Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater

- 130 CLO Academy Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

For anyone in Pennsylvania with a passion for the stage, whether a young child just starting out or an adult looking to hone their craft, the Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater is a name that stands for excellence. As the education arm of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera House, a leader in the musical theater industry, the Academy provides top-tier training in acting, singing, and dancing. Its mission is to celebrate musical theater by providing a well-rounded and enriching education in a fun, positive, and professional setting. The Academy offers an abundance of opportunities in the performing arts and is guided by highly qualified and experienced performers. This unique combination of professional training and a nurturing environment has made it a beloved institution for families across the region, many of whom are willing to travel a significant distance to enroll.

The Pittsburgh CLO Academy has a long-standing reputation for providing an invaluable and enriching experience. A former student who attended from 2014 to 2017 reflects on their time there as a period of immense growth, expressing a "sincere desire to return and perform once again with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera House." This speaks volumes about the quality of the training and the lasting impact the Academy has on its students. Another parent, who drives 45-50 minutes to bring their seven-year-old daughter to classes, highlights the program’s value, praising the teacher as "so kind but very professional and knowledgeable." The Academy's commitment to a high level of education is evident in the professionalism of its staff and the positive experiences of its students. The Academy's students are often afforded opportunities to perform with the Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Season productions, a testament to the training and real-world experience they receive. With a 100% post-secondary education placement record for its alumni in prestigious programs like Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon, the Academy is clearly a stepping stone to a successful career in the performing arts.

The Pittsburgh CLO Academy is centrally located at 130 CLO Academy Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA. This address places it in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, making it easily accessible for families from across the region. The Academy is also committed to accessibility for all, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet, ensuring that everyone can participate in the joy of musical theater. The location on CLO Academy Way, an area dedicated to the arts, provides a professional and inspiring setting for students. Being in such a vibrant part of the city allows the Academy to leverage its connection to the larger Pittsburgh CLO organization, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to be part of the professional theater community. The convenience and thoughtful design of the space make it a welcoming place for all, underscoring the Academy's inclusive philosophy.

The accessibility of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy is a major highlight, demonstrating its dedication to being a resource for the entire community. The presence of on-site services, including the accessible amenities, simplifies the experience for parents and students alike. For those who may have health or location restrictions, the Academy offers the flexibility of live-streamed classes, allowing students to have a studio experience from the comfort of their own homes. This commitment to meeting the needs of its students, whether in-person or online, sets the Academy apart as a forward-thinking and accommodating institution.

The Pittsburgh CLO Academy offers a broad and diverse range of classes and programs for all ages and skill levels, providing a comprehensive education in the performing arts.

• Acting Class: Students can learn fundamental acting techniques, character development, and scene work to bring stories to life on stage.

• Dance Class: The curriculum includes a wide range of dance styles, from ballet to jazz and hip hop, providing a well-rounded foundation for performers.

• Voice Class & Vocal Coach: Students can train with professional vocal coaches to improve their singing technique, range, and breath control through individual and group classes.

• Musical Theater Classes: These core classes combine acting, singing, and dancing, helping students become well-rounded musical theater performers.

• Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Classes: The Academy offers a clear progression of classes, from introductory courses for young children to advanced training for pre-professional students.

• Private Lessons & Instruction: For students seeking personalized attention, the Academy provides one-on-one private lessons and audition coaching to help them perfect their skills and prepare for auditions.

• Children's School, Student School, & Adult Classes: The Academy caters to all age groups, with specialized programs for young children (ages 3-9), students (ages 10-18), and adults (ages 18+), ensuring everyone can find a class that fits their needs.

• Summer Camps & Programs: During the summer, the Academy offers intensive programs and camps that provide a fun and focused way for students to immerse themselves in musical theater training.

• Special Needs Programs: The New Horizons program provides performing arts training to people with disabilities, offering an inclusive and supportive environment.

The Academy’s classes are available on-site and through live-streaming, and they also offer Braille programs and closed captioning, making their training accessible to all.

The Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater is a standout institution due to several key features and highlights that define its commitment to excellence.

• Highly Qualified and Experienced Staff: The Academy’s instructors are working performers and university professors from institutions like Carnegie Mellon and Point Park, providing students with real-world, professional-level guidance.

• Access to Professional Opportunities: Students have had the chance to perform in Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Season productions, a valuable experience that prepares them for a career in the performing arts.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: From a creative theater class for preschoolers to advanced pre-professional training, the Academy offers a complete pathway for aspiring artists to grow their skills.

• Inclusion and Accessibility: With wheelchair-accessible facilities and programs like New Horizons for students with disabilities, the Academy is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

• Positive and Nurturing Atmosphere: Parents and students alike describe the program as "wonderful," with a focus on providing professional training in a kind, fun-filled setting.

For more information, you can contact the Academy directly.

Address: 130 CLO Academy Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

Phone: (412) 281-2234

What is truly worth choosing about the Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater is the unparalleled blend of professional rigor and compassionate mentorship. This is not just an after-school activity; it is a foundational experience that can shape a person’s life. The direct connection to the main Pittsburgh CLO organization provides students with opportunities that are simply not available elsewhere. Whether a student dreams of a career on Broadway or simply wants to build confidence and make friends, the Academy provides a supportive and inspiring environment to achieve their goals. The glowing reviews from both a former student who went on to perform and a parent who travels a great distance for the training are powerful testaments to the Academy’s value. For families in Pennsylvania who are serious about a quality performing arts education, the Pittsburgh CLO Academy is not just a choice—it’s an investment in a bright future, filled with exceptional opportunities and lifelong lessons.

Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater

130 CLO Academy Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA