton Institute For Musical Theatre

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. 

Students build a strong foundation in acting, voice, movement and musicianship through hands-on instruction, while benefiting from a well-rounded academic education at SMU, a research-driven liberal arts institution.

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.

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.

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.