Musical Theater Program Receives Prestigious Award

Amy Rogers, Assistant Professor of Music Theater

“This grant will significantly strengthen the program, preparing it for the increasing number of students attracted to the performing arts.”
— Amy Rogers, Assistant Professor of Music Theater

The BFA in Musical Theater program has received a $40,000 community grant from the prestigious Nathan Cummings Foundation. According to assistant professor of music theater Amy Rogers, “This grant was awarded to our program because of its tremendous development in the past five years and the promise that the program will contribute to the training of musical theater professionals here in New York City.”

Dean Nira Herrmann notes, “This generous gift from the Nathan Cummings Foundation represents a true recognition of the major impact Dyson College and Pace University are having on arts education in Lower Manhattan. We look forward to becoming a major influence in the fine and performing arts as part of the revitalization of Downtown New York. The Nathan Cummings gift will enable us to invite key artists to interact with our students and provide professional expertise right on our campus.”

The Foundation’s grant will specifically enhance four areas of the program:

  • production of an annual New Work (musical);
  • use of a professional orchestra for performances;
  • establishment of Master classes and guest lecturers; and
  • the creation, organization and proper maintenance of a musical theater library;

as well as provide administrative support for the program.

These critical operating funds will further enhance the world-class curriculum created by Rogers and better serve the exceptionally talented students in the program.

Established in 2002, the Musical Theater program is only the second program of its kind in New York City. The program has grown exponentially from four to 66 majors, and auditions more than 200 hopeful high school and transfer students annually. This grant will significantly strengthen the program, preparing it for the increasing number of students attracted to the performing arts. “The growth of the Musical Theater program at Pace fills an existing hole in the New York theater community in areas such as education, training and support for young, budding performers,” adds Rogers.

Learn more about the Musical Theater program

Learn more about the Nathan Cummings Foundation’s Community Grants