Broadway stars and their colleges

Hey there! I'm a junior looking into musical theatre programs and I can't help but wonder - which college in the U.S. has the highest number of graduates currently performing on Broadway?

Hello! While it's difficult to definitively determine which U.S. college has the highest number of graduates currently performing on Broadway as this tends to fluctuate, there are a few schools that are well-known for their Musical Theatre programs and have seen a considerable number of their graduates go on to perform on Broadway.

The University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is one such program. It's considered to be one of the best in the country and has graduated many performers who've found success on Broadway. Graduates of this program include Gavin Creel, who won a Tony for his performance in "Hello, Dolly!" and Celia Keenan-Bolger, who won a Tony for her role in "To Kill a Mockingbird."

The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh is another institution that's had a number of its graduates go on to Broadway. This program claims Billy Porter and Leslie Odom Jr. among its graduates.

And finally, it's worth mentioning the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Notably, it has a New Studio on Broadway: Music Theatre and Acting program which has seen some of its students reach Broadway as well.

However, keep in mind that while these schools have impressive records of graduates making it to Broadway, getting there also depends heavily on talent, perseverance, and often a good bit of luck. So, while the track record of the school you attend can certainly aid in your journey, it's not a definitive predictor of success. Best of luck with your applications and your journey into Musical Theatre!