Belmont's College of Music and Performing Arts is marking a significant milestone this year - the 25th anniversary of its esteemed Musical Theatre program, a journey that began in 1996 when Marjorie Halbert approached former Dean Cynthia Curtis with the idea to establish Tennessee’s first musical theatre degree program.
The celebration kick-off has already begun with a series of events designed to honor the program's legacy, showcase alumni success and raise funds for future generations of performers.
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence
From its humble beginnings with seven students and one production in 1998, the program has flourished to over 60 students, four full-time professors and several adjunct professors, staging 61 productions to date.
Since its first entering class and production of “Sweeney Todd” in 1998, the program has produced classics like "Camelot" and "Oklahoma," blockbusters like "Cats" and "Les Misérables" and contemporary shows like "Side Show" and "Parade." Collaborations with Nashville's professional theatres and developmental works have also been key features of the curriculum.
"Beyond Belmont: Alumni Stories and Songs"
A highlight of the anniversary celebration is the Family and Parent weekend concert "Beyond Belmont: Alumni Stories and Songs" on Sept. 27, featuring six distinguished alumni delivering captivating performances and personal stories. Among them is Rebecca Covington Webber ('05), recently in “The Preacher’s Wife” at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.
Webber emphasized the program's diverse musical experiences. "We weren't just submerged in a music theatre setting, we were able to experience music in so many facets,” she said. “It's helped me prepare, as this industry changes, to be able to tackle multiple styles of performance."
Webber's career since graduation is a testament to the program's effectiveness in preparing students for the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry. "This industry looks NOTHING like it did when I graduated," she laughed. "But, Belmont prepared me by just teaching me and instilling in me how to be prepared. We learned how to over prepare. It’s such a useful toolbox to pull from daily—not just in musical theatre, but in life.”
“Beyond Belmont” attendees can look forward to Webber performing two songs that came into her life as a student: “Come Down from the Tree” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” “I still have my college notes in the copies of the sheet music- I love to remember who I was at that time and how I've grown," she said.
Other performers include Katie Ladner, Nathan Meyer, Whitney Meyer, Douglas Waterbury-Tieman and Annabelle Fox. Tickets can be purchased on the Fisher Center website.
Recap and Spotlight: Masterclass with Alumnus Mathew DeGuzman
As part of the anniversary celebrations, alumnus Mathew DeGuzman (‘06), currently starring on Broadway in Disney's "Aladdin," returned to Belmont to conduct a masterclass for current students. His journey from Belmont to Broadway further exemplifies the program's impact on shaping successful careers in musical theatre.
"It felt fantastic to be back, sharing what I've learned with students who are in the same place I once was," DeGuzman shared. "I wanted to encourage them to embrace failure—because it's inevitable—and to use it as fuel for growth."
Reflecting on his time at Belmont, DeGuzman emphasizes the program's holistic approach to education. "Belmont prepared me not just for the technical demands of the industry but also for the mental and emotional resilience needed," he said. "The most significant aspect was the mentorship I received—those relationships I still have today."
For aspiring performers, DeGuzman offers this advice: "Stay curious and never stop learning. Broadway is incredibly competitive, but what sets people apart is not just talent but also the ability to adapt, grow and stay passionate."
March Celebration and Year-Round Performances
The anniversary's main event is set for March 28-29, 2025, featuring alumni gatherings, a formal luncheon and a performance of "All Shook Up" with reserved seating for weekend guests. More details will be announced closer to the date.
Throughout the year, audiences can enjoy other exciting musical theatre productions that showcase the program’s commitment to excellence, including "No Man's Land," "Twelfth Night," "Swing," and "All Shook Up."
View a list of performances on the CMPA events page.
Support Future Creative Professionals: The Musical Theatre Scholarship
To mark this milestone, Belmont is establishing the Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship.
"Your generosity will directly benefit the next generation of students with exceptional potential and desire to pursue a career in musical theatre," said Dr. Stephen Eaves, dean of the College of Music and Performing Arts. "We invite our alumni, friends and supporters of the arts to contribute to this scholarship fund and help shape the future of musical theatre."
Nancy Allen, a faculty member for 20 years, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "We are looking forward to the opportunity to help more talented students pursue their dream of top-tier musical theatre training at Belmont,” she said. “This endowed scholarship can change lives by providing education to very special, talented students who want to be part of this story."
The endowed scholarship offers several giving options to maximize the impact of donors' generosity, including a matched endowed scholarship, named endowed scholarship and leadership gifts.
"These endowed scholarships will play a crucial role in attracting and supporting the most promising students in musical theatre for the next 25 years," added Eaves. "They represent not just an investment in individual students, but in the future of the performing arts."
To make a one-time or monthly contribution, or to discuss establishing an endowed scholarship, visit Belmont's Musical Theatre Scholarship giving page or contact Debbie Sprang.
Looking to the Future
As Belmont's Musical Theatre program embarks on its next 25 years, it continues to evolve and grow.
DeGuzman notes the program's progression, explaining, "There's a greater emphasis on industry connections, and the opportunities for students to perform and showcase their work have expanded. What sets Belmont apart is the personalized attention students receive."
Both Webber and DeGuzman advise students to stay curious, embrace personal growth and remember that the journey is as important as the destination.
Looking ahead, DeGuzman expressed his hopes for the program's future. "I'd love to see more alumni making waves on Broadway and beyond,” he said. “I also hope the program remains a place where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to pursue their dreams fearlessly."
For more information about the 25th anniversary events or the Musical Theatre program at Belmont, visit the celebration website.
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Musical Theatre at Belmont