At the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre, we believe that the best training happens when students have the chance to learn directly from working artists—those who are shaping the future of our industry right now.
Our Masterclass and Special Lecture Series brings Broadway veterans, television and film stars, accomplished composers, choreographers, and directors into our classrooms, giving students real-world insight, hands-on coaching and direct connections to the professional world.
Recent Masterclasses and Special Guests
This past year, students had the opportunity to work with:
- Tiffany Denise Hobbs
SMU alum and accomplished stage and screen actor (National Tour of The Lion King, Broadway’s Waitress, Atlanta, Ozark, Pose and more). Tiffany’s masterclass focused on the importance of versatility—helping students understand how to shift between theatre, television and film work while staying grounded in their craft. - Jay Armstrong Johnson
Known for his Broadway roles in Parade, The Phantom of the Opera, On the Town, Hair, and for his starring role on ABC’s Quantico. Jay’s session focused on vocal performance, storytelling through song and building a multi-faceted career. - Jeremy Landon Hays
Broadway performer (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables), television actor (The Blacklist, Bull, Broad City) and creative producer. Jeremy’s class highlighted the importance of collaboration, professionalism and flexibility in every part of the creative process. - Major Attaway
Best known as Broadway’s longest-running Genie in Aladdin, Major is also a prolific voice actor with credits across anime, video games and film. His session explored how actors can build careers across multiple mediums while staying true to their artistic voice. - Kimberly Grigsby
Celebrated Broadway music director (Spring Awakening, The Light in the Piazza, Caroline, or Change). Kimberly’s masterclass offered insight into the essential collaboration between performer and music director—emphasizing musical preparation and artistic communication.
Coming Soon
We are excited to welcome the following guest artists to campus in the near future:
- Miguel Cervantes
A Dallas native and recent star of Hamilton on Broadway. Miguel’s masterclass will offer students a behind-the-scenes look at leading one of the biggest musicals in history and how to bring authenticity to iconic roles. - Lisa Vroman
Acclaimed soprano and Broadway star (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Kiss Me Kate). Lisa will work with students on vocal technique, career longevity and the nuances of performing across opera, musical theatre and concert work. - Ahmad Simmons
Broadway performer (West Side Story, Hadestown, Cats) and featured actor in FX’s Fosse/Verdon. Ahmad’s masterclass will focus on storytelling through movement, blending acting and dance to create fully realized performances.
Professional Collaborations
In addition to these masterclasses, the Sexton Institute maintains ongoing partnerships with professional theatres, including:
- Dallas Theater Center
A Tony Award-winning regional theatre known for bold, innovative productions and a commitment to developing new work. - Theatre Three
One of North Texas’ most well-known theatre companies, celebrated for its risk-taking programming and artist-focused approach.
These collaborations offer students opportunities to engage directly with working creative teams, observe professional rehearsal processes and gain invaluable hands-on experience in the development of new work.
Through these masterclasses, lectures, and partnerships, The Sexton Institute continues to blur the lines between classroom and profession — preparing students not just to enter the field, but to shape its future.