By Jada Wolf, Lilly Marion and Chloe Schiller

There is so much more to Indiana University’s Musical Theatre School (IUMTS) than what meets the eye. On the surface, it may seem like a typical school where students major in the performing arts, but what’s truly remarkable is the level of commitment required and the deep sense of community that supports every aspect of the program. The students involved in musical theatre here at IU are not just performers—they take on multiple roles in their daily lives, managing intense rehearsals, classes, and personal obligations all while maintaining the relationships they’ve formed with their peers. It is this sense of community that truly makes the experience at IUMTS special. These students are expected to be so much more than just students—they are artists, collaborators, and individuals working to push the boundaries of their craft.

Life as a musical theatre major at IU is demanding and intense. From the late-night rehearsals to the hours of practice, it can be incredibly taxing. Yet, despite the hard work, it is the sense of camaraderie and the support system within the IUMTS program that ensures students are able to thrive. The life of a musical theatre major is very serious, but it is this community behind the scenes that makes it all possible. As Aydia, a 19-year-old sophomore currently cast as Brooke Wyndham in the popular musical Legally Blonde, reflects on balancing her social life, academic commitments, and musical theatre, she emphasizes the importance of having a supportive environment to return to after long and demanding days.
Aydia explains, “It’s definitely hard, but I live with a bunch of non-musical theatre majors, so that makes it easy to come home to a space where I don’t have to talk about theatre. And we get to talk about all the other drama in our lives. So it’s definitely nice, and I think our program does a great job of letting us be a part of other things in our lives.”

This balance allows Aydia and others like her to experience the full scope of university life, outside of just the musical theatre bubble, creating a sense of relief and normalcy in a high-pressure environment.

Not only did the IU community help Aydia in this way, but it has also played a pivotal role in shaping her into the person she hoped to become. When Aydia first arrived at IU, she was still figuring out who she wanted to be, like many students in their early years of college. The experiences and relationships she’s built with those around her have helped her grow in ways she could have never anticipated. Aydia shares, “I came here immature and ready to party, but having a community that’s not all about that and is always there for you when you’re in your lows and also in your highs, and is ready to back you up at any moment, has been really awesome, and I’ve just learned so much from it.” This sense of unwavering support in both personal and professional matters is something that defines the IUMTS community. It’s a place where students are encouraged to grow, not only as artists but as individuals.

Molly, a junior in IUMTS who plays Margot in Legally Blonde, echoes similar sentiments about the importance of the community in shaping the students involved in the program. “I think specifically within the musical theatre program, a lot of us have a close relationship, so it creates such a positive environment, especially because we spend so much time together rehearsing. It is kind of competitive because we are all auditioning for the same roles in the summer, but the program is super supportive, and we have such close-knit friendships. It really feels like a family. It’s shaped me to consider other people’s feelings and what they’re going through because we’re all tired and have classwork, so we have to be careful of what we’re saying.”

This balance is something unique to the IUMTS program. While musical theatre is inherently competitive, with students auditioning for coveted roles and working hard to perfect their craft, there’s still a deep sense of support among the students. They understand that they are all working toward the same goal, and that goal isn’t just personal success—it’s the success of the entire group.
As you can see, there is so much that goes into every step of these productions—from rehearsals to choreography to prop-making to simply learning to work together. Each member of the IUMTS community plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the final product. Both Aydia and Molly express how much they love the job they do and how their passion for theatre has been a part of their lives for as long as they can remember. Aydia says, “I’ve been acting forever—honestly, since I was six or seven. I was on a national tour when I was younger, which is how I got my start in musical theatre.” Molly shares, “I’ve been acting since second grade and fell in love with it from then.”

It’s clear that their love for theatre is not just a passing interest—it’s a lifelong commitment. Their dedication to their craft and to the community at IU speaks to the passion and perseverance that are necessary to succeed in the highly competitive world of musical theatre. IUMTS program provides not only a place to hone their craft but a supportive, experienced, and welcoming community that will be there for them every step of the way.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

https://youtu.be/pw2A0u06HvI?si=lH8aSzvTGsibiQqv